Carlow gets the last laugh with comedy festival

FOR four days in December, Carlow residents will be treated to some of Ireland’s top comedic talent.

Stand-up, storytelling and festive events will run from Thursday 11 December to Sunday 14 December in Carlow town venues. The line-up features well-known Irish comedians and emerging local acts.

Neil Delamare, Martin Angolo, Aoife Dunne and Kevin McGahern will light up the Seven Oaks Hotel on Friday, with Scraggs Alley being the venue for Fred Cooke, Jason Brennan, Edwin Sammon and Kev Larney on Saturday. Emma Doran, Aideen McQueen and Emman Idama will perform on Sunday in Barracks. Tully’s and Teach Dolmain will also host events.

The 2025 festival is a pilot project, led by Carlow County Council in partnership with Carlow comedian Shannon Basso Gaule, to explore new ways of supporting Carlow’s night-time economy and enhancing its reputation as a lively and creative destination. The suite of comedy shows will also form part of Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow (see page 3).

“We’ve curated a diverse range of acts, from hilarious stand-up to storytelling and character comedy – something to suit all tastes”, said Mr Basso Gaule.

“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”, said mayor of Carlow cllr Paul Doogue.

Carlow County Council has also ensured the events are affordable, with tickets ranging from €10 to €17 per show. Additionally, all proceeds from the festival will go towards putting on the 2026 Pan Celtic International Festival next Easter.

Tickets for all comedy events are available via Eventbrite. Early booking is advised, as performances are expected to sell out quickly.