Leanne McDonagh is an Irish artist from the Traveller community based in Cork County. She documents her community’s life and heritage from an insider perspective. Her work provides a nuanced and authentic representation, challenging prevailing negative perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs by affirming her community’s identity in constructive ways.

McDonagh’s practice encompasses photography and printmaking. Her images portray family gatherings, celebrations, scenes of labour and trade, domestic interiors and activities, and public meetings. They subtly yet vividly capture the transient nature of the Traveller community’s circumstances, memories, and experiences.
This exhibition constitutes the most comprehensive presentation of McDonagh’s work to date, featuring a newly commissioned series alongside a broad selection spanning 2011 to 2025. It emphasises the distinct characteristics of the Traveller community’s culture, and examines both shared and universal dimensions of social relations.
This exhibition is organised by SIRIUS and curated by Director Miguel Amado. The exhibition is realised with funding from the Arts Council through a Project Award. The presentation at SIRIUS forms part of a tour also including Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre and Limerick City Gallery of Art, produced by Rayne Booth. The tour is delivered with funding from the Arts Council through the Touring of Work Scheme.

LAUNCH EVENT
SIRIUS
Saturday, 4 July
2-4pm
Free; no booking required

Leanne McDonagh in conversation with Miguel Amado
Leanne McDonagh and Miguel Amado discuss the exhibition’s central themes and works, as well as the political and aesthetic considerations that inform McDonagh’s practice.

Accessibility Note
There are three steps at the front entrance, but a temporary wheelchair ramp is available upon request.