About Us

The Garage Theatre takes its name from a reference in Pat McCabe’s book, The Butcher Boy – Francie’s mother has a breakdown and he says she has gone into the Garage to get it fixed! (The theatre was previously  located in a disused ward in St Davnet’s Psychiatric Hospital, Armagh Road, Co. Monaghan). Opened in 1993 following an initiative by the VEC, it was originally funded by the VEC, Monaghan Dramatic Society and the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. This funding was to provide a temporary theatre space.

In 2013, the Garage Theatre was relocated to a purpose built state of the art facility, located on the Monaghan Education Campus, on the Armagh Road on the outskirts of Monaghan town. The theatre is under the remit of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).

CMETB’s Registered Charity Number 20083304

The Garage Theatre provides a venue for touring professional companies and it also provides a space for local community groups. In addition to this the Garage Theatre is home to Monaghan Youth Theatre which has been recognised nationally as one of the most outstanding Youth Theatre’s in Ireland. Presently we have 160 members aged 8 to 18 years.

The Garage Theatre opened with a World Premiere – Frank Pig Says Hello by local renowned writer Patrick McCabe.