Úlla Búlla Children's Concert at VISUAL Carlow

Úlla Búlla is brand-new children’s music built to be sung and danced along to rather than watched passively, led by Ríona Sally Hartman - musical director of the National Concert Hall’s Echo Band and a composer for children’s television. VISUAL runs the show twice on the same day to fit around nap times and shorter attention spans.

What to Expect

The band performs bilingually in English and Irish, using the songs to introduce young children to basic Irish phrases, jazz-influenced improvisation, and call-and-response singing without requiring any existing Irish language knowledge from the audience. Expect an interactive, moving-around show rather than a seated recital: the band’s own description promises “setting off musical fireworks and making monster melodies,” with children encouraged to sing, clap and dance through the performance. It runs a family-friendly 45 minutes to suit the age group.

Good to Know

• Saturday 24 October 2026, two shows: 12pm and 1:30pm.
• Tickets €12 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.
• Bilingual English/Irish show for young children and accompanying adults; no Irish required to enjoy it.

Getting There

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

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. Because the Úlla Búlla shows run at midday, families can also drop into the free galleries beforehand - they’re open Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5:30pm - and make a longer morning of the trip.