Explore a fine selection of books at the The Visual gallery in Carlow book shop. My own books are available there too, amongst books on topics of art, local history, culture.
The Visual, opened in 2009, is home to contemporary art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, where you can also enjoy a beverage or a fine meal, with a stylish bar and restaurant on site.
The building is the designed by architect Terry Pawson with expertise in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sectors. It is reported to be Ireland’s largest gallery space, 3130m² in total, comprising four principle gallery spaces, the largest white cube gallery space in the country and houses a 335-seat theatre.
The Visual provides high-quality national and international contemporary art, plus a host of performances and events in multiple disciplines.
The next time you visit Carlow, take time to visit the gallery and check out the book store.
Visual Carlow Books by Caroline Cunningham
Seven C’s to Calm Reader Review:
"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."
Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland
The Whisperings of Nature Reader Review:
Tranquillity, harmony and a restored connection with nature all in one little book of poems! ‘The Whisperings of Nature’ is a wonderful and inspiring little poetry book written by Caroline Cunningham. This is Caroline’s first published book of poetry and it represents her journey in discovering her authentic self and her reconnection with nature which transcends beautifully through her written work.
Carlow Library a Valuable Resource for Creativity & Wellbeing
Carlow town and county has a great resource in the form of it’s County Library (Tullow Street, Carlow). Formerly a Presentation Convent school, the building has been adapted to combine with the County Musuem and Tourist Office.
While the main library is bright, airy and modern, it has also retained a room of special character from the buildings original use as convent school. This room is known as The Shaw Room in acknowledgement of Carlow’s connection with acclaimed writer George Bernard Shaw who bequeathed part of his legacy to Carlow town enabling the beginnings of Carlow Library.
The Shaw Room is a valuable asset of the library and may be provided for use by local community groups and individuals for the purposes of education, exhibition and demonstration (this requires advance booking and consultation with the library).
As a creative Carlovian, I have been very fortunate to have had use of the Library’s Shaw Room on a number of occasions. I have used it to launch my art collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’and two self-published books and to present a well-being workshop and a singing performance (all within a 12 month period).
During these events, I have had the full support of the library staff. I am sincerely grateful for their warm welcome and assistance on every occasion. Although they tell me I am no trouble to them at all, they always made sure I had everything I needed.
Through Carlow County Library, I made very useful connections with other groups such as ‘Glor Ceatharlach’ (promoting Irish Language) and Carlow Mental Health association (Mensana).
When RTE’s 'Nationwide' reporter, Helen Mc Inerney invited me to be featured as an author on topic of anxiety, I was delighted to share that limelight with my friends at Carlow County Library.
An atmosphere of mutual support and promotion is something to be encouraged and it is especially welcomed by those of us in the arts, who provide inspiration and well-being benefits in our wider community.
Visit Carlow Library on Facebook Page or via their Website or simply drop in to their fine building on Tullow Street, Carlow to find out about their range of services and events which includes genealogy and learning supports.
And the good news is that my books are on their shelves too:
Easons Carlow for my books including Seven Cs to Calm
Eason’s book store in Carlow now stock my books, ‘The Whisperings of Nature’ (poetry) and ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’.
Both books can be found in the ‘Mind Body Spirit’ section of Eason’s in Carlow’s Fairgreen Shopping Centre.
‘The Whisperings of Nature’ offers poetry inspired by nature and is an ideal accompaniment to my self-care book ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self', which offers support and encouragement for people who suffer with anxiety (a workbook is included also).
I experienced a lot of anxiety in the past, including panic attacks. Nature has been a great source of comfort and healing in my life. In my books I share my learning with readers who seek inspiration for their own path to authenticity.
Despite the challenges that anxiety can present, it is possible to make positive changes that allow us to move towards the things that bring us greater happiness and peace.
Consider buying my books if you are some who appreciates the comfort and wisdom offered by nature or if seeking inspiration to ease your anxiety. Also ideal for a friend or family member who may need encouragement in dealing with anxiety.
Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing.
RTE Nationwide’s reporter Helen Mc Inerney took time to visit my website and realising I there was more to my story she persuaded her editor to allow her the scope to share it.
In particular Helen felt it was important to highlight my story of leaving the security of a teaching job, venturing into the unknown of developing my creative talents.
"Developing trust for following your instincts can take some trial and error but it’s a powerful feeling when you get a clear sign that you did the right thing."
