Overview
Strule Arts Centre sits on the banks of the River Strule in the heart of Omagh, County Tyrone. Since opening in 2008, the venue has established itself as the town’s creative hub, blending contemporary architecture with a diverse programme of theatre, music, visual arts and community events. Inside, visitors will find a 384-seat auditorium, a 125-seat lecture theatre, a visual-arts gallery, dedicated dance and recording studios, meeting rooms and a relaxed café-bar. The ground floor also houses the Omagh Visitor Information Centre, making it a convenient first stop for maps, tickets and local advice.
Architecture & Design
The centre replaced Omagh’s historic Town Hall, which was demolished in 2003. Designed by Kennedy Fitzgerald and Associates, the £10.5 million regeneration project was officially opened in January 2008 by Ministers Edwin Poots and Margaret Ritchie. The building’s glass-filled façade, cantilevered roof and open public spaces were designed to connect the High Street, George Street and Riverside precincts while framing views of the river. Its contemporary approach earned an RIBA Regional Award and an RSUA Design Award in 2008, cementing its status as a landmark of urban renewal in Tyrone.
What’s On: Theatre, Music & Comedy
The main auditorium stages a rotating calendar of touring productions, locally developed musicals, comedy nights and dance performances. Recent programming has featured West-End calibre shows like Annie, alongside homegrown talent and regional orchestras. Music events draw both established acts and emerging artists, with past lineups including Kimmie Rhodes, Proud Mary and the Ulster Orchestra. Comedy and drama seasons run throughout the year, often pairing well-known UK and Irish performers with local theatre companies.
Galleries & Exhibitions
The on-site gallery presents changing exhibitions that are free to view during opening hours. Recent shows have highlighted regional artists and cultural themes, including Connection by Buncrana-based artist Veronica Buchanan and Colours of Culture, a photographic exploration of Irish and Highland dance traditions across local landscapes. The gallery also hosts community-driven installations and themed displays, such as the temporary rooftop exhibition dedicated to Omagh’s 1960s-70s show-band era.
Workshops, Talks & Learning
Strule’s educational programme caters to all ages and abilities. Classes range from Pilates and chair dance for beginners to contemporary dance series for active seniors. The lecture theatre hosts author readings, historical talks and craft workshops, including sessions on Ulster’s linen heritage and local railway history. Schools and community groups regularly use the venue for performances and educational outings, with tailored packages available through the centre’s learning team.
Community & Heritage
Beyond its performance schedule, Strule Arts Centre actively supports local heritage initiatives. The rooftop museum space continues to develop as a permanent home for town history, starting with the show-band memorabilia collection. The centre also helps maintain the Omagh Music Heritage Walking Trail, a self-guided route marking historic dance halls, ballrooms and musical landmarks across the town. Past exhibitions like Railways that Shaped Tyrone have combined photographs, oral histories and artefacts to preserve regional stories.
Visiting & Practical Information
The centre operates Monday to Tuesday from 09:30 to 17:00, and Wednesday to Saturday from 09:30 until 22:20 on performance evenings. It is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless a special event is scheduled. Admission to gallery exhibitions is free, while ticket prices for shows, concerts and workshops vary by event. Bookings and detailed pricing are available through the official website or the on-site box office.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available via the Omagh Visitor Information Centre entrance. Baby-changing facilities are located in the café area.
- Parking: There is no on-site car park. Free and pay-and-display options are available nearby, including the High Street and George Street car parks.
- Getting around: Regular bus services stop within a five-minute walk. Taxis are readily available for short trips across town.
- Venue hire: Flexible spaces are available for conferences, meetings and private functions, ranging from small meeting rooms to the full auditorium. In-house catering is provided, and gift vouchers can be purchased online.
Nearby Attractions
A short walk from the arts centre leads to other cultural and historical highlights in Omagh. The Ulster American Folk Park offers an immersive look at Irish emigration history, while the town’s riverside walks provide a pleasant route through the regenerated precincts. For visitors exploring wider County Tyrone, Baronscourt offers grand estate gardens and a historic house, Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown provides additional theatre and exhibitions, and the Alley Arts & Conference Centre hosts community performances in Omagh.
Check the official website for the latest programme, ticket availability and seasonal promotions: Strule Arts Centre – What’s On.
The box office opens at 09:30 on weekdays, giving you plenty of time to collect tickets, browse the free gallery exhibitions and settle into the café before a performance. Booking in advance is recommended for popular shows, as the 384-seat auditorium fills quickly during peak seasons.