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.
- 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.
- The Elvis Spectacular Show
The Elvis Spectacular Show The Elvis Spectacular Show is Ireland's longest running and most successful Elvis Production celebrating 27 years on the road in 2025!
- The Highstool Prophets
The Highstool Prophets Come and see the 5 piece folk band The Highstool Prophets bring their unique twist to the folk music of our generations.
- Legends of American Country
Legends of American Country "The Legends of American Country", the hit country show returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia!
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.
