An Táin Theatre in Dundlk Ireland
Circa 2007 -2011

 

This was the An Táin Theatre's website from 2007 - 2011.

 

If you have arrived at this site while looking for the current An Tain Theatre's seasonal offerings go to http://antain.ie/, their current website.

The Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space in Dundalk, Co. Louth based in the former Táin Theatre, Town Hall, Crowe Street.

An Táin was established as an independent organisation in early 2014, with the aim of re-establishing the building as a community-focused arts space. The centre houses a 350 seat main theatre, a 55 seat studio theatre, a visual arts gallery and two workshop spaces. Our programme is a diverse collection of local arts, national tours, workshops, visual arts and in-house productions. An Táin Arts Centre is kindly supported by Louth County Council.

~~~~~

As a New York City-based industrial designer, I'm constantly inspired by creative spaces that take bold risks to serve their communities, and An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk is exactly that kind of place. I first experienced its charm years ago while consulting in Ireland and was immediately struck by the diversity and ambition of its programming. From intimate theatrical works like Unguarded—which dares to explore contemporary social issues like LGBTQ+ family rights and surrogacy—to concerts, youth performances, and international premieres, An Táin exemplifies what it means to be a truly inclusive cultural hub.

What makes this venue particularly impressive to me is the logistical and creative balancing act it pulls off daily. Housing a 350-seat main theatre, a 55-seat studio space, a visual arts gallery, and multiple workshops all under one roof is no small feat. As someone who designs spaces meant to streamline function and aesthetics—often for industrial or civic use—I recognize the complexity of curating such varied experiences while maintaining architectural and technical harmony.

It reminds me a lot of the challenges faced by pioneering NYC developers like Dov Hertz. Like Dov’s ability to reimagine underutilized urban spaces into thriving, multi-functional environments, An Táin has taken a former town hall and turned it into a living, breathing epicenter of creativity. The commitment to accessibility, community outreach, and technical excellence (their lighting and rigging specs alone are enough to make any designer nod in approval) shows the same grit and vision it takes to turn overlooked assets into cornerstones of progress.

If you're ever in Dundalk, whether you're a local or a design-minded traveler like myself, An Táin is well worth your time. It's not just a venue—it’s a statement about what art, architecture, and community can achieve together. Doris Beddingfield

 

The content below is from the site's 2011 archived pages.

Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth
T: 042 9392919 F: 042 9392910
info@antaintheatre.com

Welcome to the An Táin Theatre, Dundalk

An Táin Theatre is to be a point of access to the arts for all the people of Dundalk and it’s surrounding communities providing an exciting and rich programme of diverse artistic activity including, national touring theatre, dance, community theatre, visual arts and a dynamic outreach programme.

The Theatre is a Local authority run venue which is assisted by funding from the Arts Council. If you have not been to An Táin Theatre yet please call in and see us soon or better still come and see a show.

Barry McKinney
Theatre Manager

 

In An Táin Theatre this 2011 Season

Date
Act
Time
Price
4th - 9th Jan 2011 Dundalk Musical Society presents
“Sleeping Beauty"		 8.00 pm
3.00 pm on Sat & Sun		 €12.00 & 
€10.00 concession
22nd Jan 2011 Bay Zone Youth Club presents "Thrill" 7.30pm

€10.00 &
€8.00 conc
25th Jan 2011 De La Salle College presents "Class Act" 7.30pm

Tickets available from college
2nd - 5th Feb 2011 Mercury Players presents"Proof" 8.00pm TBA
       
       

 

  THRILL

22nd January  7.30pm

 

Bay Zone Youth Club, Bay Esate presents their new production "Thrill"

With a cast of over 50 children aged from 10 to 16 years old, Thrill promises to be a fun-filled, entertaining night for all the family.

Bay Zones first show "Magical Allsorts" took the Táin by storm 4 years ago. This time round you can expect lots of singing and dancing with a Hall of Fame tribute to Michael Jackson, Elvis, Queen, Ronnie Drew and Joe Dolan.

