Ballymoney Museum is delighted to present Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future, a stunning new exhibition exploring Ireland’s wildlife across time.
Featuring a selection of remarkable paintings by renowned wildlife artist Julian Friers, created in collaboration with Dr Mike Simms, Natural Sciences Curator at the Ulster Museum, the exhibition showcases landscapes and habitats from across the Causeway Coast and Glens.
The exhibition runs from 16th January – 18th April 2026 in Ballymoney Museum. Admission is free.
Originally part of a major exhibition of over 50 paintings at the Ulster Museum, these works celebrate Ireland’s flora and fauna – past, present, and imagined future – and are displayed alongside fascinating local artefacts.
The exhibition was officially launched on Thursday 16th January by the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, who praised the collaboration behind the project and the exceptional quality of the artworks on display.
In his remarks, the Mayor offered special thanks to Julian Friers for the generous loan of his paintings: “His artworks beautifully capture the richness and diversity of our natural landscapes and wildlife.”
He also acknowledged Dr Mike Simms for his expert contribution: “His collaboration and expertise have added such depth and scientific insight to the exhibition, clearly evident in the interpretive panels throughout the gallery.”
Museum Officer Jamie Austin also shared her thanks, acknowledging the vital support of the Ulster Museum and the Northern Ireland Museums Council in facilitating the exhibition and its design work to Ballymoney Museum.
She further expressed her appreciation to Rathlin Boathouse and to the local community members who generously contributed objects that enrich and complement the display.
Programme of Events
Alongside the exhibition, Ballymoney Museum and partners will deliver an exciting programme of events:
An Evening with the Artist and His Scientist Sidekick
Part of the NI Science Festival
Wednesday 18th February 2026
Ballymoney Town Hall, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Join artist Julian Friers and scientist Dr Mike Simms for a fascinating evening exploring the creatures, landscapes, and science behind the Wild Ireland paintings.
Suitable for all ages. Tickets available via the NI Science Festival website.
Children’s Film Screenings with Ballymoney Community Cinema
At Ballymoney Town Hall
Featuring a chance to visit the exhibition and complete a “Make Your Own Lost Monster” activity sheet.
- Ice Age – Saturday 21st February
- Open Season – Saturday 21st March
Tickets £2
School and College Engagement
The exhibition is open to secondary schools and college art classes wishing to use it as a teaching aid. To book a free time to visit with your group, contact: Jamie.austin@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.
Pictured at the official launch of Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future in Ballymoney Museum are Sarah Calvin, Museum Services Development Manager; Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan; Artist Julian Friers and Jamie Austin, Museum Officer, standing in front of one of the paintings on display titled ‘Great Auks’.
Pictured at the official launch of Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future in Ballymoney Museum are Artist Julian Friers; Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan; Sarah Calvin, Museum Services Development Manager; Jamie Austin, Museum Officer; and Eva Lynch, Northen Ireland Museums Development Officer, standing in front of one of the paintings titled ‘Giant Deer’.
Pictured at the official launch of Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future in Ballymoney Museum are Artist Julian Friers; Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan; Sarah Calvin, Museum Services Development Manager; Jamie Austin, Museum Officer; and Eva Lynch, Northen Ireland Museums Development Officer, standing in front of one of the paintings titled ‘Giant Deer’.
Pictured at the official launch of Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future in Ballymoney Museum are Artist Julian Friers; Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan; and Eva Lynch, Northen Ireland Museums Development Officer.
Pictured at the official launch of Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future in Ballymoney Museum is Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, who praised the collaboration behind the project and the exceptional quality of the artworks on display.
Robert Dixon, who loaned items for display, pictured alongside Jamie Austin, Museum Officer, standing in front of a painting on display of a Barn Owl, Ballymoney.
Ballymoney Museum is delighted to present Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future, a stunning new exhibition exploring Ireland’s wildlife across time. Pictured are guests enjoying the launch event held on Thursday 16th January.
Ballymoney Museum is delighted to present Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future, a stunning new exhibition exploring Ireland’s wildlife across time. Pictured are guests enjoying the launch event held on Thursday 16th January.
Ballymoney Museum is delighted to present Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future, a stunning new exhibition exploring Ireland’s wildlife across time. Pictured are guests enjoying the launch event held on Thursday 16th January.
Ballymoney Museum is delighted to present Wild Ireland: Past • Present • Future, a stunning new exhibition exploring Ireland’s wildlife across time. Pictured are guests enjoying the launch event held on Thursday 16th January.