Kenmare Butter Market

About Us

Kenmare Butter Market

About Us

About Us

Kenmare Butter Market

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Built in the mid 1800’s, the former Kenmare Butter Market was converted to a dance hall in the 1960’s. Steeped in history and located in the centre of Kenmare town (Co Kerry) and on both the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas on the Wild Atlantic Way, this venue is a perfect arts location. The building was originally purchased to house a whisky distillery as part of a larger idea to reimagine the whisky distilling of Islay that will expand across several new distilleries in other historic spaces including Killarney and on the Iveragh Peninsula. The Kenmare Butter Market is one of those buildings.

Phase 1 will see the building used as it is now, an industrial urban space. In Phase 2, architectural work will commence along with the addition of the new distillery. The space is large enough to accommodate large artworks and operates as a contemporary art gallery and music performance space.

Our inaugural exhibition ‘Staccato’ in July 2021 was an unveiling of new work by established Irish artists, Bridget Flannery, Paul Hughes and Paddy Lennon. Since then we have showcased work by artists, Ciaran McCoy (aka Pigsy), Regina Bartsch and Michael Hales. 2022 began with an exhibition of nine emerging female artists, followed by a retrospective by David Fox. Our first dedicated exhibition of contemporary sculpture by 34 of Irelands established Sculptors is currently open. Kenmare Butter Market is committed to showcasing Irish and international professional artists.

The Butter Market not only is an excellent art gallery, it is also a great music venue which has the capacity to host a wide range of musical events from classical, folk, jazz to rock. Please see our technical specification.

Visit Us

Explore Our Gallery

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David Fox
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On the Blue Shore
The Very Edge by Fionnuala Nolan
On the Blue Shore
SeaTree
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Blue 100x70cm Mixed Media on Paper
Josephine Mannion
Margo Banks
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Margobanks
Oil and mixed media on canvas, 195 x 120 cm
Michael-McSwiney-dog
Don Baker
Gerry Creedon & Friends
Kammer Philharmonic
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Our Vision

Kenmare Butter Market - Contemporary Art Exhibition & Performance Space

Contemporary Art Exhibition & Performance Space

Our vision is to provide a platform for the showcasing of both national and international artists along with increasing the public’s enjoyment and understanding of modern contemporary art. We believe that access to art is vital and we aim to encourage the making of art and the development of creative potential whilst being relevant to a diverse global audience.
The Kenmare Butter Market is committed to:
  • Showcasing new work by National & International artists
  • Providing increased opportunities for education and creative participation through a workshop model.
  • Developing the Butter Market’s physical and environmental infrastructure to preserve and repurpose old buildings with provenance and sustainability being at the heart of our vision.
  • Providing artist residencies to emerging artists from both national and international backgrounds.
Our mission is to focus on powerful storytelling, sharing stories, celebrating different voices, and animating spaces with increased opportunities for making, creative participation and immersive experiences.

Subscribe now to our newsletter to keep up to date with our progress or register interest in exhibiting with us by email: kenmarebuttermarket@gmail.com 

Subscribe now to our newsletter to keep up to date with our progress or register interest in exhibiting with us by email