Irish Art History Summer School

Sample-Studios present a new Summer School in partnership with UCC Library. Join Art Historian Dr Matthew Whyte as part of Heritage Week 2025 for an immersive summer school which traces the history of Irish art from Early Christianity through to the present day. Over the course of the week, Dr Whyte will bring participants through the major developments in visual art in Ireland through a series of lectures, participatory discussions, and local site visits. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of how visual art has shaped Irish culture and identity historically as well as an appreciation of the contemporary art landscape both locally and nationally. This is a unique opportunity to join fellow art enthusiasts and immerse yourself in our rich visual and cultural history.

Talks will take place on Monday - Thursday, 18-22 August, in the Creative Zone, Boole Library, University College Cork, from 10:30am-12:30pm. Each morning of talks is followed by an optional afternoon site visit from 1:30-2:30pm.

Day 1:
Talk: Monastic Ireland
Site Visit: Cork Public Museum

Day 2:
Talk: Ireland in the Enlightenment
Site Visit: St Finbarr's Cathedral

Day 3:
Talk: Irish Modernism
Site Visit: The Honan Chapel

Day 4:
Talk: Contemporary Art in Ireland, including an Artist Talk from a local artist
Site Visit: Sample-Studios Gallery, The Lord Mayor's Pavilion