Conservation work transforms Glebe Gallery into a must-visit heritage destination

Glebe Galley, one of Ireland’s finest regency houses, is set to reopen its doors in May 2026 following a conservation project led by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Officially reopened by Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin “Boxer” Moran, the refurbished Gallery promises to become a cornerstone of Donegal’s cultural tourism, blending decades of history with a modern visitor experience.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Moran said: "Glebe Gallery is a cherished part of our community’s heritage. The conservation works undertaken by the OPW are vital to ensure its beauty and legacy are preserved for future generations to come. The works, led by our expert teams, not only safeguard the buildings’ fabric but also enhances the visitor experience, allowing people to explore this unique site in an engaging way.”

Set in woodland gardens at Tully More near Letterkenny, Glebe Gallery is an elegant Regency house dating from 1828. Originally built as a rectory and later used as a hotel, the property was purchased and restored by renowned painter Derek Hill in 1953. Conservation works to the Gallery were undertaken to address significant dampness and water ingress that threatened both the buildings structure and its valuable museum contents, including delicate William Morris wallpaper. The OPW implemented a universal preventative maintenance programme in two key phases:

Phase 1: Collection and Wallpaper Preservation
Conservation specialists carefully packed and temporarily removed the entire collection from paintings, furniture, photographs, books to ceramics allowing for a detailed assessment and preservation of the William Morris wallpaper. A wallpaper conservationist was appointed to remove, repair and reinstate the wallpaper using both preventive and restorative techniques.

Phase 2: Fabric Repairs
The house’s defective external render was replaced with a breathable lime-based render. Additional repairs included restoration of rainwater goods, replacement of external doors, repair of brickwork and timber lintels, significant roof and lead work and the installation of new drainage and damp-proofing systems. The project also introduced a universally accessible viewing platform overlooking the lake, enhancing the visitor experience.

The conservation works at Glebe Gallery showcase OPWs commitment to heritage preservation, sustainability and community involvement. With the completion of these works, Glebe Gallery will continue to offer dynamic exhibitions and educational activities, welcoming visitors to experience its restored spaces and rich history.

This collaborative project involved the expertise of the OPW North West Regional Office, OPW National Historic Properties, conservation architects from Mullarkey Pedersen, quantity surveyors from Coyle Doherty & Co, and main contractors Terence Ponsonby Contractors. Special thanks are extended to all specialists and staff whose dedication ensured the project’s success.

Glebe Gallery is now open to the public, for more information please see the link below - www.opw/glebe-gallery

For more information or to arrange an interview opportunity with an OPW spokesperson, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie.

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Notes:

Set in woodland gardens at Tully More near Letterkenny, Glebe Gallery is an elegant Regency house dating from 1828. Originally built as a rectory and later used as a hotel, the property was purchased and restored by renowned painter Derek Hill in 1953. Hill lived and worked there until the 1980s, when he generously gifted the house and his remarkable art collection—including works by Picasso, Braque, le Brocquy, and Renoir—to the Irish state.

Managed by the OPW since then, the gallery is recognised as a protected structure and was listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage in 2016 for its architectural, artistic, historical, and social importance.