Culture

Introduction

Dublin's rich literary culture has led to a flourishing film industry and varied theatre repertoire of Irish classical and contemporary works. The Temple Bar district is the main cultural centre.

Most tickets can be purchased on the night directly from the venues or in advance at outlets of HMV stores, in Henry Street and Grafton Street, from Dublin Tourism, Suffolk Street (tel: 1850 230 330; www.visitdublin.com; bookings in person only), or from Ticketmaster (tel: 08187 19300; www.ticketmaster.ie).

The fortnightly magazine In Dublin (www.indublin.ie) is good for Dublin events listings. Dublin Tourism (www.visitdublin.com) also has online events listings that are updated daily.

Music

Gaiety Theatre
Opera Ireland and the innovative Opera Theatre Company perform regularly at a variety of venues, including the Gaiety Theatre.

South King Street
Tel: (01) 677 1717.
Website: www.gaietytheatre.com

National Concert Hall
Dublin’s main classical music venue is the National Concert Hall, which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra.

Earlsfort Terrace
Tel: (01) 417 0000.
Website: www.nch.ie

Theatre

Abbey Theatre
Ireland's national theatre, The Abbey Theatre, was set up by W B Yeats in 1904 and is a historic and reliable venue for high-quality Irish drama. The Peacock Theatre, in the same building as the Abbey, has a more experimental repertoire.

Abbey Street Lower
Tel: (01) 878 7222.
Website: www.abbeytheatre.ie

The Gate Theatre
Orson Welles and James Mason began their acting careers at The Gate Theatre, which is still going strong.

1 Cavendish Row
Tel: (01) 874 4045.
Website: www.gate-theatre.ie 

Projects Arts Centre
Offers a varied programme of poetry readings, drama and dance.

39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar
Tel: (01) 881 9613.
Website: www.project.ie

Dance

Dance Ireland
Dance Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Dancers) provides information on performances and festivals, including Riverdance. Dublin's dance groups include CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Rubato Ballet and Irish Modern Dance Theatre.

Liberty Corner, Foley Street
Tel: (01) 855 8800.
Website: www.danceireland.ie

O'Shea's Merchant Pub
Anyone can join in traditional Irish dancing after a pint or two at the O'Shea's Merchant Pub.

12 Bridge Street Lower
Tel: (01) 679 3797.