Four Nights of Stand-Up, Storytelling & Festive Fun – All in Aid of Pan Celtic Festival 2026
Get ready to laugh your way into Christmas as Carlow Comedy Festival 2025 takes centre stage this December as part of Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow. Running from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th December, the festival brings together some of Ireland’s top comedic talent across Carlow’s favourite venues all in support of the upcoming Pan Celtic International Festival 2026.
This year’s festival promises four nights of stand-up, storytelling, and festive fun designed to lift spirits and celebrate Carlow’s thriving night-time economy. The line-up features well-known Irish comedians and emerging local acts performing across multiple venues, offering laughter and live entertainment for audiences of all ages.
Event Line-Up:
- Thursday, 11th December – Teach Dolman: Shite Talk
- Friday, 12th December – Seven Oaks Hotel: Neil Delamare, Martin Angolo, Aoife Dunne & Kevin McGahern
- Saturday, 13th December – Scraggs Alley: Fred Cooke, Jason Brennan, Edwin Sammon & Kev Larney
- Sunday, 14th December – Barracks: Emma Doran, Aideen McQueen & Emman Idama
- Sunday, 14th December – Tully’s: The Last Christmas Laugh
- Thursday, 11th December – Teach Dolman: Shite Talk
- Friday, 12th December – Seven Oaks Hotel: Neil Delamare, Martin Angolo, Aoife Dunne & Kevin McGahern
- Saturday, 13th December – Scraggs Alley: Fred Cooke, Jason Brennan, Edwin Sammon & Kev Larney
- Sunday, 14th December – Barracks: Emma Doran, Aideen McQueen & Emman Idama
- Sunday, 14th December – Tully’s: The Last Christmas Laugh
All proceeds from the festival go directly to supporting the Pan Celtic International Festival 2026, and the event promises a great Christmas night out for everyone. Whether attending with family, friends, colleagues, or as a couple, the festival offers laughter, entertainment, and festive cheer in a welcoming atmosphere. Organisers encourage everyone to invite their wider network to join in, enjoy the performances, and spend an evening in Carlow, supporting local venues, businesses, and the growing night-time economy.
Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Carlow, Cllr. Paul Doogue, said:
“Carlow Comedy Festival captures everything that’s great about our community creativity, collaboration, and a shared sense of fun. It’s wonderful to see local venues and performers come together to raise funds for the Pan Celtic Festival 2026, while also adding to the vibrant night-time experience that Carlow is known for. Events like this show that our county centre is a place not just for shopping and dining, but for great entertainment and shared moments of joy.”
The 2025 festival is being developed as a pilot project, led by Carlow County Council in partnership with Shannon Basso Gaule, to explore new ways of animating Carlow’s night-time economy through arts, entertainment, and creative experiences.
Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer with Carlow County Council, said:
“The Carlow Comedy Festival is a fantastic example of how collaboration between local government, creative entrepreneurs, and hospitality businesses can strengthen our night-time economy. By bringing people together for great entertainment and social connection, we’re supporting local venues, encouraging footfall in the town, and building a more vibrant and sustainable evening culture. This pilot programme is about testing new ideas that will continue to grow Carlow’s reputation as a lively and creative destination.”
Speaking about the festival Shannon Basso Gaule said “Putting together the Carlow Comedy Festival has been an exciting and unique opportunity for the town. We’ve curated a diverse range of acts, from hilarious stand-up to storytelling and character comedy something to suit all tastes. Each performance has been carefully designed with one focus in mind: to deliver a truly memorable and entertaining night out in Carlow Town. We’re delighted to bring this mix of talent and festive fun to the community as part of Féile Lonrach”.
Carlow County Council have also ensured the events are great value for money, with tickets ranging from €10 to €17 per show, making it an affordable and enjoyable night out for everyone.
The Carlow Comedy Festival is delivered as part of Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow, coordinated by Carlow County Council in partnership with County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Regional Youth Services, and An Garda Síochána.
Tickets for all comedy events are available via Eventbrite. Early booking is advised, as performances are expected to sell out quickly.
Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/carlow-comedy-festival-shite-talk-live-at-teach-dolmain-tickets-1963783226494?aff=oddtdtcreator
Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/carlow-comedy-festival-neil-delamare-support-tickets-1963791929525?aff=oddtdtcreator
Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/carlow-comedy-festival-fred-cooke-support-tickets-1963794116065?aff=oddtdtcreator
Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/carlow-comedy-festival-emma-doran-tickets-1963797568391?aff=oddtdtcreator