Dara Vallely was born to Mary and John Vallely in Armagh, the ancient city he still calls home. He is a visual artist, musician, storyteller and creative director of The Armagh Rhymers, a music and theatre group that he founded in 1978.

The Armagh Rhymers, one of Ireland’s most celebrated folk theatre ensembles bring the universal tradition of mumming to diverse audiences around the world. A gifted musician, Vallely plays uillean pipes, whistle, flute, piano and concertina.

As a visual artist he has exhibited in the Ulster Museum Belfast, the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin and the Irish Arts Centre, New York.

His work is held in public exhibitions including The Ulster Museum, Belfast, the Irish National Portrait Collection, Limerick, and Armagh County Museum as well as private collections around the world.

Dara’s art blends vibrant colours and intricate patterns with a focus on nature, creating surreal, dreamlike landscapes that evoke both wonder and introspection.

“Vallely’s paintings present a refreshing mix of old and new. Each one pays tribute to traditional Irish art, referencing Celtic symbols and style. Yet they also pay tribute to the rebellious heart of the international modernist movement” Siobhan Fenton, journalist and art critic.

Vallely continues to work from his studio in Armagh and some of his original work can be viewed in Aonach Mhacha, Armagh.