Cork’s Castlemartyr Resort to hold country's 'biggest art and sculpture event'

Cork’s Castlemartyr Resort is to host a large, partly-outdoor exhibition of works by some of the biggest names in art.

‘Art and Soul’, described by curators Gormley’s as “Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event”, will run at the East Cork venue, for the third time, across June, with 350 works by artists including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Julian Opie, and Salvador Dali.

One of the highlights will be an outdoor exhibition of 90 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 220-acre, 18th-century manor estate. In addition, 70 smaller and more intimate sculptures will be on display within the hotel.

Among the exhibiting Irish sculptors will be Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. 

Foreign sculptors will include Michael Ayrton, Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, and Lorenzo Quinn.

The exhibition will incorporate a programme of exclusive artists’ talks with daily guided tours.

Speaking about ‘Art and Soul’, Oliver Gormley, of Gormley’s, said it will give art lovers a “unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of Castlemartyr”.

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

Brendan Comerford, general manager of Castlemartyr Resort, said: “Castlemartyr Resort is the perfect background for its arts-centric summer, with its rich history and impressive grounds dating back to the 13th century. We are looking forward to welcoming guests and visitors to celebrate the extensive programme of artworks, talks, tours, and musical performances that will take place.”

‘Art and Soul’ will be open to the public each day from 11am–7pm, with guided tours at 12pm, 3pm, and 5pm daily, from June 1-29

On May 30, Castlemartyr Resort will host a drinks reception, an opportunity to meet the artists and a preview tour of the exhibition.