The Cable

The Cable, written and performed by Mike Kelly and directed by Aidan Dooley, runs at Siamsa Tíre Theatre in Tralee on Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 October 2026, both nights at 8pm.

What to expect

The play is set against the laying of the transatlantic cable on Valentia Island, and Siamsa Tíre describes it as exploring “loss, hope, and the longing for connection” through themes of “love, family, and the transformative power of communication” during a period of major personal and social change. It runs for around two hours and ten minutes including a 20-minute interval, with a score of Irish music running through the piece.

Mike Kelly both wrote and performs the show, co-produced with Siamsa Tíre. Director Aidan Dooley is known for Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer, another Kerry-rooted solo history piece, and brings a similar approach here in taking a specific local event, the cable landing at Valentia, and building a character-driven story around it. As a one-person show carried by live Irish music, it leans on performance and score rather than a large cast or set. The production is suitable for all ages, and audiences can pre-order refreshments when booking tickets online.

Getting there

Siamsa Tíre Theatre is at Town Park, Tralee, County Kerry.

While you’re in Tralee

Tralee is the county town of Kerry, and the Valentia Island setting of the play is a scenic drive away if the story sparks an interest in visiting the cable station itself. There is more to see in Tralee and across Co. Kerry.

Good to know

• Date and time: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, both at 8pm
• Venue and address: Siamsa Tíre Theatre, Town Park, Tralee, County Kerry
• Price: €25 general, €23 concession, plus €2 booking fee
• Booking: book via Siamsa Tíre
• Details from the Siamsa Tíre event page, checked 14 September 2026