ABOUT
THE
CENTRE
They Come Then, The Birds—Amanda Coogan
About Rua Red
Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, is a multi-disciplinary contemporary art space in the heart of Tallaght. Facilities include two galleries, an seventy seat performance space, nine artist studios, three fully equipped music rehearsal spaces, two workshop spaces; a large dance studio, ten incubation spaces for creative organisations, a recording studio, and a warm and welcoming cafe.
Rua Red’s core mission is to develop, and provide for, the creative, production, and delivery of arts and cultural activity in South Dublin County; to deliver relevant arts programmes that challenge and engage audiences at local, national, and international levels; to create access to, and advancement of, educational opportunities, while supporting artists at every stage of their career; to provide a challenging artistic programme of international excellence to new and existing audiences in South Dublin County.
Our aim is to create a space where the values of respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, and hospitality, are embedded into the core of everything that we undertake and deliver.
Rua Red café is a not-for-profit enterprise. All proceeds help us deliver art, dance, music, and many more creative activities to our community. The Rua Red Café is the ideal meeting spot for a business coffee or lunch with friends.
Café Menu
The Rua Red Café provides high-quality coffee served by fully trained baristas, a range of hot and cold drinks, gourmet sandwiches, soups, and hot savories and salads – all available to eat in or takeaway.
Catering
A full catering menu with pricing options is available on request with options ranging from finger foods and nibblies to more substantial offerings. We also have an alcohol license and can serve a variety of drinks to guests at your private event. We can also offer a 10% discount on our catering when booked in conjunction with meeting room.
Rua Red has a policy of supporting artists at all stages of their careers. One of the ways that Rua Red implements this policy is by the ‘Acquisition Committee’ (set up in Sept 2017). The role of the committee will be to select and purchase works from the Winter Open and Café Wall exhibitions to form a new collection for the organisation. The works will go on show within the building on a rotational basis in the Conference and Meeting Room areas.
Artists are responsible for the framing and transportation of all artworks. Work must be dropped to and removed from Rua Red promptly to ensure they can be displayed for the full period and avoid damage. Works must be framed if they are fragile and have mirror plates attached for hanging.
Successful artists are encouraged to be on-site for the hanging of work which must happen outside of the cafes opening hours, 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. If unable to attend the hanging in person a layout or wall plan must be provided.
If an application is successful Rua Red can facilitate the sale of artworks in the Cafe Wall exhibitions if the Artist wishes. A full price list must be provided for all artworks for sale, please note that Rua Red will charge a 25% commission fee from the price given. Payment will be issued at the end of the exhibition by invoice. A full list of works will still be required even if it is not for sale.
FEEL A PARTOFSOME—THING
Rua Red has various spaces to hire for creative production. Whether you are looking to hold a meeting, run an art workshop, or your band needs a room to rehearse, we can help you find the right space.
To book space at Rua Red you must first register in person at reception as a Rua Red Member. The annual membership fee is €5 per year. By joining you are supporting the ongoing artistic programme at Rua Red.
Located on the ground floor and accommodates up to 35 people. A fully adaptable space with two sinks, storage space and plenty of natural light. The project space can be used for art classes, workshops, meetings and training, amongst other things.
Located on the first floor of the building and accommodates up to 25 people. The green room has one sink and full natural light provided by the windows that look out onto Chamber Square. This flexible space can be used for art classes, workshops, meetings, training, and more
The Meeting Room Located on the first floor and seats 12 people at a boardroom style table. This room is used to host meetings, presentations, training, and similar events.
The Conference Room Located on the second floor with a view of the Dublin Mountains, accommodates up to 25 people. This space is ideal for hosting meetings, giving presentations, and training.
We are home to a fully equipped performance venue designed to an exceptionally high specification. It can accommodate up to 70 people in theatre style with a fully retractable seating bank to allow the space to be set cabaret style, horseshoe, or completely clear. There is also a large dressing room complete with showers, toilet facilities and lockers for your convenience. The Performance Space has a fully equipped lighting and sound rig and permanently installed projector. The performance space has many uses, including theatre performances, live Music and showcases, film screenings, workshops, presentations, dance rehearsals, auditions, classes, conferences, and receptions.
