Carlow Visual Centre & GBS Theatre
Carlow Visual Centre & GBS Theatre

Once again this year Carlow is flooded with culture and artistic endeavour, which will be demonstrated in ‘Visual’, their Centre for Contemporary Art and The George Bernard Shaw Theatre.

Visual is a fantastic new addition to Carlow, it brings with it an artistic expression like no other and has already won numerous awards including the RIAI (Royal Institution of Architects of Ireland) and Best Cultural Building in Ireland Award 2010. 

The George Bernard Shaw Theatre is already reaching acclaim with its performing arts programme, which includes companies as The Abbey Theatre, Lane Productions, Barabbas and the Project Arts Centre.  The theatre is named of course after the famous playwright, who had very strong connections with Carlow.

With this in mind, it is fair to conclude that the many shows and exhibitions taking place in both these places will be phenomenal.  Here is a taste of what’s to come.

Visual Events:

LithoSphere – running from 5^th Feb - 7^th May is by acclaimed artist Eileen MacDonald is a breathtaking display of 8 metre high, paper pulp trees, part of her Medusa Tree collection (2009) and takes you onto the gallery where the length of her other works, spanning 21 years will be illustrated.  This exhibition ranges from minuscule to mammoth sculptures, whilst integrating her passion for geometrical structures.

Glass Box Project – will be bringing artists, researchers and groups together to discuss art, culture and community.

Family Art Workshop – is continuing its success and invites families to get involved in creative projects together.  This event will run from Feb 26^th – April 22^nd.

George Bernard Shaw Events:

Frankie Gavin & De Dannan – Frankie Gavin holds the Guinness world record title of the fastest fiddle player in the world and will be bringing his band and his amazing talent here on 10^th Feb.

Gemma Hayes – will be in fine voice here on 25^th Feb with a special acoustic show in support of her new album ‘Let it Break’.

Tom Crean – follow this great man on 3^rd March, who was awarded an honorary medal of bravery for his achievements as an Antarctic explorer.

Showstopper – the brand new, award winning musical, which has already taken the West End and Edinburg Festival by storm and is now setting its sights on the stages of Ireland.  It is a completely improvised all singing, all dancing show, here on 15^th March, so anything can happen!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – from the 25th – 28^th April is a powerful play set in a Oregon psychiatric hospital in the mid 60’s and takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you encounter one man’s journey through his own trials and the ordeals of other patients around him.

The Magic Flute – an enchanting opera and Mozart’s final masterpiece is here on 18^th Feb and is presented by the Opera Theatre Company.

So many things to do here in Carlow at both these venues this year and if you are coming to stay in Carlow and want to spend your visit in the freedom that a self catering rental provides, then your search is over as Dream Ireland will provide you with all your holiday home and self catering requirements.  Now there is no need to spend hours surfing the net to find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Ireland, as we have it all right here.  Dream Ireland prides itself on being able to achieve a first rate standard for all its customers, as well as making your accommodation affordable and unique.  So stop searching and start checking out the fantastic special deals we have on offer at the moment.  We look forward to welcoming you!