Photo of a group of people looking at a marble statue in a gallery room painted green and hung with gilt-framed paintings.
Image © National Gallery of Ireland. Photographer: Jack Caffrey, The Pimlico Project, 2018.Credit

Events for Friends

Exclusive events offering members deeper engagement with the collection

Members of the Friends enjoy a vibrant programme of exclusive events throughout the year. From free talks and tours, to behind-the-scenes events with curators, to overseas trips, there is something for all ages and interests. Members' events are also the perfect opportunity to meet new people and make new friends!
 

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Members-only Events

Gallery-based free events:

  • Monthly welcome tour for new members – pre-booking required
  • Monthly ‘artwork in focus’ talks – pre-booking required
  • Previews of selected exhibitions – pre-booking required
  • Exclusive art appreciation lunchtime lecture series on Wednesdays. Spring and autumn, 20 talks in total.

Gallery-based ticketed events (including refreshments):

  • Annual evening lecture with the Director of the National Gallery of Ireland
  • Curators’ evening ‘hear-it-first’ lectures, prior to exhibitions opening to the public
  • Gallery Time events, including a talk, tour and afternoon tea
  • Behind-the-scenes events with the Library & Archives and Prints & Drawings departments
  • Themed evening tours
  • Christmas concert in the Gallery’s magnificent Shaw Room
  • A range of special events during Friends Fortnight at the Gallery

Offsite ticketed events:

  • Day trips around Ireland
  • Half-day outings to other cultural institutions
  • Walking tours
  • Irish, UK and European overnight trips inspired by the national collection and exhibitions

 

In addition to the calendar of exclusive events for Friends, why not experience the full range of educational talks, tours, workshops and courses that take place in the Gallery. See the What's On calendar

Photo of six women and a man seated in a row on a bench against a stone wall.
Photo of a tour guide speaking to a group of visitors in front of John Lavery's painting The Artist's Studio, in the National Gallery of Ireland.

Booking policy

*Our phone line is answered by volunteers who will transfer your call to the Gallery’s ticket desk to make your booking or check queries with the Friends office.

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