The Carlow Arts Festival 2025 is here, and the excitement is palpable! The first few shows have just gone on sale at takeyourseats.ie, and there's something for everyone in this year's lineup. Whether you're a fan of theatre, dance, music, or family-friendly events, the festival promises a diverse array of performances that will captivate and inspire.
Theatre Productions
The Long Shadow of Alois Brunner
Description: A compelling theatre production by Collective Ma'louba, exploring the dark legacy of Alois Brunner. The play interrogates the true story of this notorious Nazi criminal who escaped sentencing and the lasting impact of his horrendous legacy. The performance will be followed by a post-show talk with the artists.
Date: June 4, 2025, at 19:30 (Doors open at 19:15)
Venue: VISUAL
Pricing: €22 (Full Price) / €17 (Concession) + €1.50 fees
Duration: 80 minutes + 30-minute post-show talk
Age Suitability: 14+
Content Warning: Adult themes including existentialism and references to genocide
An Ant Called Amy
Description: A delightful theatre production for families by Julie Sharkey, telling the story of Amy the ant. This charming and moving story for children aged 5-8 tells the tale of Amy, an award-winning ant who learns to slow down and appreciate the world around her with the help of a Brown Spider. The show gently addresses themes of sibling loss and finding happiness in everyday moments.
Date: June 8, 2025, at 15:00 (Doors open at 14:45)
Venue: VISUAL
Pricing: €12 (Full Price) / €7.50 (Concession) + €1.50 fees
Duration: 40 minutes
Age Suitability: 5+
Content Warning: Gentle references to sibling loss
Dance Performances
H.O.M.E
Description: An innovative aerial and dance performance by Fidget Feet & Tobi Omoteso, blending acrobatics and storytelling. This is the first aerial Hip H’Opera created in Ireland, featuring a thrilling cast of nine who explore themes such as darkness, trust, strength, gender expectations, and identity. The performance is followed by a post-show talk with the artists.
Date: June 6, 2025, at 19:30 (Doors open at 19:15)
Venue: VISUAL
Pricing: €20 (Full Price) / €15 (Concession) + €1.50 fees
Duration: 60 minutes + 30-minute post-show talk
Age Suitability: 12+
Content Warning: Flashing lights, sudden loud noises, and adult themes including references to suicide
Music Performances
Ye Vagabonds
Description: A captivating music performance by Turning Pirates, featuring the folk duo Ye Vagabonds. Not long after brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds moved from their hometown of Carlow to Dublin in 2012, they found themselves “at the fore of a new wave of Irish folk” (Irish Examiner). The duo quickly became renowned in the Irish music scene - playing folk and blues standards alongside their own original material and extensively touring Ireland, Scotland, England, and throughout Europe and North America. Now performing as a five-piece alongside Alain McFadden (harmonium and synthesizer), Caimin Gilmore (upright bass), and Kate Ellis (cello), Carlow Arts Festival is thrilled to be hosting Ye Vagabonds’ homecoming show in 2025.
Date: June 7, 2025, at 20:00 (Doors open at 19:45)
Venue: VISUAL
Pricing: €32 (Full Price) / €27 (Concession) + €1.50 fees
Duration: 75 minutes
Age Suitability: All ages
