VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow Town, hosts artwork from local, national and international artists in five different gallery spaces. Admission is free of charge to all the gallery spaces. There are also a lot of activities to enjoy with various workshops and classes taking place in the building as part of the Learning and Engagement Programme throughout the year.
VISUAL has a theatre which hosts a varied programme of music, comedy, drama, film and dance. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre can seat 335 people, and a full list of events can be viewed on their website or by calling the box office team.
VISUAL was designed by Terry Pawson, a British architect with vast experience in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sector after he won an international architectural competition held by the RIAI. The €18m development is a joint project of Carlow Local Authorities and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Access Programme.
VISUAL also houses a restaurant, Lennons@Visual.
- Robert Mizzell 25th Anniversary Concert
Robert Mizzell 25th Anniversary Concert Join Robert Mizzell & The Country Kings as they celebrate 25 incredible years of music, memories, and unforgettable performances.
- Sharon Shannon Live in Concert
Sharon Shannon Live in Concert Join the legendary Sharon Shannon for an unforgettable evening of music as she celebrates over 30 years at the forefront of Irish music.
- The Luke Kelly Story
The Luke Kelly Story Created and performed by the renowned Dublin singer Chris Kavanagh, this show with brings the audience on a journey through Luke Kelly’s music.
- Declan Nerney & Guests in Concert
Declan Nerney & Guests in Concert Join Declan and his super live band with special guests John McNicholl and Paddy O Brien for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter.
- Route 66 Big Band Live in Concert
Route 66 Big Band Live in Concert Route 66 Big Band are delighted to bring their unique Live in Concert show to VISUAL for the very first time. 14 musicians fronted by a male and female singer playing music from all ages and genres.
- Rebecca O’Connor SIMPLY THE BEST as Tina Turner
Rebecca O’Connor SIMPLY THE BEST as Tina Turner Get ready for the ultimate Tina Turner Experience! The words of TINA TURNER herself says it all: "Rebecca is so good, it's scary".
- An Evening with Maksym
Arts and cultureAn Evening with Maksym Join the celebrated Ukrainian opera singer Maksym Lozovyi with a full live band and a stunning mix of music.
- Meet the Orchestra
Family funMeet the Orchestra An interactive fun-filled concert with music from ‘Peter and the Wolf’ Prokofiev with narration and ‘Carnival of the Animals’ Saint Saens imagining the scenes that the different instruments evoke.
Stroll around the 18th century surrounding parklands of Carlow College next door. Pop into the reception on weekdays to view the Carlow Art Collection, housed there permanently.