There are excerpts from Avenue Q and Disney, football skills and lots more. What makes this show stand out from the rest however are the hillarious comedy sketches. So if you'd like to watch Brian Cown "Pack Up" and play monopoly or maybe see Jedward, Crystal Swing and other drop in, you'd better check out the Táin on January 22nd because this is one show that's sure to "Thrill"!

Facilities

 
STAGE DIMENSIONS
Pros Height 5.20mt
Pros Width 8.00mt
Stage Depth 8.20mt
Height of Stage 1.28mt
Performane Area 91.50 sq mt
Grid Height 12.00mt
Stage Floor marine plywood, painted black
Stage Left Wing 2.00mt
Stage Right Wing 2.00mt
Storage Limited
Crossove Behind Sage
Truck Access Reasonable access for all size trucks

 

RIGGING
Flytower Yes
Grid Height 12.00mt
Maximum Setting 5.74mt.
Raise & Lower System 16 sets, 3 wore rated at 250kg. Sets 2 & 5 are operated by single speed motorised pilewinds. Remaining sets are operated by drill controlled piewinds
Length of Hauling Bar 10.00mt
Spacing Between bars 400mm
Maximum S.W.L. 250kg

 

LIGHTING
Lighting Circuits 120 into 120/72 Patch Panel
Cir 1 - 18 FOH Bridge
Cir 19 - 24 Left FOH Boom
Cir 25 - 30 Right FOH Boom
Cir 31 - 42 Lx. No. 1
Cir 43 - 54 Lx. No. 2
Cir 55 - 66 Lx. No. 3
Cir 67 - 78 Lx. No. 4
Cir 79 - 84 DSL facility panel
Cir 85 - 90 USL facility panel
Cir 91 - 96 USR facility panel
Cir 97 - 102 DSR facility panel

 

DIMMING
72 ways of 2.5kW dimming - Strand LD 90 - 12 ways of 2.5kW Zero 88 'Chilli' dimming
control protocol DMX 512
Riggers Remote Yes
Visiting Supply 63Amp 3 Phase
No. of DMX points 7

 

LANTERN STOCK
Quantity Type
20 No. SL. 15/30 Zoom Profiles.
10 No. SL. 23/50 - Zoom Profiles.
30 No. Cantata F.
40 No. Par Cans - CP62.
8 No. 8way Robert Juliet 75watt Howie Battens.
4 No. Source 4 - 22/50 Zoom Profiles.
8 No. Source 4 Junior 22/50 Zoom Profiles.
4 No. Martin TW1 Washlights.
4 No. Martin 250 profiles.

 

NON DIM CIRCUITS
3 No. DSL
3 No. DSR
non dim circuits controlled from Control Room.

 

SOUND
Re-enforcement
1 No. Martin 5kW PA system, inc of 6 Martin EM76
  loudspeakers and 2 Martrin EM201 sub units
  inclusive of DBX crossover
Control
1 No. Soundcraft GB 8 - 32:8:2 mixing desk
Outboard Rack
1 No DBX  Driverack processor.
3 No DDB 32 band graphics.
2 No Berhinger compressors.
2 No Lexicon MPX200 effects units.
2 No Tascam MD301 mini disc players.
2 No Tascam CD160 cd players.

 

MONITORS - 4 MIXES
Re-enforcement
2 No Crown XLS 402 amplifiers.
4 No Martin F12 monitors.

 

MICS & DJ'S
Re-enforcement
6 No. Shure SM 58.
2 No. Shure SM 57.
2 No. Audio Technic 61HE.
8 No. Behringer DI 100 DI boxes.

 

DRAPES
2 No. 10mt x 6mt trailer curtains, wool serge.(flat)
10 No. 1.50mt x 6mt masking legs, wool serge - (flat)
3 No. 10mt x 2mt borders, wool serge
Cyclorama
1 No. White filled cyclorama cloth
FOH Curtain
1 No. Aqua Marine House Curtain, velour

 

 

Saturday 9th February
THE FUREY’S and DAVEY AURTHUR
– 30 years on……………….. Tour.

