Founded by W. H. Crawford, the gallery exhibits a representative collection of works by Irish artists from the 19C and 20C, including works by well-known 19C artists such as Sir William Orpen, Sean O'Sullivan, John Hogan and Daniel Maclise. Also on display is the armour of a Japanese samurai fighter from the late 19C and several Classical casts from the Vatican. Touring exhibitions of Irish and European contemporary art are frequently received in the gallery.