Welcome to the Gallery of Donna McGee

Merrion Square Art – 25 Years On!

Recently, Merrion Square Artists celebrated 25 years  of Art on the Square. The mood was festive and the artists  decorated their pitches with bunting and balloons.

To add to the ambience, the sun was shining and the music from the  Soul Picnic festival in Merrion Square park complimented the day as the various artists sang their hearts out.

There was prize giving,  face painting and  a fun day was had by all.

 

 The mystery man!

The exhibition of paintings on Merrion Square began in 1985 and has continued to grow ever since. The exhibition has now expanded  to three sides on Merrion Square covering over half a kilometre of railings.

Merrion Square is a  Georgian square   lined with Georgain redbrick houses;  Leinster House, Natural History Museum, National Gallery.

The Catholic Church purchased Merrion Square park as a possible site for the first catholic cathedral in Dublin. The park was leased in 1974 by the St Laurence O’Toole Diocesan Trust (acting on behalf of the Archdiocese of Dublin) to the Dublin Corporation for public use and was named in honour of Archbishop Dermot Ryan by the City Council.   It has since come up for review again and it would appear that the new name for the park is Merrion Square Gardens.

The park also hosts a statue of    Oscar Wilde and his former residence  was No. 1  Merrion Square from 1855 to 1876.  

 

Walking the park is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.   The park  is  maintained at a high level with a magnificent display of shrubs and flowers for all to enjoy in the heart of the city. 

Oftentimes, other events take place, such as the Street Performance World Championship www.spwc.ie which is not to be missed.  Then,  feast on some great art displayed on the railings every Sunday, whatever the weather! 

What a great way to spend Sundays!