Ronan Halpin is a sculptor living and working on Achill Island, off the west coast, on Ireland’s rugged Wild Atlantic Way. Ronan’s works in steel, bronze and brass are renowned both nationally and internationally.
Our gallery on Achill Island is closed for the 2021 season. We look forward to next spring and welcoming back some of our regulars and the many new faces who will discover Achill and our gallery for the first time. Off season the gallery remains open by appointment, so please have a look at some of the work available this year. All pieces are unique and individually made here in my workshop on Achill Island. If you would like to contact me directly please use the contact form or by email: info@ronanhalpin.com
Ronan Halpin
‘The work itself combines character and power, balancing the mythological and the vernacular in a series of arresting counterpoints. A look at the artist’s work over the last three decades shows a consistent throughline of sensibilities; recurring motifs of wondrous boats and real or imagined beasts, kings, folk lore, water and perilous flight of bird or plane. Often a piece will shine from a distance, burnished as though gold or silver, to reveal on closer inspection more prosaic materials made cherishable – pointing out to the viewer the treasure buried in the everyday.’
The Irish Arts Review, Spring 2017.
“He stands in his leather apron, blackened by flying metal filings. His hands are huge inside his protective gloves. His dark goggles give him the eyes of a giant fly. He does not speak because his mouth and nose are covered with a breathing mask and his ears are sealed with headphones. Behind him, the door is open onto the Atlantic, but he hears nothing. He is surrounded by the extreme silence of his work and his solitude, the internal silence underneath the violent screaming of steel.”
Extract from ‘The Forge’ by Hugo Hamilton. 2012
No visit to Achill would be complete without a visit to Ronan Halpin’s Gallery. His ever-evolving work captures the spirit of the flora, fauna, history and mythology of one of Ireland’s most beautiful islands. Unmissable.
Review on Tripadvisor
In Drogheda where I live, the name Ronan Halpin has always been synonymous with wonderful creative sculptures and I have always admired his work. I pass his inspired millennium piece in St Oliver’s school daily. I was delighted last autumn to holiday in Achill and was privileged to meet the man himself and his wife in their workshop and gallery. The art works on display are truly magnificent and I particularly loved his array of fish in steel and copper. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful ‘John Dory’ fish sculpture. A visit to the studio is a must if you holiday in Achill.
A trip to Achill Island has to include a visit to Ronan Halpin’s Gallery. The gallery is just outside Keel village and a warm welcome from Ronan’s wife Mandy awaits you. Ronan, normally in his studio creating another inspired piece, often wanders into the gallery to chat about his various creations.
My favourites include his Broighter boats which are based on an old gold boat displayed in the National Museum in Dublin.
Loving what I saw in the gallery I wanted a piece for a new house. Ronan listened to my thoughts and then produced a sculpture with my ideas in his own style. I absolutely love it.
Every visit to the gallery is different as Ronan continues to come up with new ideas and designs. The gallery is bright, airy and Mandy’s colourful paintings complete the atmosphere.
Our gallery on Achill island is open 7 days a week from 11.00 am till 5.00pm. We are open from May to September or by appointment tel: 087 2770409
Keel,
Achill Island.
Co Mayo.
Ireland.
Tel: 087 2770409
Ronan Halpin Gallery © All rights reserved 2021
