Merrion Square Art Dublin

This past weekend, I took a much-needed break from the studio and headed into the heart of Dublin for a visit to Merrion Square Art, and it turned out to be one of the most inspiring afternoons I’ve had in a while.

If you’ve never been, Merrion Square transforms every Sunday into an open-air gallery — a colourful celebration of creativity where local artists hang their work along the black wrought-iron railings surrounding the park. It’s a beautiful tradition that has been running for decades, giving artists a platform to share and sell their work directly to the public.

As I arrived, the square was alive with energy. The leafy green park, with its Georgian townhouses and iconic statues (yes, Oscar Wilde lounging smugly on that stone), made for the perfect backdrop. The railings were lined with paintings, drawings, prints, and mixed media works in every imaginable style — from moody abstracts to sunny coastal landscapes, bold portraits, and delicate watercolours.

What I loved most was the chance to meet the artists themselves. There’s something very special about talking to the person who created a piece — hearing what inspired it, what techniques they used, and what it means to them. As a fellow artist, it felt like a mini community reunion. I bumped into a few familiar faces I hadn’t seen in months, and it was great to catch up, talk shop, and exchange ideas. There’s always something to learn from other creatives — whether it’s a new material they’re experimenting with or the stories behind their most recent works.