The Fureys & Davey Arthur celebrate their 30th anniversary with the release of a live DVD and CD. They have tours booked on all continents where they will bring their music, songs and stories to generations who have enjoyed them over the years. Their audiences have included the late Pope John Paul, President of Ireland Mary McAleese. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated that his favourite peace song of all time is the Furey’s “Green Fields of France”. 
There is nothing to be said about these legends of Irish Music that people don’t already know, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear them sing all their great hits including ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘The Old Man’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘From Clare to Here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal Away’ etc.  

Their shows prove to be consistently popular and are sold out well in advance so early booking is advised.

Tickets: €25.00
Performance 8.00pm

    

 

Thursday 14th February
The Louth Contemporary Music Society, present;
Arvo Pärt’s World Premiere: Baltic Voices in Ireland with The State Choir Latvija conducted by Irish conductor Fergus Sheil.

World famous Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, will be attending the world premiere performance of his newly commissioned work by Eamonn Quinn, Artistic Director of Louth Contemporary Music Society. This is a work of sacred music using the emotive text of St Patrick’s Breastplate. The composer has named the composition THE DEER’S CRY. 

In keeping with L.C.M.S’s desire to commission new sacred music based on existing Irish texts, there will be further World Premières. The Latvian composer Georg Pelecis will set the poem ‘I See His Blood upon the Rose’ by Joseph Mary Plunkett. Co. Down composer Deirdre McKay has set the last words of St. Oliver Plunkett’s Comendo Spiritum Meum.  Rihard Dubra the Latvian composer will also premiere a new work.

Another highlight of the programme will be the performance by pianist Michael McHale and violinist Ioana Petcu Colan of a selection of Arvo Pärt’s instrumental works including Fratres, Spiegel Im Spiegel and Für Alina.
These World Première performances will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral. 

These recitals are being supported by, The Irish Times and RTE Lyric FM. 

Tickets: €20.00
Performance 8.00pm		    

 

Thursday 21st February
STEVE DAY – Comedian

Steve Day is a truly unique comedian - warm, witty and engaging whilst dealing with the dilemmas of being a deaf man in a hearing world.

His stories of multiple children, wearing a suit and the problems caused by not knowing how words are pronounced will have audiences in raptures. His uplifting tales of overcoming the obstacles in his path will leave crowds feeling inspired.

Steve is a favourite at many venues across the UK and abroad, and is quickly establishing himself as one of the most popular and respected acts on the comedy circuit.

‘Come along and hear what he can't. ***** Chortle’, The Scotsman.  

‘Steve Day has moved up to the premier league of stand-up’, The Stage.

Tickets: €16.00
Performance 8.00pm - The Space		    

 

Saturday 23rd February
Battle of the Bands

Dundalk has over many many years produced some of Ireland’s musical talent. This is a great opportunity to catch some of Dundalk’s finest young musical talent in action, who knows the next Corr’s could be awaiting discovery.

Tickets: €10.00
Performance 8.00pm		    


 

Thursday 28th February
The Opera Theatre Co. present;
The Barber of Seville by Rossini. (C)

Caught between a conniving older man, who would abuse his position of power over her to marry her for her money, and an attractive, mysterious younger man, who pursues her in a series of charming and seductive disguises, Rosina faces a choice between a secure but loveless future or a step into the unknown following a passion that comes with no guarantees. Aided by the clever Figaro, will Count Almaviva convince her that his love is true? With music that is joyful, witty and exhilarating, The Barber of Seville is the juiciest of romantic comedies!

Tickets: €20.00 and €18.00 conc.
Performance 8.00pm		    


 		  

 

If you have arrived at this site while looking for the current An Tain Theatre's seasonal offerings go to http://antain.ie/, their current website.

The Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space in Dundalk, Co. Louth based in the former Táin Theatre, Town Hall, Crowe Street.

