Overview
An Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space tucked into the historic Town Hall on Crowe Street in Dundalk, County Louth. The venue houses a 350‑seat main theatre, a 55‑seat studio theatre, a visual‑arts gallery, two workshop spaces and the Bó Studios artist‑in‑residence programme. Its diverse calendar blends local talent with national touring productions, film screenings, visual‑arts exhibitions and hands‑on workshops, making it a cultural hub of Ireland’s Ancient East.
History
The centre takes its name from the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge – the legendary cattle raid of the Cooley Peninsula. Dundalk’s heritage stretches back to at least 3500 BC, and the centre’s location in the former Táin Theatre of the Town Hall links the modern arts scene to that deep past. Established as an independent organisation in 2014, An Táin Arts Centre is supported by Louth County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland. Its mission is to provide a meeting point for creatives, support artists through fair remuneration, and serve as a home for the arts in North Louth.
What to See & Do
Theatres
- Main Theatre – 350 seats, proscenium‑arch stage (8 m wide × 8.2 m deep, height to grid 5.2 m). Hosts large‑scale productions, touring drama, comedy and music concerts.
- Studio Theatre – 55 seats, flexible layout (7 m wide × 4 m deep, height to grid 2.5 m). Ideal for experimental work, intimate performances and community workshops.
Visual Arts Gallery
The basement gallery presents six rotating exhibitions each year. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee or juice while exploring the displays.
Current shows (April 2026)
- Dundalk Photographic Society – 11 April – 25 April
- POPSTARS – The Musical – 22 April – 24 April (musical theatre production)
- Thread Therapy – 28 April – 2 May (contemporary textile art)
Weekly Family Hangout
Every Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm the centre opens its doors for a free Family Hangout. Children can explore a creative toy box, colour‑in activities and puzzles, while parents relax with a drink. The hangout is designed for families with children under 12 but welcomes all ages.
Workshops & Production House
Two dedicated workshop spaces host a variety of hands‑on sessions – from visual‑arts classes to theatre‑making labs. The production house supports in‑house creations and offers technical facilities for touring companies. Technical specifications for both theatres are available on request via the centre’s technical contact.
Bó Studios
Bó Studios provides affordable studio space for emerging artists, fostering a vibrant creative community. Recent group shows, such as Oneiric (Feb 28 – Mar 29 2026), have been mounted in the Basement Gallery.
Events & Festivals
- Film Club – weekly screenings (May‑Aug 2026) featuring classic and contemporary titles.
- Creative Brew – Movement Workshop with Subhashini Goda (23 April, 7 pm).
- Legends of Louth Festival – An Táin contributed a venue for family‑friendly performances during the 2026 edition.
- An Táin International Hill Walking Festival – a weekend walking event on the Cooley Mountains and Slieve Foy, organised in partnership with the local tourism office.
- i Láthair – An tOireachtas Irish‑language residency scheme – applications open until 1 May 2026, offering a six‑month residency for Irish‑language artists.
- Emerging Artist in Residence Programme – supports early‑career visual artists with studio space, mentorship and exhibition opportunities.
Sustainability & Accessibility
An Táin operates under an Environment Policy that minimises waste and promotes eco‑friendly practices. The venue also adheres to the SAFE TO CREATE code of behaviour, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Accessibility – Ground‑floor fully accessible with lift to gallery and workshops; wheelchair‑accessible toilets; limited wheelchair seats in both theatres (complimentary). All trained assistance dogs are welcome.
Support & Gifts
Visitors can contribute via a donation page, purchase gift vouchers for theatre, comedy, music or workshop experiences, or sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Crowe St, Townparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland |
| Phone | +353 42 933 2332 |
| Box Office | +353 42 933 2332 (open Tue‑Sat 10:00‑16:00, 30 min before any out‑of‑hours event) |
| info@antain.ie | |
| Website | www.antain.ie |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday‑Saturday 10:00‑16:00 (plus 30 min before scheduled performances) |
| Basement Gallery Hours | Tuesday‑Saturday 10:00‑16:00 |
| Ticketing | Paperless QR tickets emailed on purchase; €1.50 booking fee per ticket (non‑refundable); concessions for students, seniors (65+), unwaged and carers (ID required); baby passes (under 2 yrs) free |
| Public Transport | Served by Bus Éireann routes 101/102 to Dundalk town centre; nearest bus stop is Crowe Street (≈2 min walk) |
| Parking | Street parking on Crowe Street and surrounding streets – check local signs for any restrictions; no dedicated on‑site car park |
| Dining | The venue partners with Square Restaurant next door for pre‑show meals and post‑show drinks |
Opening times vary according to the programme; specific performance times, exhibition dates and workshop schedules are listed on the centre’s What’s On page (see the main website). The box office handles ticket sales, enquiries about rentals and technical specifications. For technical, rental or programming queries, email the centre’s technical contact at paul@antain.ie.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Dundalk, consider visiting other Louth highlights:
- Carlingford Castle – a well‑preserved Norman fortress overlooking Carlingford Lough.
- Cooley Peninsula – myth‑rich landscape with the legendary Slieve Foy and stunning coastal routes.
- Mellifont Abbey – Ireland’s first Cistercian abbey, a short bus ride from the town centre.
- Dundalk Bay – perfect for a seaside walk before or after a show.
- Millmount Cultural Quarter – historic museum and art space within walking distance.
- Cooley Distillery – Ireland’s trailblazing whiskey hub, a short drive from the town centre.
These sites can easily be combined into a day‑trip, giving you a fuller taste of County Louth’s heritage and natural beauty.