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.
- Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL
AutumnSamhain Festival 25 at VISUAL At the heart of Samhain Festival 25, VISUAL once again transforms into a portal between worlds......
- Samhain Festival 25 at Visual: FIRE NIGHT with ROGU and Sexy Tadhg
AutumnSamhain Festival 25 at Visual: FIRE NIGHT with ROGU and Sexy Tadhg Ignite your night with world-class fire performers ROGU, the magnetic Sexy Tadhg with Rocket Pyrotechnics and some very special guests from the Otherworld. Supported by Carlow County Council.
- Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: Family Trad Session
AutumnSamhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: Family Trad Session As part of Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL, join us for a lively family trad session with Music Generation Carlow’s exciting traditional music ensembles: Reelig, Reel-Nua and ReelÓg.
- Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: John Francis Flynn supported by enCÓRe
AutumnSamhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: John Francis Flynn supported by enCÓRe Acclaimed experimental folk artist John Francis Flynn takes to the stage with songs that feel half-dreamed, half-haunted for the second night of music at Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL.
- Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: Carlow Live and Local @ VISUAL
AutumnSamhain Festival 25 at VISUAL: Carlow Live and Local @ VISUAL Carlow Live and Local returns for 2025. Featuring Manden Express, Klara McDonnell, Indeceltic and Star Comedy Democrats
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.