An Táin was established as an independent organisation in early 2014, with the aim of re-establishing the building as a community-focused arts space. The centre houses a 350 seat main theatre, a 55 seat studio theatre, a visual arts gallery and two workshop spaces. Our programme is a diverse collection of local arts, national tours, workshops, visual arts and in-house productions. An Táin Arts Centre is kindly supported by Louth County Council.

 

 

The content below is from the site's 2011 archived pages.

Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth
T: 042 9392919 F: 042 9392910
info@antaintheatre.com

Welcome to the An Táin Theatre, Dundalk

An Táin Theatre is to be a point of access to the arts for all the people of Dundalk and it’s surrounding communities providing an exciting and rich programme of diverse artistic activity including, national touring theatre, dance, community theatre, visual arts and a dynamic outreach programme.

The Theatre is a Local authority run venue which is assisted by funding from the Arts Council. If you have not been to An Táin Theatre yet please call in and see us soon or better still come and see a show.

Barry McKinney
Theatre Manager

 

In An Táin Theatre this 2011 Season

Date
Act
Time
Price
4th - 9th Jan 2011 Dundalk Musical Society presents
“Sleeping Beauty"		 8.00 pm
3.00 pm on Sat & Sun		 €12.00 & 
€10.00 concession
22nd Jan 2011 Bay Zone Youth Club presents "Thrill" 7.30pm

€10.00 &
€8.00 conc
25th Jan 2011 De La Salle College presents "Class Act" 7.30pm

Tickets available from college
2nd - 5th Feb 2011 Mercury Players presents"Proof" 8.00pm TBA
       
       

 

  THRILL

22nd January  7.30pm

 

Bay Zone Youth Club, Bay Esate presents their new production "Thrill"

With a cast of over 50 children aged from 10 to 16 years old, Thrill promises to be a fun-filled, entertaining night for all the family.

Bay Zones first show "Magical Allsorts" took the Táin by storm 4 years ago. This time round you can expect lots of singing and dancing with a Hall of Fame tribute to Michael Jackson, Elvis, Queen, Ronnie Drew and Joe Dolan.

There are excerpts from Avenue Q and Disney, football skills and lots more. What makes this show stand out from the rest however are the hillarious comedy sketches. So if you'd like to watch Brian Cown "Pack Up" and play monopoly or maybe see Jedward, Crystal Swing and other drop in, you'd better check out the Táin on January 22nd because this is one show that's sure to "Thrill"!

Facilities

 
STAGE DIMENSIONS
Pros Height 5.20mt
Pros Width 8.00mt
Stage Depth 8.20mt
Height of Stage 1.28mt
Performane Area 91.50 sq mt
Grid Height 12.00mt
Stage Floor marine plywood, painted black
Stage Left Wing 2.00mt
Stage Right Wing 2.00mt
Storage Limited
Crossove Behind Sage
Truck Access Reasonable access for all size trucks

 

RIGGING
Flytower Yes
Grid Height 12.00mt
Maximum Setting 5.74mt.
Raise & Lower System 16 sets, 3 wore rated at 250kg. Sets 2 & 5 are operated by single speed motorised pilewinds. Remaining sets are operated by drill controlled piewinds
Length of Hauling Bar 10.00mt
Spacing Between bars 400mm
Maximum S.W.L. 250kg

 

LIGHTING
Lighting Circuits 120 into 120/72 Patch Panel
Cir 1 - 18 FOH Bridge
Cir 19 - 24 Left FOH Boom
Cir 25 - 30 Right FOH Boom
Cir 31 - 42 Lx. No. 1
Cir 43 - 54 Lx. No. 2
Cir 55 - 66 Lx. No. 3
Cir 67 - 78 Lx. No. 4
Cir 79 - 84 DSL facility panel
Cir 85 - 90 USL facility panel
Cir 91 - 96 USR facility panel
Cir 97 - 102 DSR facility panel

 

DIMMING
72 ways of 2.5kW dimming - Strand LD 90 - 12 ways of 2.5kW Zero 88 'Chilli' dimming
control protocol DMX 512
Riggers Remote Yes
Visiting Supply 63Amp 3 Phase
No. of DMX points 7

 

