Eddi Reader and The Alan Kelly Gang at VISUAL Carlow

Eddi Reader, best known as the voice of Fairground Attraction’s “Perfect”, has spent over two decades touring alongside Irish piano accordion player Alan Kelly, and this Carlow date is part of a partnership that has sold out Irish tours for 13 consecutive years running. It’s a Scottish-Irish collaboration built on genuine long-term chemistry rather than a one-off pairing.

What to Expect

Reader’s distinctive, powerful voice fronts an ensemble led by Kelly’s accordion, filled out by Steph Geremia on flute and vocals, John Douglas of the Trashcan Sinatras on guitar, Kris Drever of Lau on guitar and songwriting, and Jim Higgins on percussion. Between them the group draws on Scottish and Irish traditional music, reworked through folk arrangements that lean toward “buoyant harmonies” and instrumental interplay rather than straight covers. The show has drawn a five-star review from The Irish Times, and with a lineup this deep in working folk musicians, expect a genuinely live, unscripted feel to how the songs are arranged on the night.

Good to Know

• Sunday 20 September 2026, 8pm.
• Tickets €34 including booking fee, online, in person or by phone through the box office (059 917 2400).
• The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, VISUAL Carlow, Old Dublin Road, Carlow Town.
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable; groups of more than 8 or wheelchair users should contact the box office directly.

Getting There

VISUAL is on the Old Dublin Road on the northern edge of Carlow Town, with its own car park. It’s roughly a 20-minute walk from Carlow railway station on the Dublin Heuston to Waterford line, or a short taxi ride.

About the Venue

VISUAL opened in 2009 on land donated by Carlow College, built after an international design competition won by British architect Terry Pawson. The complex pairs the 330-seat George Bernard Shaw Theatre with gallery space that stages around 15 exhibitions a year, and admission to the galleries is free, Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5:30pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. It’s worth building in time before or after a show to see what’s currently on display.