Explore this exciting arts centre in the heart of Carlow Town. Engage with artworks by national and international artists in Ireland’s largest and most spectacular space for art. Discover the extraordinary ways that art can amuse, inform, connect and delight. The exhibitions are always free to enter and there is always a free interactive installation open for all ages! There’s something for everyone with lots of activities to enjoy: family art workshops, talks, workshops, tours, plus a 320-seat theatre with a packed programme of drama, dance, film, music and comedy.
About Visual
VISUAL is a place where people, art and ideas meet to celebrate and think about the world that we share.
Established in 2009, VISUAL is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. Situated in the heart of Carlow in an architecturally stunning and award-winning building,
They present a year-round programme of work in their 330-seat theatre, named after George Bernard Shaw and up 15 to exhibitions per year in their iconic exhibition spaces, which are of a scale unique in Ireland.
Alongside the work they produce or present, they also curate a learning and engagement programme, working closely with local schools, and within the local community to provide free or affordable opportunities to access and participate in the arts.
Another key aspect of what they do is their developmental work with artists. Visual Arts Centre commission and support artists across all genres to create work of imagination and distinction, which is relevant locally and resonates nationally and internationally.
The Values at Visual
They CARE about the future of VISUAL, the community and the planet. They are genuinely committed to having a positive influence and impact.
They seek to be RELEVANT within this changing world to the people and to the communities that they serve. They find creative ways to explore what matters these communities.
They are READY TO BE RADICAL. They ask questions and think about art and the world in new ways. They support and enable others to do so too.
They are FOR EVERYONE. They work hard to make VISUAL an attractive, comfortable place where everyone is welcome and anyone can take part.
How to Book
Online:
Our online booking service is open 24 hours a day. You can choose your own seat online and there are no additional charges to ticket price for online bookings.
You can also email us with queries about booking requests here.
Over the Phone:
You can telephone our Box Office during normal opening hours on 059 917 2400.
At VISUAL Box Office:
You can call in person to the Box Office during our opening hours.
Summer at Visual
This season at VISUAL presents ‘Dreamtime Ireland’, an exhibition and research project by artist Sean Lynch at VISUAL and Carlow County Museum, and ‘Artworks 2025’, in conjunction with Carlow Arts Festival. An Odd Job in the Lobby Gallery is an interactive sensory play space for all ages.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am-5.30pm.
Sunday 2pm-5pm
Closed Mondays
Box Office is also open one hour before all events.