LANTERN STOCK
Quantity Type
20 No. SL. 15/30 Zoom Profiles.
10 No. SL. 23/50 - Zoom Profiles.
30 No. Cantata F.
40 No. Par Cans - CP62.
8 No. 8way Robert Juliet 75watt Howie Battens.
4 No. Source 4 - 22/50 Zoom Profiles.
8 No. Source 4 Junior 22/50 Zoom Profiles.
4 No. Martin TW1 Washlights.
4 No. Martin 250 profiles.

 

NON DIM CIRCUITS
3 No. DSL
3 No. DSR
non dim circuits controlled from Control Room.

 

SOUND
Re-enforcement
1 No. Martin 5kW PA system, inc of 6 Martin EM76
  loudspeakers and 2 Martrin EM201 sub units
  inclusive of DBX crossover
Control
1 No. Soundcraft GB 8 - 32:8:2 mixing desk
Outboard Rack
1 No DBX  Driverack processor.
3 No DDB 32 band graphics.
2 No Berhinger compressors.
2 No Lexicon MPX200 effects units.
2 No Tascam MD301 mini disc players.
2 No Tascam CD160 cd players.

 

MONITORS - 4 MIXES
Re-enforcement
2 No Crown XLS 402 amplifiers.
4 No Martin F12 monitors.

 

MICS & DJ'S
Re-enforcement
6 No. Shure SM 58.
2 No. Shure SM 57.
2 No. Audio Technic 61HE.
8 No. Behringer DI 100 DI boxes.

 

DRAPES
2 No. 10mt x 6mt trailer curtains, wool serge.(flat)
10 No. 1.50mt x 6mt masking legs, wool serge - (flat)
3 No. 10mt x 2mt borders, wool serge
Cyclorama
1 No. White filled cyclorama cloth
FOH Curtain
1 No. Aqua Marine House Curtain, velour

 

 

Saturday 9th February
THE FUREY’S and DAVEY AURTHUR
– 30 years on……………….. Tour.

The Fureys & Davey Arthur celebrate their 30th anniversary with the release of a live DVD and CD. They have tours booked on all continents where they will bring their music, songs and stories to generations who have enjoyed them over the years. Their audiences have included the late Pope John Paul, President of Ireland Mary McAleese. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated that his favourite peace song of all time is the Furey’s “Green Fields of France”. 
There is nothing to be said about these legends of Irish Music that people don’t already know, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear them sing all their great hits including ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘The Old Man’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘From Clare to Here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal Away’ etc.  

Their shows prove to be consistently popular and are sold out well in advance so early booking is advised.

Tickets: €25.00
Performance 8.00pm

    

 

Thursday 14th February
The Louth Contemporary Music Society, present;
Arvo Pärt’s World Premiere: Baltic Voices in Ireland with The State Choir Latvija conducted by Irish conductor Fergus Sheil.

World famous Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, will be attending the world premiere performance of his newly commissioned work by Eamonn Quinn, Artistic Director of Louth Contemporary Music Society. This is a work of sacred music using the emotive text of St Patrick’s Breastplate. The composer has named the composition THE DEER’S CRY. 

In keeping with L.C.M.S’s desire to commission new sacred music based on existing Irish texts, there will be further World Premières. The Latvian composer Georg Pelecis will set the poem ‘I See His Blood upon the Rose’ by Joseph Mary Plunkett. Co. Down composer Deirdre McKay has set the last words of St. Oliver Plunkett’s Comendo Spiritum Meum.  Rihard Dubra the Latvian composer will also premiere a new work.

Another highlight of the programme will be the performance by pianist Michael McHale and violinist Ioana Petcu Colan of a selection of Arvo Pärt’s instrumental works including Fratres, Spiegel Im Spiegel and Für Alina.
These World Première performances will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral. 

