Louth venues to participate in National Drawing Day

This May, the island of Ireland becomes a giant sketchbook as National Drawing Day returns on Saturday 17 May, and a special workshop is taking place in Louth at the Creative Spark Downtown Hub in Dundalk, as well as an event at Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda, to mark the day.

Coordinated by the National Gallery of Ireland in partnership with over 60 museums, galleries, arts centres and libraries across 23 counties, this much-loved annual event invites everyone — from seasoned sketchers to first-time doodlers — to pick up a pencil and get creative.

Whether you're at home, in the classroom, or out and about, everyone is invited to get involved in National Drawing Day. For those who can’t attend in person, a dedicated online hub here features a full list of participating venues, the day’s schedule at the National Gallery of Ireland, and a wealth of drawing activities and creative resources to enjoy wherever you are.

At the Creative Spark Downtown Hub, artist Maria Atanacković will be holding a fun and hands-on workshop for 8–12 year olds. At Highlanes Gallery, there will be an Drop in and Draw event running from 11am to 4pm.

The National Gallery of Ireland will host a packed programme of free events to suit every kind of drawer. Kicking off the day, the inimitable Fintan Mahon will lead a lively life drawing session for adults in the historic Shaw Room, complete with live Irish Sign Language interpretation.

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Meanwhile, for those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Education Studio will be transformed into a quiet drawing haven. Outdoors, the front lawn becomes an open-air studio with facilitated en plein air sketching. Throughout the Gallery, visitors can watch as artists Cara Rose, Michael Wann, and Ciara O’Connor create drawings live — including O’Connor’s striking use of thread as a drawing tool.

In the Library & Archive Reading Rooms, a special pop-up display will reveal rarely-seen sketches and drawings from the Gallery’s own archives, shining a light on how drawing has always been at the heart of artistic practice.

Families are warmly welcomed with face-painting inspired by the national collection, and a joyful drawing session with beloved illustrator Tarsila Krüse. Free drawing kits will be available to borrow throughout the day, and don’t miss a 10% National Drawing Day discount in the Gallery Shop.

Sinéad Rice, Head of Education at the National Gallery of Ireland, said: “This year we celebrate National Drawing Day on 17 May 2025 with a full programme of events at the Gallery and at dozens of partner venues across the island of Ireland and online. Drawing Day is for everyone! Check out your nearest venue, or draw from home, and make your mark this year.”