Cathal Carolan is a photographer based in Ireland.
Cathal’s photography has gained international recognition, with his work exhibited in galleries from Asia to Europe. He spent several years living in Japan, immersing himself in the culture through his camera. His passion for street photography flourished in Tokyo, where his distinct style began to gain attention. He was invited to join the Tokyo Streets photography collective and took part in their inaugural exhibition in Shibuya, showcasing his work alongside some of the city’s most renowned photographers.
In 2024, Cathal returned home to Ireland and has since been actively exhibiting his work in galleries and magazines. That September, he was invited to take part in Culture Night, with his exhibition featured in Drogheda’s Night Moves programme. He kicked off 2025 with his largest solo exhibition to date, held at The Kiosk — a new artist-led venue at Droichead Arts Centre. Most recently, his work was selected for the 195th Annual Exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin, where it was highlighted by The Irish Times as one of “12 must-see artworks” from the show.
Gaijinpot Expo - Nationwide Art Contest
Community Favourite – Winner
Tokyo, Japan, 2023
LensCulture Street Photography Awards
Editors Pick
2021
Huawei Snapys Awards
#1 Finalist – Travel photography
Dublin, Ireland, 2016
Awards / Selections
195th RHA Annual Exhibition
May - Aug 2025
Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, Ireland
Group exhibition
Sanja
Feb 2025
The Kiosk, Drogheda, Ireland
Solo exhibition, curated by thirtythree-45
Night Moves - Culture Night
Sep 2024
Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Ireland
Solo exhibition, curated by Brian Hegarty
Tokyo Streets Vol. II
May 2024
Gallery Conceal, Tokyo, Japan.
Group exhibition, curated by Adam Benedicto.
Tokyo Streets Vol. I
Jan 2024
Gallery Conceal, Tokyo, Japan.
Group exhibition, curated by Adam Benedicto.
Exhibitions
Publications
2025
The Irish Times
“12 must-see artworks at the RHA Annual Exhibition 2025”
Featured artwork: Censored, selected as one of twelve standout pieces from over 4,500 submissions
Drogheda Life
”Drogheda Photographer” (Front page)
Feature on a solo exhibition held in Drogheda
2024
Drogheda Life
”Night Moves” , Culture Night Programme
Coverage of a photography exhibition during Culture Night
Irish Independent
”Feast of Culture Night events from Droichead Arts Centre”
Article featuring a solo exhibition during Culture Night
Tokyo Weekender Magazine
”Tokyo Streets: Street Photography at Gallery Conceal”
Feature on the Tokyo Streets collective exhibition in Shibuya
2017
Sidewalk magazine
”Copenhagen Open 2017 by Cathal Carolan”
Feature on a short film documenting the biggest event in European skateboarding
Press