The Place That Has Never Been Wounded

Following a sold-out national run last year, Niall Breslin and The Polaris Quartet return this year with a renewed series of performances across Ireland. The tour follows the release of Breslin’s latest album, The Place That Has Never Been Wounded, and new book, and continues a presentation that has emerged as one of the most distinctive offerings in the contemporary Irish music landscape.

Adding larger stages to the 2026 run of shows, Breslin has just announced autumn dates at Vicar Street, University of Limerick, Mullingar Cathedral, Theatre Royal, and Wexford Opera House.

Built around Breslin’s cinematic compositions, the performances unfold as a fully integrated live work. Music, spoken word, and visual design, are interwoven throughout, with lighting and imagery responding in real time to the players on stage.

Rather than functioning as accompaniment, the visual elements shape the pacing and emotional contours of each performance, drawing the audience into a shared, concentrated space.

Audiences are asked to step away from external noise and into an environment designed for presence and release.

The Place That Has Never Been Wounded was named one of the Best Irish Albums of the Year by The Irish Times, describing how “Breslin’s instinctive, deeply empathetic playing burrows deeper in the head, resulting in a lingering serenity that politely but firmly shuts out the noise.”

Breslin said this show “is a tribute to the part of us that holds steady when the world shakes. It’s a privilege to be in the room with people when they recognise that part of themselves again”.

This new run of dates marks a continuation of that vision in its most complete live form. The performances offer a rare chance to experience a body of work that prioritises depth, attention, and connection in a live setting. Don’t miss it.

The Place That Has Never Been Wounded is available digitally, on CD and vinyl via Bandcamp.

Tickets can be purchased online, in person or over the phone at Box Office. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Wheelchair users and any group over 8 persons should book tickets directly through Box Office. Further Terms and Conditions can be found at visualcarlow.ie/visit/booking-information.