Murals in Dublin City Libraries

Published on 10th April 2026

Library Mural in Pembroke Library with picture of Kieran Collins

You may have spotted some of the beautiful murals over the years in the children’s spaces in Walkinstown, Rathmines, Pembroke, Terenure and Central libraries. Well, if you ever wondered who painted them, we have the answer! It was Kieran Collins, who retired from Dublin City Council after 40 years’ service on the 15th April 2023. Kieran’s apprenticeship as a painter/decorator started in 1974 and he began working for Dublin Corporation, as it was known then, in July 1982. He spent 10 years in Housing Maintenance working as painter in a team who were responsible for painting corporation houses all around the city. Kieran moved to Civic Maintenance in 1992, and it was here that an opportunity arose for Kieran to utilise his artistic talents. He was approached by his then foreman, Bernard Tyrrell, to paint a mural in the joinery workshop in the Ballyfermot Depot. For Kieran to create a piece like this from start to finish, it could take over a week and for this mural he incorporated the work of the staff in the depot by creating a workshop space.

By May 1993, Kieran had been approached to create murals in various libraries throughout the city. To create these magical murals, Kieran would select a children’s book in each library and from this he painted some of the most beautiful scenes from the Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh, Little Red Riding Hood, Rugrats and Cinderella. The timeframe to create these pieces took up to four weeks. They were firstly sketched by hand, then Kieran painted the image onto the wall with acrylics.

Kieran also painted a large mural in the Cherry Orchard Community Centre, with a piece in the mural called ‘Anne’s Orchard’ dedicated to Anne O’Brien, Play Development Officer who sadly passed away in 2013. Other locations that Kieran’s work featured includes Sheriff Street Community Centre, Baskin Park, and Constitution Hill where he created a mural of the historic train crash in 1900 at the terminus there. He also hand painted the figures for the crib at the Mansion House in 2007.

Kieran discovered his talent for drawing at a young age. He was also involved with the former Dublin Bus art group and he was secretary for two years. He has regularly exhibited his artwork in The People’s Art, St Stephen’s Green. Kieran is deeply influenced by the works of Claude, Constable, Ruisdael, and he has a passion for land and seascapes.

Since retiring, Kieran has put away the paint brushes and has taken up railway modelling. Sadly, due to renovation works, a lot of his work around the city is now gone but his murals are still featured in the Central Library (Ilac Centre), Pembroke Library, Dolphin's Barn Library and Terenure Library today. Kieran recently received an award at the Mansion House from the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam. Thanks to Kieran for sharing his work and story with us!

Kindly written up by Mary Mooney and Lauren Richards in DCC Communications