Galway City Museum, in association with the Marine Institute, is proud to unveil An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves, a striking new underwater photography exhibition that brings visitors face to face with the extraordinary marine life that thrives beneath the surface of Galway Bay.
Officially launched on Tuesday by Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, the exhibition celebrates Galway’s enduring connection to the sea, a relationship that has shaped the city’s identity from the era of the Spanish Armada and the storied Galway Hookers to Ireland’s modern national marine research fleet.
An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves invites visitors into an underwater world that is rarely seen but lies just beyond Galway’s shoreline. Featuring the mesmerising work of the late Dr John Costelloe—marine biologist, passionate diver, and gifted underwater photographer—the exhibition offers a breathtaking look at the delicate and diverse ecosystems of Galway Bay.
Speaking at the launch event in Galway City Museum, Mayor Cubbard said Galway is a city whose identity has been shaped by the sea, and this exhibition shines a light on a part of our ocean story that is usually hidden from view.
“An Tír Faoi Thoinn reveals the remarkable beauty and richness of life beneath Galway Bay and shows us that Galway Bay is not just a backdrop to our city, but a living world that deserves our curiosity and care. The striking photographs by John Costelloe offer a powerful reminder that our natural heritage is one of our greatest strengths as a city, and I am delighted that this exhibition allows people to connect more deeply with the ocean on our doorstep.”
A / Director of Galway City Museum, Adam Stoneman said John Costelloe’s lifelong devotion to Ireland’s underwater world, paired with his sharp photographic eye has created an extraordinary visual legacy that continues to inspire new generations to explore, understand and protect the marine environment.
“We are honoured to share John Costelloe’s remarkable work and proud to collaborate with the Marine Institute to bring the wonders of our ocean world into the heart of the city. This exhibition invites visitors of all ages to look beneath the waves and discover a story that is uniquely Galway’s.
“An Tír Faoi Thoinn reveals the hidden beauty and biodiversity of Galway Bay, reminding us that our marine environment is significant both globally and locally – as an intrinsic part of our heritage and identity.”
Speaking at the launch Dr Rick Officer, CEO Marine Institute said Galway is, and always has been, a city shaped by the sea — from the generations of fishers who depended on its tides to the scientists who now study its depths and its creatures. An Tír Faoi Thoinn beautifully captures this connection by revealing the extraordinary marine world that lies just beneath our feet.
“Galway’s past, present, and future are tied to the sea. John Costelloe’s work reminds us that Galway Bay is not only a place of heritage, but a living, breathing ecosystem central to Ireland’s future. As Ireland’s national agency for marine research, the Marine Institute is proud to support an exhibition that inspires curiosity, deepens understanding, and encourages us all to protect the ocean that sustains us.”
An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves is supported by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Galway City Museum. Complementing the photography are sculptural works by Aisling Roche, Andrea Spencer, and John Coll, highlighting the power of the underwater world as a source of creative inspiration as well as scientific discovery. The exhibition runs from 11 February to June 2026, and will be accompanied by a programme of talks, workshops, and family-friendly events.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of other exhibitions at the Museum, including
Surrounded by Stone; Keepers of the Gael; Revolution in Galway, 1913–23; The Galway Hooker; Earth Action; and The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am–5:00pm (galleries close at 4:45pm )
Admission is free. More information: www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie Galway City Museum operates under the auspices of Galway City Council.
