Connacht Collage Collective

The Connacht Collage Collective brings together over ninety artists from across Mayo and Connacht for a summer exhibition at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar. Running from late June through to late July, this free show is a chance to see what has quietly become one of the most active creative communities in the west of Ireland. Founded in 2024 and the first collective of its kind in Ireland, the group has grown fast - monthly meetings, workshops, screenings and now a proper gallery run in one of Connacht’s most respected arts venues. If you have even a passing interest in contemporary visual art, mixed media or the kind of work that tends to fly under the radar outside Dublin, this is well worth your time.

What to expect

Collage as a practice covers a wide range: cut paper, found imagery, photography, mixed media assemblage and digital work all sit comfortably under the umbrella. The collective draws from members across the province, so the show reflects a real range of approaches rather than a single house style. Past Connacht Collage Collective events at the Linenhall have included exhibitions of work from more than thirty artists, alongside workshops for different skill levels, screenings of collage animation and panel discussions on the medium. The Linenhall Gallery is a dedicated contemporary space that regularly hosts both emerging and established artists, so the work is shown properly - good light, good hanging, no compromise. Check the Linenhall website closer to opening for any associated workshop dates during the run.

Getting there

Castlebar is Mayo’s county town and is well connected by road and rail. From Dublin, the N5 runs directly west through Longford and Roscommon into Castlebar - allow around three hours. From Galway, the N84 north takes about an hour. Irish Rail operates services from Dublin Heuston to Castlebar via Manulla Junction, with the station a short walk or taxi ride from the town centre. Bus Eireann also serves Castlebar from Dublin, Galway, Sligo and surrounding towns. The Linenhall is on Linenhall Street in the town centre, within easy walking distance of the main square and the bus stops. Street parking is available nearby and there are pay car parks a short walk away.

While you’re in Castlebar

Castlebar has a compact and walkable town centre with independent cafes, a good Saturday market and the Mall - a tree-lined green that runs through the middle of town. The surrounding countryside is classic Mayo: lakes, drumlins and the long line of the Nephin range to the north. There is more to see in Castlebar and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Exhibition opens 27 June 2026, runs until 25 July 2026
• Admission is free
• Linenhall Box Office: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 11am - 4pm
• Check thelinenhall.com for gallery hours and any associated workshop dates
• Phone: 094 902 3733