My Story
I left a teaching career in 1999, following burn out from stress and anxiety. Simply putting it I was a mess. I had kept an external façade of everything being OK but with the demands of work and useless coping mechanisms I reached a point where I simply had to stop.
The sad thing is, I constantly see people (men and women) who are allowing this to happen to them, some know they are risking burn out and others are in denial mode. In 1999, you could be somewhat forgiven for being in denial mode as there was less awareness in the public domain regarding wellbeing and mental health. I didn’t even own a computer that time and I had a very simple mobile phone with no access to internet. Now, it’s different and you would have to be in serious denial mode to be blocking out the signs that you’re neglecting yourself.
My burn-out experience was humbling. I had to stop and take stock of things. It was a turning point in my life. Through my search for ways to recover and become more resilient, I uncovered my own healing and creative abilities.
3, 2, 1 Action
I had great fun with the staff at Carlow Library during this shoot. It was fitting that they shared the spot-light as they had been a tremendous support to me, providing a beautiful space to launch my books and to showcase my paintings.
The feature also included The Visual Gallery Carlow as my books are available in their gallery shop. Thanks to Helen all the right people were mentioned in the clip including my parents who were proud to have their garden on show in one of the scene and our family dog who has since gone to greener pastures.
There's no imaginable excuse for missing out on my last tour of The Sacred Lives of Tree's that's because I made THIS VIDEO especially for you to enjoy (:
2025 Update
The Sacred Lives of Tree's exhibition tours were warmly received all over. While many of original paintings are now in good homes around Ireland and Europe, there's still some opportunity to obtain a piece in the form of print or painting. If you liked the virtual tour, pop over to my online gallery and discover your own perfect tree art work.
‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’ is a simple guide which has been created to guide you on your journey towards a calmer and more capable version of yourself.
Anxiety (including panic attacks) can have such a negative impact in our lives and can prevent us from reaching our true potential. It is never too late to make a start on your road to recovery. The practice of learning and adapting is simply required.
A work-book has been included to help you follow-through on the exercises suggested within. Be assured, a place of calm exists within you, it’s just a matter of finding your way. Here’s to your success in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!
"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."
Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm offers a fresh, new perspective on how we view our anxiety with a workbook to help track, monitor and record your progress. A simple and effective approach in helping you in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!"
Krystal Long, Mental Health & Wellness Facilitator / Professional Trainer, Cork, Ireland
"A compassionate and knowledgeable author and therapist, Caroline's book, 'Seven C's to Calm' is sure to benefit many who are seeking freedom from anxiety."
Fran Malone, NLP, Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioner, Dublin & Cork, Ireland
Some of my readers and clients wished to remain anonymous.
Here’s what they have said about ‘Seven C’s to Calm’:
Laura, Carlow, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is a handy guide that can be easily referred to because of its size. The content and the 7 C’s idea is good. I am going to use it with an anxious child of mine."
Teresa, Dublin, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm is absolutely excellent, informative, honest and easy to comprehend"
Mary, Dublin, Ireland
"Love it! I found ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ very positive, I loved the idea of a three month plan and finding your comfort place. I am going to start now writing down three positive things that happened during the day and look back over them at the end of the week. A lovely idea and I think very positive. I will read this again. I think ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ is something you can keep referring to."
Bernadette, Wexford Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is beautifully written and full of useful and meaningful information. I also found it very calming. I like the way you made it very simple and instructive as to what people can do and you continued to remind people that it is small steps that matter. I really like the writing style as it is easy to read and not jarring. You know the books that tell you it’s all so simple, which is nonsense but the fact that you have been through this really pulls in the reader to act on your suggestions."
Margaret, Dublin, Ireland
"I have just finished reading and re-reading Seven C's to Calm. I found it very inspiring. When you’re feeling anxious it's often overwhelming but the practical ideas in this book make it seem manageable. Setting a three month goal is a great idea as sometimes people think it's an overnight fix and that there is something wrong when not feeling better straight away. Also I found giving helpful suggestions for the daily and weekly plan is great as sometimes even wondering what to do for that can cause anxiety in itself so when you see the suggestions it's really helpful."
Janet, London, UK
"I read your book and I have to say I found it very good, it is very clear, precise and to the point with good suggestions. I will certainly use it in the coming months."
