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, 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.

Touring nationally in 2024-2025, the exhibition has been on display in John’s Hall, Birr, Co. Offaly; Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, Co. Mayo; Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, Co. Meath; and is now open  to the public in the IAF’s temporary venue at 1 Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2 as part of our season of exhibitions and events, This Is Where We Are Now. In each location, The Reason of Towns is accompanied by a Talks of the Town programme of tours, workshops, and panel discussions on the heritage and future of Irish towns, and Dublin is no exception.

First up, join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition with architect Valerie Mulvin and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping Irish towns, past, present and future.

Registration is free, but places are limited, so reserve your place today.

Date: Tuesday 5 November, 11:00-12:00

Location: 1 Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2. See the location on a map.

The venue is served by the Luas Green Line and several buses:

• 3min (220m) walk from Harcourt Luas stop
• 6min (400m) walk from Charlemont Luas stop

• 2min walk (150m) from the 44 bus stop on Charlemont Street
• 4min walk (250m) from the 140, 65, 14, 83, 15 and 14 on Camden Street (South Richard Street)

Accessibility: Ground floor, fully accessible via ramps on entry. Accessible toilets are located at the Charlemont Square Concierge building.

Talks of the Town in Dublin will continue with

• Screen Time, a unique panel conversation on architecture and film with Noemí Blager (curator and producer, A Lot With Little), Valerie Mulvin (The Reason of Towns) and Martin Danneels (director, The Space Is The Thing), Thursday 7 November, 6-7:30pm, followed by a launch reception for A Lot With Little. The films A Lot With Little and The Space Is The Thing will be available for private view from 5-6pm before the talk. Reserve your place.
• Talks of the Town workshop on Dublin towns with facilitator Ali Warner. Further details coming soon.

Talks of the Town events will be of particular interest to residents of Dublin city and county, members of heritage and environmental committees, planners and researchers.

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.

This Is Where We Are Now is presented with the support of McGarrell Reilly.

Photo: Architect Valerie Mulvin giving a tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition for Talks of the Town in Birr. Photo by Ste Murray.