Dublin city trail of life-size sculptures to open for two weeks

Dublin City Council has announced a new outdoor city-centre sculpture trail featuring 12 life-size works from one of Ireland’s top artists, Patrick O’Reilly.

The trail, which has been installed in six locations, opens on Culture Night this Friday and continues for two weeks.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland says she’s looking forward to seeing the trail.

“During lockdown, Dubliners were denied so many normal experiences that the city has to offer such as going to art galleries,” said the Lord Mayor.

“We are delighted to work with Patrick O’Reilly and Gormleys Fine Art to bring art on to the streets for public enjoyment.

“Patrick is one of Ireland’s most highly acclaimed artists and has achieved international success with his much-loved bear sculptures.

“I’ve no doubt Dubliners will enjoy this art as they move around our city.”

The trail will begin in Gormleys Fine Art, 27 South Frederick Street, and continue to Merrion Square Park, the Merrion Hotel, St Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street and Capel Street.

This initiative is part of a wider programme led by the Office of City Recovery.

“We are delighted that some of Patrick’s newer works will also feature, including his red ‘Broken Heart’ and gold ‘Heart in Hand’ sculptures, both of which are influenced by the pandemic and are now symbolic of our recovery,” said James Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art.

“We were wondering how to mark the end of the lockdown, and as Culture Night approached, we decided that rather than simply inviting the public to come and see some of Patrick’s wonderful work in our gallery, that we would bring it to them on the streets.

“We are grateful to Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works for facilitating this trail, and bringing Patrick’s art to the heart of the capital.”

Free tours and a scavenger hunt for children will also take place for the duration of the trail.

The trail is entirely free and available to all to experience at their leisure.