About The LAB Gallery
Right here in the heart of Dublin's creative northside, just a short hop from Drumcondra's lively streets, The LAB Gallery pulses with edgy contemporary art that feels like a conversation with the city's bold spirit. Housed in a repurposed deconsecrated church on Foley Street, this space run by Dublin City Council Arts Office champions emerging Irish and international artists through provocative exhibitions. Imagine wandering in from the Drumcondra buzz near the 3Arena, the cool stone walls echoing with the area's industrial past while spotlit installations challenge your perceptions.
From multimedia projections flickering with urban narratives to sculptures forged from recycled Dublin scrap, the shows tackle themes like identity, migration, and climate with raw honesty. The high vaulted ceilings amplify the drama, and the faint echo of stained glass remnants adds a layer of historical intrigue. It's sensory overload in the best way: metallic tang from new works, soft ambient soundscapes, and the distant hum of North Wall traffic blending into immersive pieces.
What to Expect
Free admission to rotating solo and group shows, artist talks, and performance events. Expect politically charged video art, interactive digital installations, and photography series capturing Dublin's underrepresented voices. The adjacent LAB space hosts workshops; grab a coffee from nearby indie spots.
Insider Tips
Time your visit for opening nights; the free wine flows and locals mingle with artists. Combine with a Drumcondra pub crawl at The Cottager on Lower Drumcondra Road, or bike along the Tolka to DCU for more culture. Avoid peak Luas hours; early weekday mornings offer quiet reflection. As a Drumcondra regular, I tip you to note the architecture, it's ex-church vibes elevate even abstract works. Perfect for those seeking galleries beyond Temple Bar hype, this is authentic Dublin grit meets high art.
Supporting over 100 artists yearly, The LAB cements Drumcondra area's rep as a hub for boundary-pushing creativity in Ireland's capital.