Whale Gets A Little Grassroots Funding

Whale’s reopening night FRI19SEPT25

atest press release from Tánaiste Simon Harris, issued on Monday, May 25th 2026…

The Tánaiste and Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has today announced €20,000 to The Whale Theatre in Greystones under the Government’s 2026 Grassroots Venues Support Scheme.

The Whale is among sixty venues across the country to share in the €1 million fund, which supports grassroots music and comedy venues and showcases emerging Irish talent.

The funding, the maximum available under the scheme, recognises The Whale Theatre’s role as one of County Wicklow’s leading cultural venues and its track record in programming emerging Irish artists. The scheme has more than doubled in scale this year, supporting sixty venues compared to thirty-four in the 2025 pilot.

Speaking today Tánaiste Simon Harris TD said: “I know just how much The Whale Theatre means to our town.

“Grassroots venues like The Whale are the beating heart of our communities and the launchpad for the next generation of Irish talent.

“This funding will help keep its doors open, support local jobs in everything from sound and lighting to marketing and bring more great nights out to people right across.

“I want to congratulate everyone at The Whale and thank Minister O’Donovan for delivering this important scheme.”

You can find out more about The Whale here, check out the upcoming shows here, follow on Instagram here or Facebook here, and throw a few pennies in the hat here.