Overview
Strule Arts Centre sits on the banks of the River Strule in the heart of Omagh, County Tyrone. Opened in 2007, the award‑winning venue combines a modern architectural silhouette with a programme that celebrates everything from contemporary visual art to West‑End style musical theatre. Inside you’ll find a 384‑seat auditorium, a 125‑seat lecture theatre, a visual‑arts gallery, a dance studio, a recording studio, meeting rooms and a welcoming café‑bar. The ground‑floor Omagh Visitor Information Centre makes it easy to pick up maps, tickets and local advice in one stop.
History
The story of Strule Arts Centre begins with the demolition of Omagh’s historic Town Hall in 2003. The £10.5 million regeneration project, designed by Kennedy Fitzgerald and Associates, aimed to revitalise the High Street, George Street and Riverside precincts. Over four years of planning and construction, the new building rose beside the River Strule, offering panoramic views of the town centre. Officially opened in January 2008 by Ministers Edwin Poots and Margaret Ritchie, the centre has since become a cultural cornerstone for the community and a showcase for Northern Irish creativity.
Awards & Architecture
Strule Arts Centre’s striking contemporary design has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the RIBA Regional Award and the RSUA Design Award, both received in 2008. The building’s glass‑filled façade, cantilevered roof and open public spaces were praised for blending modern aesthetics with the historic riverside setting, making it a landmark of urban regeneration in Omagh.
What to See & Do
Performing Arts
The 384‑seat theatre hosts a rotating calendar of productions, from touring West‑End hits like Annie to locally produced musical theatre, comedy nights and dance performances. Recent music highlights include Kimmie Rhodes (8 May 2026) and Proud Mary (9 May 2026). The Ulster Orchestra’s “Highlands & Fjords” concert (24 April) exemplifies the calibre of music events on offer.
Visual Arts & Exhibitions
The on‑site gallery presents changing exhibitions, many of free to the public. Recent highlights include the Easter Studio Art Exhibition (2 April) and a series of community‑driven installations. Upcoming talks such as Linen Threads of Ulster (14 May) explore the region’s textile heritage.
Workshops & Learning
Strule’s workshop programme caters to all ages. Options range from a four‑week Pilates course (£8 per class) to a Chair Dance class for beginners, and an Active Seniors Contemporary Dance course (£35 for the four‑week series). Talks such as Simon Yates’ “Pleasure & Pain” (16 April) and “Remembering the Railway in Omagh” (23 April) add literary and historical depth.
Film & Special Screenings
The venue’s cinema‑style screenings include niche programmes like the dementia‑friendly showing of The Ladykillers (15 April). As part of Intergenerational Week 2026, South West College students screened Remembering Together (28 April) and a community‑focused film series.
Café & Social Space
The on‑site café provides a relaxed setting to discuss the day’s performances over tea, coffee or a light bite. Baby‑changing facilities make it family‑friendly, and free Wi‑Fi keeps visitors connected.
Current Exhibitions
- Connection – a solo exhibition by Buncrana‑based artist Veronica Buchanan, running from 3 November 2025 to 29 November 2025. The show explores memory, relationships and personal narrative across drawing, painting, ceramics and textiles. Admission is free.
- Colours of Culture – a photographic exhibition (29 May 2025 – 28 June 2025) celebrating Irish and Highland dance traditions, featuring images taken at Crom Estate, Gortin Glens Forest Park, the Ulster American Folk Park and other local sites. Free entry during regular opening hours.
- Show‑Band Era Museum Display – a temporary rooftop exhibition that showcases memorabilia from Omagh’s vibrant show‑band scene of the 1960s‑70s. The display is part of a developing rooftop museum space that will eventually house a permanent local‑heritage collection.
Community & Heritage Initiatives
Strule Arts Centre is increasingly acting as a cultural hub beyond performances. A rooftop museum space has been created to host temporary heritage exhibitions, the first of which highlighted the town’s show‑band legacy. The centre also supports the Omagh Music Heritage Walking Trail, a self‑guided route that points out historic dance halls, ballrooms and other musical landmarks across the town.
In April 2022 the centre hosted the “Railways that Shaped Tyrone” exhibition, tracing the impact of historic railway lines on the county’s development. The exhibition combined photographs, oral histories and artefacts, reinforcing Strule’s role in preserving local history.
Venue Hire & Gift Vouchers
Strule Arts Centre offers flexible hire spaces from intimate 4‑person rooms up to the full 384‑seat auditorium, suitable for conferences, community meetings and private functions. Competitive rates are available for both commercial and community users, and in‑house catering is provided by the Strule Café. Gift vouchers can be purchased online and make an ideal present for birthdays or Christmas.
Getting Here
- Public transport – Regular bus services run through Omagh town centre; the nearest stop is a 5‑minute walk from the centre. Buses typically run every 30 minutes and cost £2‑£4 depending on the route.
- Taxi – Local taxis are readily available and can reach the venue within 5‑10 minutes from most parts of town (fares £5‑£10).
- Walking – If you are staying in central Omagh, the centre is easily reachable on foot via well‑maintained pavements; most routes take 10‑20 minutes.
- Parking – There is no on‑site car park. Free or pay‑and‑display town‑centre car parks are located a short walk away, including the High Street Car Park and the George Street Car Park.
Practical Information
Strule Arts Centre welcomes guests Monday to Saturday. Regular opening hours are 09:30‑17:00, extending to 22:20 on performance evenings (Wednesday‑Saturday). The centre is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless a special event is scheduled.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday‑Tuesday | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday‑Saturday (performance nights) | 09:30 – 22:20 |
| Sunday & Bank Holidays | Closed (unless otherwise stated) |
Ticket prices differ by event; detailed pricing is available on the official website. Admission to most gallery exhibitions is free, making it an excellent low‑cost cultural stop.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Omagh, consider a short walk to the Ulster American Folk Park for a glimpse of Irish diaspora history, or visit the historic Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown for additional performances. The grand Baronscourt estate, a short drive away, offers beautiful gardens and a historic house worth exploring. For another cultural venue in the town, see the nearby Alley Arts & Conference Centre.
For the latest programme, ticket booking and any seasonal promotions, check the official site: Strule Arts Centre – What’s On.
Strule Arts Centre remains a vibrant testament to Omagh’s cultural renaissance, offering a year‑round calendar that satisfies both locals and tourists seeking high‑quality arts experiences in a welcoming, accessible environment.