ART INSTALLATION 2026
New permanent work installed over our doorway by the talented and affable Paul McGuigan. Hand painted on glass with 1 Shot™.
STRAW HAT WORKSHOP 2026
Ahead of the 2026 St. Brigid’s Day celebrations and for the third year running, the Gort community gathered to uphold the historic custom of straw hat making. Led by Bríd Kivneen, participants of all ages learned the intricate techniques passed down from the late Ted Kelly, the renowned master craftsman from Sligo. These handmade hats were later worn during the February procession, serving as a living tribute to traditional Irish folk art. This workshop not only equipped a new generation with heritage skills but also ensured the celebrations remain rooted in genuine craftsmanship.
YOUTH MURAL
PROJECT 2025
A collaborative mural project, executed by three dedicated young artists from the 2025 Street Art Workshop, has been successfully completed at Neto’s Car Wash off Crowe Street. Under the mentorship of artist Jim Ricks, Nicole M., Fernanda, and Lorena developed and painted three individual murals alongside a traditional Irish greeting. This initiative highlights the successful partnership between local commerce and emerging creative talent, revitalising the property and enhancing the local streetscape. Special appreciation is extended to Neto for providing the space and support for this public art endeavor.
STRAW HAT WORKSHOP 2025
Make a straw hat for Gort's Brigid's day celebrations Celebrate the custom of straw hat making and then wear your hat for Brigid's day celebrations in Gort on Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Saturday 25th January 11:00-1:00, Gort. All ages welcome, no skills needed, donations welcome.
Led by Bríd Kivneen who learned from the late Ted Kelly, a master Craftsman with straw from Sligo.
YEATS GATE
We commissioned local signpainter, Flor Burke, to paint one of William Butler Yeats's poems. With the support and permission of O'Donoghue Butchers, the first of Gort's 'Yeats Gates' is now on view on Georges Street. Thank you to all for helping this art and heritage project come into existence.
ART INSTALLATION 2024
Otto Stoneman produced a mural on our back gate, August 2024.
STREET ART
WORKSHOP 2024
STRAW HAT WORKSHOP 2024
Bríd Kivneen’s 2024 workshop taught the community to weave their own heritage with ‘Mummer’s Hats’.Participants honored this tradition by wearing their handmade straw hats throughout Gort’s St. Brigid’s Day festivities.
WILLOW WORKSHOP 2024
Various Brigid’s Crosses were made with weaving expert Angela Nolan in advance of the town’s Brigid’s Day festivities.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS 2023
We were honoured with guest appearance by Mexican cultural practitioner, Martha Bautista, who created an authentic altar for Dia de los Muertos in October of 2023. The altar, known as an 'ofrenda', is a special display built to honour and welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones during the Mexican celebration on November 2nd.
ARTIST RESIDENCY 2023:
JAPHY WITTE
Thanks to a Creative Ireland Galway County Council grant we were able to bring over the talented Japhy Witte for a 6 week artist residency to adorn Gort town with traditional signpainting on disused shop fronts, restore some old signage, and a mural. Have a look around town and see everything that he accomplished during his artist residency here. So many thank yous for support. Here's a few: Gort Tidy Towns, O"Donoghue's Butcher, Lidl, Deirdre Marlborough, and Dusty and Caroline Burke.