I've been staying with my sister whom currently lives in Carrickfergus. This afternoon, I walked…read moreinto town to just entertain myself. I had intended to stop into a small art gallery that was closed the first time I went by... just for a few minutes to see what I could see... then I was off for some tea before heading back and starting dinner. Well then I met Thomas. Thomas is the local artist and proprietor of The Courtyard Gallery. His work is stunning. He specializes in watercolors of seascapes in that capture the bold and sometimes stark Northern Ireland coast as well as bright, vibrant and whimsical farm life. I was drawn into the gallery by the art but stayed over an hour making a new friend in Thomas. He's a fascinating gentleman that gives willingly of his time to discuss his art or any other topic that happens to come up between you. He is warm. He loves his dog, whom stays at the shop with him. He loves golf. He paints because he loves it and it shows. I purchased one piece today and will return after I've completed some measurements for my suitcase for some larger works. Carrickfergus is a quaint little town and I was so pleased to find such a treasure in both Thomas and his work. Do not miss this amazing opportunity to take home such creative and stunning impressions of Northern Ireland with you while meeting the creator in the process. The experience has easily been on of my favorite parts of my trip. Thank you, Thomas! I'll see you soon!

Everyone who works there is amazing. The food, delicious. Everything Amazing…read more Would fully recommend to anyone They think a lot about their coffee, it is incredible.

Hi there folks, this coffee shop is beautifully presented and friendly atmosphere also sells…read morehomemade produce and crafts, next door is the village gallery run by Trevor he will give advice on picture framing and sells artists materials.

This Gallery sells original Irish art from a wide range of professional artists…read more It has an excellent website at:- http://www.gracehillgallery.com Well worth a visit

From the owner: Original traditional and contemporary fine Irish art.read more

Hilltop Gallery , First class professional and quality service…read more thank you for an excellent portrait. barry

The Ards peninsula is the home to a wealth of creative and artistic talent and the Doghouse gallery…read morein Comber houses just a small snippet of it. The Doghouse gallery markets itself as an intimate gallery space but when I visited recently I felt that it should perhaps mention the type of Artwork it displays in the countless blurbs in tourist information booklets. This place is anything but a Doghouse, despite being relatively small in comparison to other galleries, it is classy, sleek space for local art to get the exposure they deserve. The is quaint and unassuming. It welcomes visitors and the staff housed in the Doghouse Gallery are more like puppies that pit bulls. They are approachable, so if you particularly like one of the textiles hanging or the design installations then I would advise you to ask questions because they will gladly answer them. The emphasis in the Doghouse is on quality o design and you are not going to be disappointed with either. The Doghouse is something to be proud of and so are the unique designs inside. Doghouse gallery is currently closed until October 7th, they are restocking and their collection. But do not worry Doghouse will start their winter session soon.

From the owner: Welcome to the Doghouse, a contemporary art/craft gallery situated in Comber, Co.Down. The gallery…read morehosts a wide variety of carefully selected, studio made crafts and fine art by full-time designer makers from home and abroad. Ranges include, jewellery and accessories, textiles, leather, metal, glass, ceramics and paintings.

Whose is a nice independent coffee shop & art gallery in Whiteabbey village. We are regulars there…read morewith my boyfriend. They serve the best coffee in the area, proper Italian Illy coffee, great aroma and proper sizes. We have tried their homemade scones and bunns the last time, also have amazing paninis and sandwiches to offer, not to mention the Morelli icecream. The view from the back of the coffee shop is spectacular, great big glass windows, often the sun is shining in, you feel like being on a summer holiday location The staff is always friendly and helpful, never seen a dirty table or unbrushed floor, tidy clean atmosphere. The pictures are great, some very cool modern art for sale. Worth to stop by if you are passing through Whiteabbey.

It's a relatively new place in the Whiteabbey village. It's spacious and very well designed, the…read morefurniture is quite post-modern style I would say. The walls are covered by paintings and drawings (for sale) - these have been made by students of a nearby art school. The coffee shop has a full size wall to wall window at the back which gives a nice view to the sea, but thankfully it keeps the noise of the busy shore road traffic out! They started at the end of the summer '15 with mainly coffees, teas and pastries, and they promised soya milk and gluten free products which they introduced lately! Their sandwiches and paninis look so delicious through the counter that good luck not having anything but a drink! My favourite is the duck and mango ciabatta with some kind of chutney and nice decorative lettuce and coleslaw on the side. It is absolutely amazing! The only reason they're not getting 5 star is because of the noise coming from the gym next door. When classes are on, you can clearly hear around 15 people jumping in the same time and this kept giving me the impression (and fear) that the ceiling won't last much longer! But it did so far! and you can sit in the back where the noise isn't disturbing. It's honestly wort it:)

The Battletown Gallery is actually a bit of a nightmare to find, despite its address being listed…read moreas being in Newtownards it is probably closer to Millisle and when it says on the Gallery description that it is set in the rolling hills, it is more like it is set in the most rural location it can possible be. Now that the formalities are out of the way, what is so special about the Battletown Gallery? Well firstly the location, it is all on its own giving the exhibitions an extra hint of tranquillity and giving visitors a chance to drift away. The Gallery is currently showcasing about 4 artists but the most notable is local man Malcolm Bennett "Bennett lives on the Ards Peninsula but draws much of his inspiration from journey's throughout Ireland and abroad" This pretty much sums up the Battledown, local artists work that can be displayed in a modern contemporary setting. The Gallery is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm but do not worry about making an appointment, it is an open door policy.

From the owner: Always mention Yell when replying to this advertread more