Celebrate National Drawing Day in Mayo this month
This May, the island of Ireland becomes a giant sketchbook as National Drawing Day returns on Saturday, May 16.
Coordinated by the National Gallery of Ireland in partnership with over 50 museums, galleries, arts centres and libraries across the country, this annual tradition invites everyone from seasoned sketchers to first-time doodlers to get creative.
During National Drawing Day 2026 in Mayo, a drop-in drawing event will be held at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar.
Meanwhile, events at the National Gallery of Ireland include a vibrant life drawing session in the historic Shaw Room, led by artist Fintan Mahon
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Education Studio will be transformed into a quiet drawing haven.
Outdoors, the front lawn will become an open-air studio with facilitated en plein air sketching and face painting inspired by favourite artworks from the gallery’s collection.
Throughout the gallery, visitors can watch as artists such as Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide and Carl Hickey create drawings live.
In the library and 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.
Visitors can enjoy free timed access to two major exhibitions: William Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy (9.15 to 10.45 a.m. and 3.15 to 4.15 p.m., advance booking required) and Créatúir na Cartlainne / Tails from the Archive, explored through a special public tour, accompanied by Irish Sign Language interpretation, from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.
Dr. Caroline Campbell, director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said: “As National Drawing Day returns for 2026, it’s a reminder that drawing is an activity that highlights the power of observation and the joy of artistic expression. It’s a day for celebrating every person who dares to express their imagination on paper.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the gallery on National Drawing Day, and we thank our many partner galleries and venues across the island for their participation.”
Sinéad Rice, head of education at the National Gallery of Ireland, added: “This year we are excited to celebrate National Drawing Day with a programme full of events at the gallery and over 50 partner venues across the island of Ireland and online.
“From improving your life drawing skills to designing your own jewellery, there is something for everyone in the gallery and across the country. Check out your nearest venue, or create from home, and make your mark.”
For those who can’t attend in person, a dedicated online hub at nationalgallery.ie features a full list of participating venues, the day’s schedule at the National Gallery of Ireland, and a wealth of creative resources to enjoy wherever you are.
National Drawing Day began at the National Gallery of Ireland in 2004. Since then, the initiative has blossomed, with thousands of people taking part each year all over Ireland. Events, whether onsite, offsite or online, encourage and support access to the arts for all, regardless of age, ability or social circumstances.