Dublin's Theatres

• By: Editor
• On: 07/Mar/08
• In: Dublin Travel Tips

· Abbey Theatre

The Abbey Theatre is also known as The National Theatre of Ireland and it can be found on Lower Abbey Street, just off O'Connell Street right in the heart of the city.

Since it opened in 1904, it has been a stage for famous Irish playwrights to showcase their talents. Yeats, Synge, Sean O Casey and Lady Gregory had regular productions here during the 20th century.

It is perhaps one of the best theatres in Dublin and has a capacity for almost 500 people. Currently development is underway to relocate the theatre to the Dublin Docklands. The new theatre will boast 3 auditoriums with a capacity for up to 1,000 people.

To see the up and coming events at the theatre check out the Abbey Theatre website.

 · Gate Theatre

The 'Gate' has a reputation as one of the top theatres in Dublin city. The theatre is located on Cavendish Row just off Parnell Square in the city centre. Parnell Square can be found at the top of O'Connell Street, Dublin's main street.

The theatre was established in 1928 so it's currently celebrating 80 years in business. In 1991, the theatre was the first in the world to run the nineteen stage plays of Samuel Beckett.

To see the up and coming events at the theatre check out the Gate Theatre website.

· Gaiety Theatre

Established in 1871, the Gaiety can be found on South King Street just off Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin city.

The Gaiety has a Victorian charm that can still be seen today. Beneath the theatre canaopy you can see bronze hand prints of famous Irish performers Twink, Maureen Potter and Niall Tobin.

In 1971, the theatre was the venue for the first ever Eurovision in Ireland.

The Gaiety is especially popular for its musical productions and is renowned for its Christmas panto each year.

To see the up and coming events at the theatre check out the Gaiety Theatre website

· Olympia Theatre

The Olympia Theatre originated as a music hall back in 1879. It's located on Dame Street just off College Green in the city centre.

While still hosting many productions, it has become a popular venue for concerts in recent times. REM, Smashing Pumpkins, Delorentos, Kings of Leon, Don McLean and the Counting Crows are just some acts to have played live concerts here and the Olympia was also the venue for the smash hit comedy production I Keano.

The Olympia has a capacity of 1,300 and has four bars on site.

To see the up and coming events at the theatre check out the MCD website

 · Ambassador Theatre

The Ambassador Theatre has a prime location at the top of O'Connell Street (opposite end to O'Connell Bridge).

The theatre was originally built as an assembly hall next to the Rotunda Hospital in 1764. The theatre later became popular for its cinema screenings and movie premiers.

After 45 years as a cinema (Dublin's longest running cinema) it closed and re-opened with a new lease of life as a music venue. It is now one of the main concert venues in the city centre with a capacity for up to 1,200.

Def Leppard, Good Charlotte, Queens of the Stone Age, The Blizzards and BellX1 are just some of the bands to have performed here in recent years.

To see the up and coming events at the theatre check out the Ticketmaster website

The Dublin Theatre Festival will take place from September 25th to October 12th 2008. It's one of Europe's oldest and best loved theatre festivals so if you want to see Dublin's theatres come alive with home grown talents and some acts from all over the world, then don't miss this festival!

These are just some of Dublin's main theatres. For more theatres check out our Dublin Theatres page.

Hope you enjoy Dublin's theatres when in Ireland. If you've any comments please leave them in the box below.