Galway City Museum, in association with Marine Institute, is proud to present An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves, a striking new underwater photography exhibition that reveals the extraordinary marine life hidden beneath the surface of Galway Bay.
The brand new exhibition, launching tonight, celebrates Galway’s enduring connection to the sea, a relationship that has shaped the city’s identity from the era of the Spanish Armada and the storied Galway Hookers to Ireland’s modern national marine research fleet.
An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves invites visitors into an underwater world that is rarely seen but lies just beyond Galway’s shoreline. Featuring the mesmerising work of the late Dr John Costelloe—marine biologist, passionate diver, and gifted underwater photographer—the exhibition offers a breathtaking look at the delicate and diverse ecosystems of Galway Bay.
Exhibition details
An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves is supported by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Galway City Museum. Complementing the photography are sculptural works by Aisling Roche, Andrea Spencer, and John Coll, highlighting the power of the underwater world as a source of creative inspiration as well as scientific discovery. The exhibition runs from 11 February to June 2026, and will be accompanied by a programme of talks, workshops, and family-friendly events. Plan a VISIT!
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am–5:00pm (galleries close at 4:45pm)
Admission is FREE.
About John Costelloe: Dr John Costelloe was a pioneering marine scientist, passionate SCUBA diver and gifted underwater photographer whose work helped shape marine research and consultancy in Ireland and beyond. John began his academic journey at University College Galway, with an honours B.Sc. degree in Zoology followed by a Ph.D. which focused on animals that live on the seabed. After completing his Ph.D., he held a post-doctoral position at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Georgia, USA (1983–1986). His international experience broadened his scientific perspective and strengthened his commitment to marine conservation. Returning to Ireland in the mid-1980s, John joined forces with Dr Brendan O’Connor and Dr Brendan Keegan. Together, these three scientists helped establish AQUAFACT as a trusted name in marine environmental consultancy.
About the Marine Institute: The Marine Institute is the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. Further details: marine.ie
About the artists:
- Aisling Roche is a Visual Artist and Educator who explores the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems through her work with ceramics, photography and paint www.aislingroche.com
- Andrea Spencer is an internationally renowned glass artist specialising in flameworked sculpture and installation. www.andreaspencerglass.com
- John Coll began his career as a marine scientist before committing to sculpture as a profession. He has become one of Ireland’s leading figurative sculptors. www.thekennygallery.ie/artists/colljohn
See more information on upcoming EXHIBITIONS and EVENTS at Galway City Museum.
Galway City Museum operates under the auspices of Galway City Council.