Rua Red has a large dance and rehearsal studio accommodating up to 50 people. It is a beautiful, airy room filled with natural daylight, a polished beech sprung dance floor and mirrors. There is a large dressing room near to the studio complete with showers, toilet facilities and lockers for your convenience. Please note that hard soled shoes are not permitted in the Dance Studio. The dance studio is used for dance classes, theatre rehearsals, auditions, workshops, and more.
Located on the first floor, Music Room One is ideal for a group of up to 25 people and can be set up according to your needs. This space can accommodate classes, large band rehearsals, seminars, and auditions.
Located on the second floor, Music Room Two is ideal for a group of up to 15. This room is commonly used for band rehearsals, classes, and drama rehearsals.
Located on the first floor, Music Room Three is the perfect space for up to 5 people. This space can be used for band rehearsal, one-on-one lessons, auditions, classes, and more.
The Rua Red team is a close knit group of passionate and creative individuals, committed to making art accessible to everyone. Together, we create welcoming spaces and an inspiring arts programme that feels deeply rooted in this community. Bringing world class art to the heart of Tallaght, we commision work that holds real meaning for those who call it home.
At Rua Red our goal is to ensure everyone has access to art and creativity. If you are interested in joining the team, please email us at info@ruared.ie. We also advertise open positions on our social channels, so follow us to keep up to date.
Contact Our Team
Executive Director
Maolíosa Boyle
mboyle@ruared.ie
Finance and Operations Manager
Jordan Van Staden
jwilliams@ruared.ie
Marketing & Development Manager
Joyce Dunne
jdunne@ruared.ie
Marketing Executive
Órla McGovern
omcgovern@ruared.ie
Education & Engagement Officer
Steph Saidha
sgoda@ruared.ie
Intercultural Artist Network Coordinator
Subhashini Goda
SSaidha@ruared.ie
Venue Technician
Hugh McCarthy
hmccarthy@ruared.ie
Administrator
Siobhán Nic Chumhaill
snicchumhail@ruared.ie
Venue Assistant (Booking & Events)
Anna Douglas
adouglas@ruared.ie
Venue Assistant (Booking & Events)
Anna Douglas
adouglas@ruared.ie
Welcome Team (Booking & Events)
Laura O'Reardon
loreardon@ruared.ie
Welcome Team (Booking & Events)
Mollie Donnegan
mdonegan@ruared.ie
Welcome Team (Booking & Events)
Ethan Soost
esoost@ruared.ie
Welcome Team (Booking & Events)
Diana Bamimeke
dbamimeke@ruared.ie
Rua Red Café Manager
Natalia Campos
ncampos@ruared.ie
Rua Red is guided by a Board of Directors that ensures strategic oversight, governance, and financial sustainability of the organisation.
Chairperson: Guss O’Connell
Directors: Guss O’Connell, Anne Lynch, Freda Manweiler, Paul Fusco, Tuyen Tran, Teresa Costello, Fionnghuala Ryan, and Brian Golden
Appointed March 2025
Appointed September 2015
Anne Lynch is a Senior Architect with South Dublin County Council, bringing extensive experience in residential, community, and public realm projects. Previously acting Chief Architect at Ballymun Regeneration Limited, she spent over 13 years delivering award-winning developments and facilitating major Public Art commissions with artists like John Byrne and Jochen Gerz. Anne has also worked in the private sector and held roles with the RIAI, UCD’s Architectural Graduates Association, and multiple Educate Together school boards.
Appointed April 2021
Tuyen Tran has worked in recruitment, marketing, and as a creative producer. She founded Dublin Art Life, a platform that highlights artists, art exhibitions, and events in Ireland. She has previously worked with organisations such as The Hugh Lane and PhotoIreland Festival. As a producer, she has collaborated with many well-known Irish artists and designers on a variety of creative projects including film and photography. She also works as a marketing consultant, most recently for non-profits such as SUAS. She holds a BA in Fine Arts and alongside her work, she studies a Masters in Business Management at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Appointed November 2021
Paul Fusco is the County Librarian for South Dublin County Council, overseeing the growth of library and cultural services, including the Arts Office and Creative Industries. Previously with Dublin City Council, he led major library redevelopments and technological innovations like RFID self-service. As financial controller from 2013 to 2021, he ensured efficient service delivery. Committed to equity and access, Paul strives to position South Dublin Libraries as national leaders in innovation, fostering vibrant, community-focused spaces that enhance quality of life for all.
