New exhibition revealing a hidden world beneath Galway Bay
New Sea Science Exhibition An Tír Faoi Thoinn – The Land Beneath the Waves Opens at Galway City Museum.
Galway City Museum, in association with 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, 10 February 2026 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 of Galway City Council, Councillor Mike 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.”
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.”
Exhibition details:
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.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Galway City Museum
Email: Museum@GalwayCity.ie | Tel: (091) 532460
Website: www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie
About John Costelloe: Dr John Costelloe was a pioneering marine scientist, passionate SCUBA diver and gifted underwater photographer whose work helped shape marine research and consultancy in Ireland and beyond. John began his academic journey at University College Galway, with an honours B.Sc. degree in Zoology followed by a Ph.D. which focused on animals that live on the seabed. After completing his Ph.D., he held a post-doctoral position at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Georgia, USA (1983–1986). His international experience broadened his scientific perspective and strengthened his commitment to marine conservation. Returning to Ireland in the mid-1980s, John joined forces with Dr Brendan O’Connor and Dr Brendan Keegan. Together, these three scientists helped establish AQUAFACT as a trusted name in marine environmental consultancy.
About the Marine Institute: The Marine Institute is the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. Further details: marine.ie
About Galway City Museum: Galway City Museum aspires to be a centre of learning, inspiration, engagement & enrichment for all their visitors by collecting, preserving & displaying the material heritage of Galway. Further details: galwaycitymuseum.ie