Thanks For The Dance - The Leonard Cohen Story at VISUAL Carlow

Thanks For The Dance takes its title from Leonard Cohen’s final album, released shortly after his death in 2016, and this touring show by the seven-piece band Cohen Unlimited works through his songbook alongside stories from his life rather than presenting a straight covers set.

What to Expect

Lead singer Robert Doyle carries the vocals and narration, backed by Louise Jameson and Jhil Quinn on vocals, Enid Conaghan on violin, Ben Dunne on bass, Keith Pogue on drums, Chiara Brown on keyboards and Fergal Canterbury on lead guitar. The approximately two-and-a-half-hour show recreates elements of the staging from Cohen’s own final world tour, with biographical projections running behind the band, and includes material from his last two albums that he never performed live before his death, alongside the songs most audiences will already know - “Hallelujah”, “Suzanne”, “Dance Me to the End of Love.”

Good to Know

• Friday 2 October 2026, 8pm, roughly 2.5 hours long.
• Tickets €32 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.