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!

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.

I love browsing through art galleries and the Engine Room is the latest small gallery in Belfast I…read morehave stumbled upon. Run by East Belfast Arts Collective, this Gallery has moved from its original location in a mill Engine Room to a street-level showroom just a little further east on the Newtownards Road. Since the Engine Room opened in the mid 1990s it has been according to the gallery "an engine at the core of the development of contemporary art in Belfast." The range of works on show include everything from oils and acrylics to prints, video, sculpture, arte povere, installation art and new technology. The gallery also aim to showcase lesser known local artists alongside more well known artists with international profiles. There are new exhibitions every month.

This is a great Gallery space in the heart of East Belfast. It hosts local, national and…read moreInternational exhibition. The latest exhibition from 1st April 2010 is a solo show by Deirdre Robb. works on display are paintings, installations and expeimental prints

I never knew Bath House existed until introduced to it by Belfast Art Tours (Bus and Walking Tours)…read moreon 03/08/17. Located behind Templemore Swimming Baths, having previously been home to the swimming pool caretaker, the building has now been commandeered by a group of local Artists who run it as an exhibition space. Because it's a small, red-brick house it manages to feel warm and inviting whilst showcasing contemporary, dynamic work. This welcoming vibe's a huge bonus as so many art spaces can feel cold and unwelcoming. I absolutely loved community organisation, Infinity Farm's bee garden - designed specifically to attract and nourish bees. This was perfectly complemented by Diving Station, an audio-installation by Colm Clarke. All of this was on display in a small outside courtyard area. Inside Bath House there was an exhibition of intriguing black and white geometric drawings by Gary Shaw. I also enjoyed the fact that the Artists were there in person to give a brief talk about their art, its meaning and inspiration. Templemore Swimming Bath is still a fully functioning swimming pool in which Bath House hold art events such as poolside watercolour classes, complete with catering by local Chefs! Probably one of my favourite art spaces in Belfast.

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

If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member I would suggest visiting the Yard…read moreGallery on Holywood High Street. The Gallery stocks photography, illustrations, typography, film posters and other prints all from local artists. You can also visit their website but I would suggest popping in to see the art in the flesh. Sometimes when you view art, especially original art, online it doesn't do it justice at all. The Yard gallery is quite small and when more than 3 people are in at any one time it can get quite cramped. But never fear there is a high quality cafe next door. You can also pick up a prints catalogue in the adjoining cafe that lists the art on sale in detail. So if you see anything you like you can just pop next door and see if it's what you want. Prints can be framed immediately in store, so if you are purchasing something you can grab a coffee and collect your purchase ready to hang on the way out. Also worth noting if you know a friend who likes art but are not sure what they would like you can pick up gift vouchers! Genuinely one of the best places to buy local art.

Have you ever walked into a shop from a quiet street only to be greeted by the hustle and bustle of…read morethe patrons? I was literally gob smacked by this gallery. The walls are lined with artwork - all framed and priced. There isn't a space anywhere and it is just stunning. Having never been in this shop before my breath was taken away - I love this gallery. There is a quirky lady on the desk who doesn't even glance in your direction and I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean she isn't all over you like a plague of wasps trying to get you to buy. The whole atmosphere is alive with people looking at art, discussing artists and drinking and eating in the adjacent coffee house. I could have stayed all day. I particularly love the collection of black and white prints and the unique little gifts made from bottle tops. There is a great Belfast feel with the paintings of Harland and Wolff and famous landmarks such as The Crown Bar. Upstairs is also a buzz with people eating and looking at the gorgeous displays. Honestly, I was blown away - this is the nicest, freshest gallery I have been in in Northern Ireland - fab!

My first visit, 07/09/2017, introduced me to a gallery I've heard much about. It lived up to it's…read morereputation. Brimming with challenging, contemporary art tackling the big issues of our time, Catalyst is not for the faint-hearted. This uber-cool, industrial, warehouse suits the art it showcases (installation, conceptual, screen etc) and the radical art on display perfectly suits the space. Numerous artists were represented, but I was especially drawn to American/ Metis artist Dylan A T Miner's red wall hangings, called "Gesture of Solidarity". Miner deals with indigenous/ colonial themes and his banners dominated the gallery, catching the eye, demanding attention and investigation. Fantastic work. Catalyst is volunteer run/ nonprofit and as well as serving up fascinating experimental art, it runs a range of events, screenings and activities such as the Anarchist Bookfair. Quite possibly one of the most exciting art spaces in Belfast. I'm only sorry it took me so long to get round to visiting...

Always a great show pushing the boundaries of there practice. Check it out on Late Night Art. It's…read morethe first Thursday of the month!