Culture Night launch for new photography exhibition at Birr Castle Demesne

A new photography exhibition exploring the changing story of Ireland's peatlands will open at Birr Castle Demesne as part of Culture Night 2026.

'Transition' is a photographic exhibition by Offaly photographer and author Diarmuid Mollin, based on his book of the same name. The exhibition will officially open on Thursday, September 18 at 6.30pm in the Copper Tree Gallery at Birr Castle Demesne and will form part of the national Culture Night programme.

Diarmuid Mollin described the exhibition as being 'rooted in the landscapes of the midlands'.

“It presents a striking visual journey through Ireland's peatlands at a pivotal moment of environmental, social and cultural change. Through an evocative A-Z sequence of photographs, visitors are invited to explore landscapes shaped by industrial memory and ecological renewal,” he said.

Set within one of Birr Castle Demesne’s gallery spaces, the exhibition, he added, will connect with the site’s 'legacy of science, engineering and discovery'.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to attend the exhibition with a specially designed A-Z scavenger hunt adding an interactive element for families and younger audiences. Inspired by the structure of the book, the trail encourages participants to discover key themes and hidden details throughout the exhibition.

While the exhibition officially launches during Culture Night on September 18, visitors to Birr Castle Demesne will have the opportunity to experience the exhibition over an extended period, with 'Transition' running at the Copper Tree Gallery until October 3.