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arts · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Gallery hours 
Dunamaise Arts Centre: July Visual Arts Exhibition
At Dunamaise Arts Centre · Portlaoise, Co. Laois
At Dunamaise Arts Centre · Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise runs a changing programme of visual arts exhibitions through the year, and July 2026 brings “Cool Rain Murmuring” to its gallery space - a full month to take it in at your own pace. Free to enter and open during normal centre hours, this is the kind of exhibition you can drop into before or after a show, or make the sole reason for a trip into town. It suits anyone curious about contemporary Irish art, whether that’s a regular gallery-goer or someone just starting to explore what’s on locally.
“Cool Rain Murmuring” runs from 1 to 30 July in the Dunamaise gallery. As with all exhibitions here, the work is selected through a mix of open calls, direct invitations and collaborations with artists and arts organisations - so what you encounter in the gallery tends to be thoughtful and properly programmed, not a casual hang. The centre’s track record is strong: over 25 years it has shown work in painting, photography, installation, print and mixed media, often with an eye towards work that connects to the midlands region or complements the wider performing arts calendar. The gallery occupies a striking building - originally the Old County Gaol built in 1789, its Doric columns and carved stonework still visible - so the space itself adds something to any show. If specific artists or media are confirmed closer to July, check the Dunamaise website for updated details.
Portlaoise is well placed for road access - it sits directly on the M7 motorway linking Dublin to Limerick, roughly one hour from Dublin and 90 minutes from Cork. The town centre is about five minutes from the motorway junction. Irish Rail serves Portlaoise on the Dublin Heuston to Limerick/Tralee mainline, with regular daily services; the station is a short walk from the arts centre. Parking in Portlaoise town centre is generally available on nearby streets and in the council car parks a couple of minutes on foot from the venue.
Portlaoise is the county town of Laois and a handy base for exploring the wider midlands. The Rock of Dunamaise, the ancient hilltop fort that gives the arts centre its name, is just a few kilometres east of town and worth the detour on any visit. There is more to see in Portlaoise and across Co. Laois.
Heading to Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise? Laois has plenty more to see. Read the Portlaoise area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.