Take a tour of the island of Ireland’s brilliant street art

From the political murals of the north to the contemporary wall art of Dublin, Cork and Waterford, street art on the island of Ireland is now recognised as an important part of the world’s visual arts landscape. 

Among the most famous pieces is the gable wall in Derry~Londonderry announcing “You are now entering Free Derry” – an iconic symbol from the Troubles in Northern Ireland which is now one of the most photographed places on the island and a designated national monument. Across Derry~Londonderry, as across Belfast, the region’s history is reflected in its many political murals, and the guided tours available reveal fascinating insights about that period.

However, the new street art in those cities rarely dwells on politics but rather celebrates the renaissance of the north and the cultural diversity that has come in its wake. Belfast is now considered to be an important centre for street artists who come from all over the world to make their mark there. In the annual Hit the North festival (5 May 2024) over 60 artists will work on one block in the city in a party atmosphere which this year will feature David Holmes on the decks. And throughout the year there are weekly walking tours of Belfast’s eclectic street art. 
 

In Dublin you’ll also find a vibrant street art landscape where Irish street artists like Maser, James Earley, Aches, Conor Harrington and the collective known as Subset have turned the city’s walls into colourful stories and statements. The urban fox by Dan Leo is a familiar sight to match goers at the Aviva stadium while a mural by Shane Sutton depicting one of Ireland’s great writers, Brendan Behan, adorns a gable wall in the inner city. Blooms Hotel in Temple Bar is a riot of colour depicting James Joyce’s fictional characters including Leopold and Molly Bloom. A walking tour of the city’s street art is a great way to find out about the art and the artists. 

If your trip to Ireland takes you to the Viking city of Waterford in August you can enjoy the Waterford Walls Festival (9–18 August), a 10-day celebration of street art featuring live art by over 40 artists, as well as workshops, tours and music.

In Cork, the island’s most southerly city, the Ardú project has transformed some of the city’s walls into artistic masterpieces including one by Conor Harrington who is famous for his depictions of contemporary issues through eighteenth-century imagery.

Great street art is not confined to cities, though, and is visible in towns across the island creating outdoor spaces that vibrate with colour and social commentary.  

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