Frederic William Burton's 'Achill Island from Curraun Peninsula' should encourage anyone to enjoy The Art of Walking. Photo: National Gallery of Ireland

Explore The Art of Walking around Connaught with the National Gallery

Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland can enjoy The Art of Walking online with a new series of videos inspired by Irish landscapes from Achill Island in Mayo to Lough Gill in Sligo.

Spanning the four provinces of Ireland, a new video talk series, The Art of Walking, aims to inspire people with art from the gallery's collection. The series is exclusively available to Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland.

The Connaught-themed talk is led by Anne-Marie Clarke from the gallery’s guide panel. Anne-Marie is based in Sligo and her video talk references artworks by a number of noteworthy artists with Connaught connections, such as Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry and Nick Miller. Clarke also looks at artworks by Frederic William Burton, Mainie Jellett, William Evans of Eton and Walter Frederick Osborne, and some of their depictions of Mayo and Galway.

The talks might provide inspiration for those holidaying around Ireland this year who wish to enjoy walks. Be it waymarked trails or a stroll along a quayside, holidaymakers can picture some paintings or drawings at the same time! Or the videos can be viewed online for a glimpse of landscapes from around the country from the comfort of home.

Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland have an opportunity to avail of exclusive benefits, including free entry to exhibitions and discounts in the Gallery Shop. In addition, members-only content is created especially for Friends and Patrons.

Creating online talks for the members has enabled engagement with people all over the island who may not have had the chance to visit the gallery regularly in Dublin, familiarising them with artworks from the collection. Anyone can become a Friend of the Gallery in minutes, online or over the phone. Being a Friend or Patron also supports the work of the gallery. Joining the community of art lovers today supports acquisitions, exhibitions and research for the National Gallery of Ireland.

Friends support the work of the National Gallery of Ireland, including exhibitions and acquisitions. Annual membership starts at €35, with individual, joint, concessionary, patron and student categories available. More details, including sign-up and a full programme of Friends Fortnight events, can be found at www.nationalgallery.ie.

The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular visitor attractions, housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive library and archive. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired.