The Reason of Towns exhibition

The Reason of Towns is a new, engaging and ambitious touring exhibition of the work of one of Ireland’s most renowned architects, Valerie Mulvin.

Curated, commissioned and produced by the Irish Architecture Foundation and hosted in partnership with local arts and cultural organisations and venues, this exhibition is a public occasion for the telling and retelling of true stories, lost traditions and possible futures for Irish towns and the people who live in them.

Opening on 1 August at John’s Hall in Birr, Co. Offaly, the exhibition will run from 1-11 August before travelling up to Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet, Co. Mayo (16-30 August), followed by the Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, Co. Meath (12-26 September), and completing its tour in The Source, Arts Centre and Library in Thurles, Co. Tipperary in January 2025.

The Reason of Towns will be supported in each town with a one-day free public engagement programme, called the Talks of the Town. Events include walking tours, a community-led workshop, and a panel discussion. In this way the exhibition serves as an opportunity for local issues to be aired and discussed in a national context, fostering civic pride and promoting local action.

Local residents, members of heritage and environmental committees, planners and researchers are encouraged to sign up.

All events are free. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Tickets are available from our venue partner, Áras Inis Gluaire. Reserve your place today.

Talks of the Town in Belmullet

Talks of the Town is a one-day programme of tours, workshops and conversations taking place in Belmullet on Friday 16 August as part of the touring exhibition, The Reason of Towns. Across the day, the Irish Architecture Foundation and Valerie Mulvin in partnership with Áras Inis Gluaire, will bring the exhibition to life for all who attend. Take time out, explore this unique town in a new way and join us as we share stories, histories and discuss Belmullet as a sustainable town of the future. You can book for some or all of the events across the day,  but don’t miss the chance to be the talk of the town

1. Exhibition and Town Walking Tour, Friday 16 August, 11:00-12:30

An invitation to explore the particular life of the Irish town and learn more about Belmullet with architect Valerie Mulvin. Join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping the form and function of Irish towns, past, present and future. The exhibition tour will be followed by a conversational walk through the streets of Belmullet, Co. Mayo with Mulvin and local architect, Mark Ruddy. Meet at Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet. You can register for the Exhibition and Town Walking Tour in advance or walk up on the day.

2. Town Workshop – Toward a Future for Belmullet, Friday 16 August, 14:30-17:00, Áras Inis Gluaire

In this two-part conversational workshop facilitated by Ali Warner, participants will share stories, discuss town life and be part of an informed and productive discussion toward a sustainable future for Belmullet. The aim of the workshop is to encourage open discussion and dialogue, active citizenship, and civic pride in Belmullet’s character and potential. It is only through a deeper understanding of the reality of the Irish town today, can a better future be imagined and achieved. You can register for the Town Workshop in advance or drop in on the day.

Part 1: Town Narratives, 14:30-15:30

Join us to share your stories, memories and future visions for Belmullet. Your contributions could include ideas, memories, stories, songs, musical recitals, personal memorabilia and more! It’s up to you!

Part 2: About the Town, 15.30 -17:00

Join Mayo Co.Council’s Town Regeneration Officer, Anne McCarthy, to find out more about national policy and the Irish town. What actions, tools and resources can help the town of Belmullet become even more vibrant as a place to live, work and play?

Booking is recommended but walk-ins are welcome for one or both parts of this workshop.

3. Conversation – Belmullet and the Irish Town, Friday 16 August, 19:00-20:30

The day concludes with some new films, live-readings and great conversation about Belmullet and the Irish town as a form of national culture, pride and potential. Architect Valerie Mulvin and other guest speakers will explore the wider relevance, potential and particularities of town living in Ireland against a backdrop of national policy and collective narratives. You can register for Belmullet and the Irish Town or walk up on the day.

The Reason of Towns exhibition is funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The exhibition tour is additionally funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. The Talks of the Town programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Government of Ireland.

Photo: Valerie Mulvin giving a tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition in Birr. Photo by Ste Murray.