explore & do

Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda

Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery opened its doors on October 4, 2006 and was the culmination of many years planning to deliver a dedicated visual art space for the Irish north east region, of an international standard in terms of design, management, environmental control and security.

The gallery is sited in the former Drogheda Franciscan Church and part of the Friary; known locally as the ‘High Lane Church’. The Franciscans gifted the property to the people of Drogheda when they ended their 760 year association with the town in 2000. The buildings date from the early 19th century, though elements date back to earlier times and include the former Franciscan burial crypts. The main exhibition spaces are open plan and include the old Church level and a new floor at the height of the old balcony and as such, the character of the building is not lost.

Highlanes Gallery have worked closely with Banbridge District Council who have developed a space dedicated visual art space titled the F.E. McWilliam Centre after the sculptor FE Mc William. Highlanes Gallery has planning permission for Phase 2 - two further white cube galleries, an education centre and additional environmentally controlled storage areas, which it hopes to develop in the future.