Appointed February 2023
Fionnghuala Ryan is the Climate Action Coordinator for South Dublin County Council, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental sector. Over the past two decades, Fionnghuala has worked in local authorities, focusing on sustainable practices and climate action initiatives. She has a strong background in climate change, environmental awareness, waste management, and the circular economy, playing a key role in advancing strategies that promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact in the local community.
Appointed March 2025
Dean Donnelly is a councillor and coach focused on building stronger, more inclusive communities. As a personal trainer and BJJ black belt, Donnelly supports people of all ages and abilities, including children with disabilities, through movement, mentorship, and mindset.
Creative at heart, Donnelly inspired by street art, music, and dance. He brings empathy, purpose, and resilience into every part of his work; both in the community and at home as a proud father and husband.
Appointed March 2025
Appointed May 2025
Ponmile Olaleye is a finance professional with over a decade of experience across multinational, regulated, and not-for-profit environments. She brings deep expertise in Charity SORP compliance, financial strategy, and audit readiness. Ponmile has held senior roles in FP&A, treasury, and accounting, supporting organisations with multi-billion-euro budgets and complex regulatory frameworks. She is excited to contribute to Rua Red’s mission through strategic oversight and financial stewardship.
Rua Red has approx. 5-6 exhibitions per year which span across both gallery spaces. Rua Red exhibits the work of established Irish and International artists who are committed to producing work within a socio-political framework. The education and outreach programme reflects the organisation's interests with place, politics, and people through a challenging programme of events, workshops, screenings, and performances that allow audiences and visitors to engage with the exhibitions through the mediums of music, dance, theatre, and visual art. The galleries are programmed approx 18 to 24 months in advance. Selection is made by invited Curators and the Director. Rua Red is committed to good governance and has embarked upon the journey of compliance with the Governance Code.
Rua Red is, above all, a space where everyone can come to feel at home while experiencing art and creativity. To ensure we stay connected to our community, we’ve established groups and structures that help us listen, respond to their needs, and create space for collaboration.
Accounts
Rua Red keeps detailed books and records of accounts and maintains strict financial controls. The organisation is transparent in its audited financial statements. Rua Red has adopted the guidelines given in the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for charities as outlined in the Arts Council’s document ‘Recommended Guidelines for Financial Reporting’.
Fundraising
Rua Red is a registered Charity (CHY 18403) and is open, honest and fully transparent in its fundraising activities, the proceeds of which all go towards the primary activity of developing, managing and operating Rua Red. Rua Red is currently working to confirm compliance with the Statement of Guiding Principles of Good Fundraising developed by Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd (ICTR).
Environmental Policy
Rua Red South Dublin Arts Centre recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and strive to continually improve our performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods.
Equality and Diversity
Rua Red believes that the organisation should represent and serve the whole of society, with a focus on the exceptionally diverse catchment area of South Dublin.
Memorandum of Association
Rua Red complies with all regulatory requirements and operates in accordance with its Memorandum of Association.
Child Safeguarding
Rua Red is committed to providing a safe environment and a positive experience for all children and young people with whom we interact. Procedures and policies have been implemented in accordance with guidelines outlined in Children First, National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Artist Pay Policy
Rua Red is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their career. Rua Red is committed to supporting the production of new, ambitious work by national and international artists that responds to the people, place and politics of South Dublin County. We are committed to supporting the development of high-quality art practise through our exhibition programme, the provision of studios, commissions, residencies, and other professional development supports.
Address
Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre
Plás Parthalán
Tallaght, D24 KV8N
Gallery Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 10am—6pm
Building Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.30am—9.30pm
Saturday: 10am—6pm
Café Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.30am—4pm
Saturday: 10am—3pm
Information Desk
Rua Red's Reception is located straight on from the main entrance. Staff are happy to help with any questions you have.
Admission to the gallery is free. Rua Red is proud to be supported by the Arts Council, South Dublin County Council, Creative Ireland, and the Government of Ireland; Project Ireland 2040.
Registered Charity No. CHY 18403
© Rua Red 2025
