Browse our list of the major theatres in Ireland. From the Abbey and the Olympia in Dublin, to many fine regional establishments, we bring you information on each of the top theatres in Ireland.
Abbey Theatre
26 Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Dublin
The National Theatre comprises the world famous Abbey and Peacock Theatres. Founded in 1904, by the poet William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn, the theatre stands today on its original site at the corner of Abbey Street
The prime objective of the National Theatre is to provide a performance space for Irish dramatic writing, the revitalisation of plays from the Irish repertoire and to present classics of the European and world stages.
Olympia Theatre
72 Dame Street, Dublin 2, Dublin
Opened by Dan Lowry as the Star of Erin Music Hall, and now Dublin’s oldest surviving theatre, the Olympia presents a variety of plays, shows and musicals. The canopy over the footpath is a lovely example of Victorian glass and ironwork. The flamboyant interior decoration is typical of it’s time.
Grand Opera House
Great Victoria Street, Belfast City, Antrim
As Northern Ireland’s premier theatre, the Grand Opera House brings world class entertainment to Northern Ireland including theatre, musicals, opera, ballet, comedy, concerts and pantomine.
Ardhowen Theatre
Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Fermanagh
290 seat theatre designed to stage the most ambitious musical and theatrical productions. In addition to the main theatre, there is a studio for rehearsals and smaller events, an exhibition area, two bars and restaurant facilities.
Wexford Opera House
This is Ireland’s first purpose built opera house and it’s located on High Street right in the heart of Wexford town.
This state of the art building is a recent addition to the town and it replaces the old Theatre Royal which was just a quarter of its size. It holds operas, musicals, musical theatre, dance and drama all year round.
The Gate Theatre
1 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Dublin
The Gate Theatre part of the Rotunda Hospital was founded in by Michael Mac Liammoir and Hilton Edwards and it is said that Orson Welles and James Mason began their careers there. A plaque at no 5, opposite the theatre, marks the birthplace of the poet Oliver St John Gogarty.
Siamsa Tire Theatre
The National Folk Theatre Of Ireland,Town Park, Tralee, Kerry
Folk theatre entertainment based on a wealth of Irish music, folklore and dance.
Founded in 1974, the aim of Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, is to reflect Ireland’s great wealth of music, dance and folklore on stage, through vibrant, colourful theatrical entertainment.
Siamsa Tíre’s Summer Season (from May to the end of September) offers a programme of rare and exciting shows which continue to receive standing ovations both in Ireland and abroad. Throughout the rest of the year, Siamsa Tíre presents a programme of drama, music, dance and literary events, complemented by a year round programme of exhibitions in our Gallery spaces.
Bru Boru Heritage Centre
Cashel, South Tipperary
Bru Boru, the “Palace of Brian Boru”. The Centre comprises a well equipped theatre, frequent performances, banquets in the centre’s restaurant, an informal Teach Ceoil-sessions nightly, a fully computerised genealogy service, an exhibition hall and craft Shop
