Art and Soul sculpture event to return to Castlemartyr

THE prestigious Art and Soul sculpture event is set to return to the Castlemartyr Resort next month for its 10th edition, alongside an open-air recital, as part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival this summer.

Described as Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event, the installation will feature works by some of the world’s most revered artists — including Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Damien Hirst.

The free event, showcasing €8m worth of works, will be hosted by Gormleys at the five-star resort from May 25 to June 23, and will be open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm.

The showcase features a major outdoor exhibition of 90 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 220-acre grounds of the 17th-century manor estate, as well as artists’ talks and daily guided tours.

More than 400 artistic works will be on display, both inside and outside the hotel, from international artists and Irish sculptors — including Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Éamonn Ceannt, Bob Quinn, Damien Hirst, Giacinto Bosco, Patrick Rubinstein, and Patrick Hughes.

Art and Soul will coincide with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, which takes place from May 27 to June 3 at 11 venues across the Blackwater Valley — including an outdoor lunch time recital at Castlemartyr on Sunday, June 2.

“Art and Soul gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of Castlemartyr,” the owner of Gormleys Fine Art and Art Auctions, Oliver Gormley, told The Echo.

“Adults and children will enjoy the event equally, and our previous events in Russborough and the Culloden Hotel attracted over 10,000 visitors.”

Castlemartyr Resort is offering special rates for Art and Soul overnight stays, afternoon tea, and dining opportunities in their Michelin-star restaurant Terre.

“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to celebrate the extensive programme of artwork, talks, tours, and musical performances,” the general manager of Castlemartyr Resort, Brendan Comerford, added.

More information can be found on www.gormleys.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and www.castlemartyrresort.ie.