Overview
Ramor Theatre (also known as Ramor Arts Centre) sits on Main Street in the market town of Virginia, County Cavan. Housed in a former 19th‑century Catholic church, the venue blends historic architecture with modern stage technology. The 200‑seat auditorium, a cosy coffee dock, a wine bar and an upper‑floor exhibition space make it a cultural hub for the whole region.
History
The building was erected around 1845 as St Mary’s Catholic Church on land donated by the Marquis of Headfort. Constructed in just nine months during the famine years, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The last mass was celebrated on 7 October 1989, after which the church fell silent. In 1994 the Cavan County Manager, Brian Johnston, championed its conversion into a professional theatre. Backed by a FÁS training scheme and funding from the Arts Council and Cavan County Council, the renovation was completed and the venue opened to the public in September 1999. Today it is the only purpose‑built professional performance space in County Cavan and a proud member of the NOMAD network of venues.
Resident Company and Education
Ramor Theatre is home to Livin’ Dred Theatre Company, which produces a year‑round programme of professional productions on the main stage. The venue also supports Ramor Players, an amateur group that stages several shows each year, and runs a vibrant youth arts programme that includes drama workshops, dance classes and school‑linked projects. The theatre’s educational outreach aims to nurture a love of the performing arts across the county.
Technical Specs
The auditorium features a proscenium arch stage with the following dimensions:
- Height to grid: 4.5 m
- Width: 6.4 m
- Depth: 7.5 m State‑of‑the‑art lighting and audio systems allow for a wide range of productions, from intimate dramas to full‑scale operas and ballets.
What to See & Do
- Live performances – A full programme of drama, musical theatre, classical and traditional concerts, opera, ballet and comedy tours the calendar year. The intimate layout means the audience is often just a few metres from the performers, creating a “front‑room” feel praised by both artists and visitors.
- Ramor Film Club – Established in 2004, the club screens a curated selection of world cinema, cult classics and special programmes for younger audiences. Screenings are held in the theatre’s main hall and are open to members and the public.
- Exhibition space – The top‑floor gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of local and national visual artists, providing a visual complement to the performing‑arts schedule.
- Workshops & community projects – From youth drama with the Ramor Players to dance classes and arts‑based conferences, the centre offers a calendar of participatory events that invite visitors to try their hand at creativity.
- Wine bar & coffee dock – Before the curtain rises and during intermissions, guests can relax with tea, coffee, wine and a selection of treats, adding a social dimension to the cultural experience.
Events & Festivals
Ramor Theatre is a key venue in the annual Cavan Arts Festival, presenting a mix of jazz, traditional Irish music, contemporary dance and theatre. Its diverse programme also includes touring national and international acts, ensuring that each visit offers something new. The venue’s flexible space makes it suitable for conferences, community meetings and private functions.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Show nights* | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (doors) |
| Show start | 8:00 pm sharp |
*Show‑night hours apply only when a performance is scheduled; otherwise the venue remains closed to the public after 4 pm.
Tickets & Booking
Tickets are sold online via the theatre’s booking portal (Ticketsolve) and at the box office on the ground floor. Because the auditorium seats roughly 200 people, popular shows can sell out quickly, so early booking is advisable.
Accessibility
Recent renovations have improved wheelchair access throughout the building, including ramped entrances and accessible restroom facilities. The seating layout ensures that every patron enjoys an unobstructed view of the stage.
Getting There
- By car – The venue is situated on the main Cavan–Dublin road (A82), with on‑site parking available at the rear of the building.
- Public transport – Regular Local Link bus services stop in the town centre on Main Street, a short walk from the theatre. The most convenient routes are:
- C1 (Ballyhaise – Cavan Town) and C2 (Ballinagh – Cavan Town), both of which call at the Virginia town‑centre stop.
- Route 929 (Corlough – Killeshandra – Cavan Town) also passes through Virginia. Timetables can be checked on the Local Link website.
- Cycling – Bike racks are provided near the entrance for cyclists.
Contact & Location
- Address: 5 Main St, Virginia, Co. Cavan, A82 N9X7, Ireland
- Phone: +353 49 854 074
- Website: www.ramortheatre.com
- Coordinates: 53.833863 N, ‑7.080184 W
Funding & Community Role
Ramor Theatre is a local‑authority‑run venue supported by the Arts Council and Cavan County Council. It also welcomes donations and offers gift vouchers that allow friends and family to choose from over 50 shows each year.
Nearby Attractions
While in Virginia, visitors can explore the historic Headfort House, stroll along the River Erne, or sample local cuisine in the town’s cosy cafés. A short drive brings you to the Cavan County Museum (cavan-county-museum), which showcases the region’s archaeological and cultural heritage. The theatre’s central location makes it a natural anchor for a day of cultural and scenic discovery in Ireland’s “Hidden Heartlands”.