Based in Galway, Branar is one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies dedicated to creating work for children. Renowned for its highly imaginative and visually striking productions, the company tours extensively both nationally and internationally.

Our work not only seeks to spark a sense of wildness but also to foster wonder, joy, curiosity, and compassion. We view every child – both in Ireland and beyond – as an equal citizen of the world, who should be nurtured through engagement with exceptional arts experiences. The way we see it, a world of wonder and creativity is more fulfilling for everyone, child or otherwise.

A Vision Born in Galway

Branar was founded in 2001 by Marc Mac Lochlainn, shortly after completing his MA sa Nua-Ghaeilge at University of Galway. Reflecting on this time, he notes that his involvement with An Cumann Drámaíochta, and the many connections he made with fellow students and faculty members during his studies, played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic direction.

Originally from Kildare, Marc came to know Galway through working in Carraroe in the Gaeltacht. After completing an H.Dip at University of Galway, he taught at Coláiste na Coiribe for two years and worked at An Taibhdhearc. Branar emerged from his recognition of a real need, the facilitation of drama workshops through the medium of Irish. From those first workshops, something far larger began to take shape.

“Watching Branar grow over the past 25 years into a leader of the Performing Arts for Young Audiences’ sector, becoming nationally and internationally recognised, has been an honour and the result of a lot of hard work. I have had the privilege of working with amazingly talented colleagues over the years. Branar began as an idea when I was studying for a master’s le Gaeilge in University of Galway, and the University has continued to play a role; three of our current team members are graduates of the University, and two of them began with us as interns. We are delighted now to work with the discipline of Children’s Studies and Drama Studies to offer a module on Branar and making theatre for children. I have spent the last 25 years advocating for high-quality work for young audiences, and I look forward to continuing working towards this goal, over the next 25 years.” — Marc Mac Lochlainn, Founding Artistic Director of Branar

Bringing Creative Works to Life Here, There, and Everywhere

Initially focused on drama workshops, Branar has since evolved into a dynamic organisation, presenting productions with equal energy in local schools in Galway as on international stages. Since its inception, the company has created over 25 original productions and performed in schools and venues across Ireland and in renowned theatres worldwide.

From its base in Ballybane, the company develops theatre for children aged 0–12, with each production carefully crafted over a two-year period. New work is first shared with children in Galway before touring nationally and internationally. As a child-centred organisation, Branar places young audiences at the core of everything it does, driven by a commitment to ensure that more children can access high-quality arts experiences more often.

In the coming year alone, Branar will present three productions at major international venues, including the Sydney Opera House. We will also tour in Seoul, South Korea, multiple cities across the United States, Toronto, and London. This is all complemented by an extensive programme in schools and community venues in Galway and throughout the West of Ireland.

Enchanting Audiences with Equal Enthusiasm

How we work at Branar is as important as what we create. The organisation is guided by core values: being brave in its choices, committed to quality, generous in collaboration, playful in approach, and authentic in identity.

We are deeply committed to meeting children where they are. Our Branar sa Scoil programme delivers a bespoke, multi-arts initiative to DEIS schools in Galway over a six-month period, supported by Rethink Ireland and the Galway City Council. Support from Acorn Insurance Group enables the delivery of the Acorn Digital Arts Flag, expanding access to creative learning through digital platforms, bringing Branar’s work to schools across 10 counties.

Alongside our own productions, Branar also nurtures the next generation of creatives through Branar Meitheal – a dynamic 18-month development programme for artists and producers working in theatre for young audiences. Through tailored individual and group supports, Branar Meitheal has fostered a growing network of 26 artists and producers dedicated to making creative works for children.

Branar actively advocates for the prioritisation of excellent arts provision for children in both policy and practice, grounded in the belief that every child in Ireland should experience at least one live performance each year.

A Birthday Bash for Branar: Celebrating 25 Years of Creativity

Branar marked its 25th birthday this April, and 2026 has been a year worthy of the milestone. As part of our celebrations, we opened in style by preforming Rothar at the Syndey Opera House as part of the Sydney Festival, and we have since been touring Story of a Day/Scéal Lae to venues and schools around Ireland. A co-production of Miquel Barceló’s Ballad of a Bandit also brought performances to Cobh Library, with further events in Cavan, Mayo, and Dublin on the horizon.

The anniversary year has been rich in community and development work. The next iteration of Branar sa Scoil is underway, with DEIS schools in Galway, supported by the Rethink Ireland Inclusive Arts Fund and Galway City Council. A new international project, Wander-full Journeys – an arts and citizenship project with partners in Finland and the Netherlands – has commenced with support from Erasmus+. The Branar Meitheal cohort continues to grow in confidence, connections, and capacity through workshops, festival visits, and one-to-one bespoke support.

A quarter of a century in, all of Branar’s work is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that more children experience high-quality arts, more often.

Find our more about Branar!