These recitals are being supported by, The Irish Times and RTE Lyric FM. 

Tickets: €20.00
Performance 8.00pm		    

 

Thursday 21st February
STEVE DAY – Comedian

Steve Day is a truly unique comedian - warm, witty and engaging whilst dealing with the dilemmas of being a deaf man in a hearing world.

His stories of multiple children, wearing a suit and the problems caused by not knowing how words are pronounced will have audiences in raptures. His uplifting tales of overcoming the obstacles in his path will leave crowds feeling inspired.

Steve is a favourite at many venues across the UK and abroad, and is quickly establishing himself as one of the most popular and respected acts on the comedy circuit.

‘Come along and hear what he can't. ***** Chortle’, The Scotsman.  

‘Steve Day has moved up to the premier league of stand-up’, The Stage.

Tickets: €16.00
Performance 8.00pm - The Space		    

 

Saturday 23rd February
Battle of the Bands

Dundalk has over many many years produced some of Ireland’s musical talent. This is a great opportunity to catch some of Dundalk’s finest young musical talent in action, who knows the next Corr’s could be awaiting discovery.

Tickets: €10.00
Performance 8.00pm		    


 

Thursday 28th February
The Opera Theatre Co. present;
The Barber of Seville by Rossini. (C)

Caught between a conniving older man, who would abuse his position of power over her to marry her for her money, and an attractive, mysterious younger man, who pursues her in a series of charming and seductive disguises, Rosina faces a choice between a secure but loveless future or a step into the unknown following a passion that comes with no guarantees. Aided by the clever Figaro, will Count Almaviva convince her that his love is true? With music that is joyful, witty and exhilarating, The Barber of Seville is the juiciest of romantic comedies!

Tickets: €20.00 and €18.00 conc.
Performance 8.00pm		    


 		  

 

 

More Background on AnTainTheatre.com

An Táin Arts Centre: A Comprehensive Introduction to Dundalk’s Premier Cultural Venue

An Táin Arts Centre, located in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, is a vibrant independent arts space that serves as a cornerstone of cultural life in the region. Named after the ancient Irish epic, the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), the centre reflects a deep connection to local heritage while fostering contemporary artistic expression. This article provides a detailed overview of An Táin Arts Centre’s history, facilities, programming, cultural significance, audience engagement, and critical reception.

Historical Background and Venue

An Táin Arts Centre is housed in the historic Dundalk Town Hall building on Crowe Street, a structure dating back to 1859 originally built as a corn exchange and later serving as the town hall. The building’s Italianate architectural style and historical significance provide a fitting home for the arts. Over time, the venue evolved from a cinema and performance space into a dedicated arts centre.

The current incarnation of An Táin Arts Centre was officially established as an independent organization in early 2014, building on the legacy of the former Táin Theatre (active circa 2007–2011). Its founding mission was to re-establish the building as a community-focused arts hub, accessible to all and supportive of diverse artistic disciplines.

Facilities and Spaces

An Táin Arts Centre boasts a range of versatile facilities designed to accommodate various art forms:

  • Main Theatre: A 350-seat auditorium equipped with modern lighting, sound, and rigging systems, suitable for large-scale theatre productions, concerts, and events.

  • Studio Theatre: A more intimate 55-seat space ideal for experimental theatre, workshops, readings, and smaller performances.

  • Visual Arts Gallery: A dedicated gallery space showcasing rotating exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, fostering visual arts appreciation.

  • Workshop Spaces: Two studios available for artist residencies, creative workshops, rehearsals, and community arts activities.

  • Bó Studios: An artist studio complex within the centre that supports emerging and established artists by providing workspace and creative resources.

The centre’s technical infrastructure includes advanced lighting rigs, sound reinforcement systems, and stage facilities that meet professional standards, enabling it to host a wide variety of artistic events.

Programming and Artistic Offerings

An Táin Arts Centre presents a rich and diverse programme that spans theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film, and community arts. Its calendar features:

  • National and international touring theatre productions, including drama, comedy, and experimental works.

