Opening in the National Gallery on 27th January 2023, their latest exhibition features eight scenes from the dramatic and tragic life of Irish princess and saint, Dymphna, who has strong connections to Tydavnet and Monaghan.
Part of a 16th century altarpiece by artist Goosen van der Weyden (1455-1543) the works were recently beautifully restored by the Phoebus Foundation in Belgium. Dymphna has strong links with Belgium and in particular with the city of Geel where she fled to from Ireland, ultimately dying there at the hands of her father.  The National Gallery is located on Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Eircode D02 K303. The exhibition continues until 28th May 2023, and this is well worth visiting, admission free.

Watch this fascinating short film about Dymphna, the altarpiece, and the conservation work here, and then see the exhibition in our Grand Gallery from 28th January 2023, admission free.In 2016, the Phoebus Foundation in Belgium undertook a large-scale restoration project focusing on an altarpiece triptych in their collection by Goossen van der Weyden (1455-1543). St Dymphna, The Tragedy of an Irish Princess from January 28 to May 28 at the National Gallery features the altarpiece, the only work of its kind to focus on the life of an Irish saint. Dymphna – a legendary 6th or 7th century Irish saint – was the daughter of a Celtic king. When Dymphna grew to resemble her mother, her widowed father decided to marry her. To escape his incestuous intentions, Dymphna fled Ireland for Geel in Belgium, with her confessor Gerebernus. Dymphna’s father pursued and killed them, and their bodies were buried on the spot by angels. The Church of St Dymphna in Geel, consecrated in 1247, still holds relics associated with the saint. (Tis info source: https://antiquesandartireland.com/)