Overview
Roscommon Arts Centre is the only purpose‑built, dedicated arts venue in County Roscommon. Situated in the heart of the town of Roscommon, the centre houses a 194‑seat theatre, a flexible visual‑art gallery and a workshop studio. Its multi‑disciplinary programme blends professional productions with community‑driven projects, aiming to nurture audiences and support artists at every stage of their careers.
History & Development
The centre was created to fill a cultural gap in central Ireland, offering a modern space where the breadth of creative activity in the region could flourish. Backed by Roscommon County Council and The Arts Council, the building was designed from the ground up to accommodate theatre, dance, music, comedy, literature and cinema under one roof. Since its opening, it has become a hub for both established performers and emerging local talent, reinforcing Roscommon’s reputation as a vibrant cultural county. The venue is a member of the NOMAD Theatre Network, the LIVE Literary Network and the Network for Extra‑Ordinary Audiences, which helps bring touring productions and artist residencies to the town.
What to See & Do
Theatre and Performance
The 194‑seat auditorium hosts a rotating programme of plays, comedy nights, dance performances and musical concerts. Recent highlights include Shirley Valentine starring Norma Sheahan, The Love Hungry Farmer with Seamus O’Rourke and the family‑friendly Mikel Murfi Trilogy. Ticket prices typically range from €15 for family packages to €25 for standard adult seats, with concessions for students and seniors.
Cinema
A regular cinema strand showcases Irish and world films, providing a cosy alternative to the larger multiplexes. The intimate setting allows audiences to experience independent cinema in a community atmosphere. Current screenings include the Irish‑produced Spilt Milk and the international feature Horseshoe Wavewalker.
Visual Arts
The on‑site gallery presents rotating exhibitions by professional and community artists. Works span painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media, often accompanied by artist talks and opening receptions. Recent shows have featured Andy Parsons & Bairbre‑Ann Harkin (IMMA Artist Talk) and the TEMPEST exhibition by Steve Wickham.
Workshops & Classes
The centre runs workshops for children and adults, covering everything from introductory painting to advanced dance technique. Ongoing series include:
- Pure Dance with PeeLo School of Dance (May 14‑15, 2024)
- Creative Learning – Boxes & Bodies with Yves Lorrhan Silva Santos (May 8, free)
- Family Accessible Circus with Cormac Mohally (May 20, free)
- Songbirds with Cathy Jordan (weekly Tuesdays from January 13) All sessions require pre‑booking, many of which are free or low‑cost.
Community Engagement
Beyond scheduled performances, the venue offers participatory events such as open‑mic nights, literary readings and comedy workshops. It also supports local artists through residencies and collaborative projects, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for artistic development in the county.
Events & Festivals
The centre’s calendar is packed throughout the year. Notable recurring events include:
- Lollipops Festival – a family‑focused weekend of music, storytelling and crafts (usually in May).
- Bealtaine Twilight Tour – free visual‑arts talks held on the first Wednesday of May.
- Roscommon Solstice Choir – a three‑night choral celebration in early June.
- Comedy Workshops – regular sessions with local comedians such as Cathal Shanagher.
- Seasonal Theatre productions – ranging from classic Irish drama to contemporary works, often coinciding with the county’s summer festival season.
Check the centre’s website for the latest listings and ticket information.
Getting There & Parking
- Address: Circular Road, Ardsallagh More, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.
- Driving: Limited on‑site parking is available; a construction project (noted on the website) may reduce spaces on certain days. Free street parking can be found a short walk away on the north side of the town centre.
- Public transport: Roscommon town is served by Bus Éireann routes 71, 71A and 71X. The stop is a 5‑minute walk from the centre.
- Accessibility: Level access to the auditorium, gallery and workshop spaces; wheelchair‑friendly seating and restrooms are provided.
Facilities & Accessibility
- Box office: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (hours may vary on event days).
- Refreshments: A small café offers tea, coffee and light snacks during intermissions.
- Wi‑Fi: Free for visitors throughout the building.
- Contact: Phone +353 90 662 5824, Email artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie (as listed on Irish Theatre directory).
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Roscommon, consider extending your day with a short walk or drive to other local highlights:
- Boyle Abbey – a well‑preserved 12th‑century Cistercian ruin, 15 km north‑west.
- Roscommon Castle – the medieval tower house that dominates the town’s skyline.
- Strokestown Park House – historic estate with beautiful gardens (see figure above).
- Lough Key Forest Park – a family‑friendly forest park with walking trails and a lake, about 10 km south.
Practical Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity (Theatre) | 194 seats |
| Parking | Limited on‑site; construction may affect availability. Street parking nearby. |
| Website | roscommonartscentre.ie |
| Phone | +353 90 662 5824 |
| artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie | |
| Location (Map) | Google Maps |
| Coordinates | 53.631035, -8.183867 |
Tickets can be purchased online via the centre’s website or at the box office on the day of the event, subject to availability. While there is no fixed admission fee for the building itself, individual events are priced separately. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with level access to the auditorium and gallery spaces.
For families, the centre’s workshops and children’s performances provide a welcoming environment, and many events are scheduled during school holidays. If you plan to attend a popular show, consider booking in advance, especially during the summer festival season when the programme is at its busiest.
The Roscommon Arts Centre also serves as a meeting point for local arts groups, making it a lively spot to mingle with creators and fellow culture enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned theatre lover, a film buff, or simply looking for an engaging indoor activity on a rainy day, the centre offers a rich palette of experiences that showcase the artistic spirit of County Roscommon.