Days Out NI
Theatre & gallery Banbridge

F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio

Free sculpture gallery and garden in Banbridge, with art workshops for kids

5 photos
OpenMonday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
FreeBook ahead
BanbridgeTheatre & gallery
Get directionsOfficial website
One to two hours including the garden and cafeHow long
FreeAdmission
Toddlers throug…Best for
On siteCafé
FreeParking

F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio — Free sculpture gallery and garden in Banbridge, with art workshops for kids.

  • Admission: Free to enter the gallery, garden and studio.
  • Tickets: No ticket needed for the gallery; workshops and some family sessions are bookable, with prices and dates on the gallery's own website.
  • For families: Art and craft workshops for children and adults, family sessions such as Toddler Tuesdays, plus talks and events through the year.
  • Opening: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
  • Café: Award-winning cafe open through the day, lunch served around midday, using local produce.
  • Best for: Toddlers through to school age and up; toddler mornings and hands-on workshops for older children.
Plan your visit

Sculpture, a studio and things to make

The gallery shows a changing line-up of exhibitions across the year, so there's usually something new to see on a return visit. The reconstructed studio gives children a look at how a sculptor actually worked, and the sculpture garden lets them move around the pieces outdoors rather than stand still indoors. Family art and craft workshops run regularly, from toddler-friendly mornings to hands-on craft sessions for older children, and there are talks and events for adults too. Programmes change with the season, so check the gallery's own listings for what's on and to book a workshop place.

Free gallery Sculpture garden Kids' workshops Award-winning cafe Free parking Book workshops ahead
Good to know before you go:

Galleries like this run year-round seasons of exhibitions, family workshops and talks, with extra activity over school holidays. Programmes and prices change, so check the gallery's own listings for current dates, exhibitions and to book a workshop place.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🎟️Your bookingShows and big exhibitions sell out — book ahead where you can.
  • 💷A bit of pocket moneyFor the café, the shop or a show programme.
  • 🧒An eye on the age guidanceSome shows and galleries suit certain ages best — check first.
  • 📱The what’s-on pageThe programme changes all the time — see what is on the day you go.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Admission
Free to enter the gallery, garden and studio
Tickets
No ticket needed for the gallery; workshops and some family sessions are bookable, with prices and dates on the gallery's own website
Family programming
Art and craft workshops for children and adults, family sessions such as Toddler Tuesdays, plus talks and events through the year
Best for ages
Toddlers through to school age and up; toddler mornings and hands-on workshops for older children
Opening
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Cafe
Award-winning cafe open through the day, lunch served around midday, using local produce
Toilets
Yes, including accessible toilet facilities
Parking
Free on-site car park at the front and side, with Blue Badge bays
Accessibility
Level access via automatic doors, accessible toilets, assistance dogs welcome; staff have disability awareness training
How long to allow
One to two hours including the garden and cafe
Address
200 Newry Road, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 3NB
Questions

Before you go

Is it free to get in?
Free to enter the gallery, garden and studio
How do I get tickets?
No ticket needed for the gallery; workshops and some family sessions are bookable, with prices and dates on the gallery's own website
Is there anything for kids?
Art and craft workshops for children and adults, family sessions such as Toddler Tuesdays, plus talks and events through the year
When is it open?
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Is there a café?
Award-winning cafe open through the day, lunch served around midday, using local produce
Getting there

F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio is at 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 3NB. Free on-site car park at the front and side, with Blue Badge bays. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

About the venue

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio is dedicated to the memory of Frederick Edward McWilliam, the Banbridge-born sculptor and one of Ireland's most successful and influential 20th-century artists.

The gallery houses a collection of his work in a purpose-built space that brings together exhibition galleries, a sculpture garden and a faithful reconstruction of the artist's London studio. Alongside the art it offers a cafe, a craft shop and a tourist information point.

Run by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the gallery has been undergoing a major expansion to grow what it can offer visitors, while staying open throughout.