Award-winning Athlone magician sets his sights on nationwide tour

Award-winning magician Conor Breen from Athlone is planning to bring his unique brand of magic and mentalism to audiences across the country after a successful debut show in Moate.

He recently performed what he described as his first public theatre show in Ireland, debuting his new production 'A Little More Than Magic' to a sold-out audience.

The performance marked a significant moment for the magician, who has spent years performing at private events before stepping into the spotlight with a public show.

“That was probably my first public show in Ireland,” Breen said. “I’ve done countless private shows at weddings, corporate events and different functions, but actually doing a public theatre show was a completely different ballgame.”

The show proved hugely popular, with tickets selling out on the night. The hugely positive reception from the audience made the evening particularly memorable.

“It was exciting and nerve-wracking because people you see every day were suddenly seeing this mystical thing that you do,” he said.

“People said it was a completely different experience to what they expected. At the start people were nervous and hoping they wouldn’t be picked, but by the end almost everyone wanted to be involved.”

Originally from Athlone, Breen moved to Moate two years ago and said performing in front of a local audience was quite emotional for him.

“At the end there was a standing ovation, and I didn’t really know what to do with myself,” he said. “It’s been a long road to get to where I am and it felt like a full-circle moment.”

The Moate show forms part of a wider tour for Breen’s new production, which he hopes to bring to venues across Ireland over the next year.

“I want to perform in smaller theatres where people feel like the magic is happening right under their noses,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like they’re part of the show.”

Breen’s style combines traditional magic with mentalism and psychology, and he said audience participation is a central part of the experience.

“The people on stage are really the stars,” he said. “The magic is happening to them.”

In recent years, Conor has performed across the world.

“I’ve performed in the US and different places, and last year was a big year for me.”

He also came close to appearing on the popular television show Britain’s Got Talent alongside his daughter.

“We had a few close calls,” he said. “We didn’t get onto TV in the end, but there were two occasions where we came very close.”

Alongside his performances, Breen has also grown a strong online following on both TikTok and Instagram.

His growing reputation was recently recognised when he was named Magician of the Year for the Republic of Ireland at the Prestige Awards for 2026.

Following the success of the Moate show, Breen now hopes to bring 'A Little More Than Magic' to audiences across the country in the months ahead.

“I’d love to bring the show all over Ireland,” he said. “That’s the plan for the next year or two.”