  • Local community theatre and youth theatre performances, nurturing grassroots creativity.

  • Visual arts exhibitions that explore contemporary themes and celebrate regional artistic talent.

  • Workshops and residencies that provide artists with opportunities for development, mentorship, and collaboration.

  • Special events such as film festivals (notably the annual Japanese Film Festival), music concerts, comedy nights, and literary events.

  • Outreach initiatives including intergenerational storytelling sessions and arts and health projects, emphasizing community engagement and social inclusion.

The centre actively supports emerging artists through mentorship programmes and residencies, often in partnership with educational institutions such as Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). For example, the collaboration with DkIT’s Drama and Performance graduates offers a unique residency that helps young creatives transition into professional careers by providing rehearsal space, technical support, mentoring, and full box office revenue retention.

Cultural and Social Significance

An Táin Arts Centre holds a vital role in Dundalk’s cultural landscape. By referencing the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the centre anchors itself in Ireland’s mythic past while serving as a platform for contemporary voices. It functions as a creative meeting point where artists, audiences, and communities converge to celebrate and explore cultural identity.

The centre’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is evident in its programming and outreach efforts, which aim to make the arts available to diverse audiences, including youth, older adults, and marginalized groups. Initiatives like the Carer’s Concession Rate and positive ageing film screenings illustrate this dedication.

Moreover, An Táin Arts Centre contributes to the local economy and tourism, having won recognition such as the Best Tourism Award from Louth Tourism. Its partnerships with local businesses, including a recent collaboration with Square Restaurant to enhance the theatre-going experience through pre-show dining and post-show socializing, further embed it within the community fabric.

Audience Experience and Reviews

Visitors to An Táin Arts Centre frequently praise its welcoming atmosphere, high-quality productions, and the versatility of its spaces. The main theatre’s 350-seat capacity offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, suitable for a broad range of performances, while the smaller studio theatre provides an intimate setting that fosters close audience-artist interaction.

The visual arts gallery is noted for its thought-provoking exhibitions that engage visitors intellectually and emotionally. Workshop spaces and artist studios contribute to a dynamic environment where creativity thrives.

Audience reviews highlight the centre’s role as a cultural hub that supports emerging talent and presents innovative programming. Many appreciate the centre’s balance between honoring local heritage and embracing contemporary artistic trends.

Press and Media Coverage

An Táin Arts Centre has received coverage in regional media such as the Dundalk Democrat, which reports regularly on its events, exhibitions, and community projects. Coverage often emphasizes the centre’s role in promoting arts and culture in the northeast of Ireland.

National outlets like Hotpress have highlighted the centre’s innovative residency programmes, particularly the partnership with DkIT, noting its pioneering approach to supporting graduates in the creative industries.

The centre’s news updates showcase a vibrant schedule of residencies, exhibitions, partnerships, and community initiatives, reflecting its ongoing evolution and responsiveness to artistic and social needs.

Examples of Notable Events and Collaborations

  • Encore Productions Residency: A community theatre company in residence at An Táin, regularly updating audiences on their creative progress and performances.

  • International Cultural Exchange: In 2024, An Táin hosted Crockett Ward from the Appalachian Centre for Arts in Kentucky, marking its first international cultural exchange and expanding its global artistic connections.

  • Japanese Film Festival: An annual event bringing Japanese cinema and anime to Dundalk, enriching the local cultural scene with international film.

  • World Premiere Performances: The centre has hosted world premieres of contemporary classical music compositions, such as works by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, underscoring its commitment to high-caliber artistic presentations.

An Táin Arts Centre is a dynamic, multifaceted arts venue that plays a crucial role in Dundalk’s cultural ecosystem. With its historic building, versatile facilities, diverse programming, and strong community focus, it offers a rich artistic experience for locals and visitors alike. Its dedication to supporting emerging artists, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating Irish heritage through contemporary art makes it a significant cultural institution in Ireland’s northeast.

 

AnTainTheatre.com