Dublin Theatre

Conor McPherson's Port Authority at The Gate Theatre

From Dion Boucicault and Bram Stoker, Goldsmith and Sheridan, through Wilde, Synge, Yeats, Shaw and O'Casey, to Beckett and on to today's leading playwrights, Murphy, McGuinness, Friel, Keane and others - Dublin has always been rightly renowned for its theatre. Below is a list of the main theatres currently operating. Click on their sites for listings.


Dublin Theatres:

The Gaiety Theatre: Located just off Grafton St, the Gaiety is one of Dublin's most famous theatres. Famed for its pantomimes, The Gaiety has been open since 1871. The Gaitey plays host to major musical shows, operas and ballets. On its hundredth anniversary in 1971, the Gaiety had an audience of 400 million when it played host to the Eurovision Song Contest.


The Abbey Theatre: On Abbey St, in Dublin's north city centre, The Abbey has a long and colourful history. The National Theatre of Ireland, the Abbey was opened in 1904 to promote Irish culture and plays. The original building in which the Abbey was housed was damaged in a fire in 1951, but with government funding it was subsequently rebuilt on the same site, where it has stood to this day.


The Peacock Theatre: The Peacock is housed in a studio space within the Abbey. Producing more contemporary drama, the Peacock is slightly less conservative than the Abbey. The seating in the Peacock is interesting in that it can be set up in the traditional manner, or repositioned to give a central playing area surrounded by seating on 3 sides.


The Tivoli Theatre: A new establishment in Dublin, the Tivoli was opened in 1987 and since then it has become one of Dublin's leading venues for theatrical productions. Situated in Dublin's Viking quarter, the Tivoli has played host to some of Ireland's best works of drama. At weekends, the Tivoli doubles up as a venue for rock concerts.


The Olympia Theatre: One of Dublin's most famous venues, the Olympia is as versed at hosting rock concerts as it is to hosting dramatic works of the finest quality. At Christmas time, the Olympia produces a pantomime, one of the best in the city. The Olympia is decorated in a very regal style and seating is comfortable.


Andrews Lane Theatre: A fairly new theatre, Andrews Lane host contemporary works. With retractable seating making for varying stage sizes, Andrews Lane is renowned for putting on modern and sometimes experimental works. The seating is comfortable and every one in the house has a view of the stage.


The Gate Theatre: Founded in 1928, the Gate established itself with a reputation for being far-sighted and adventurous. The Gate is renowned for its high quality productions of both classic and modern plays. Located at the top of O'Connell St, the Gate is an excellent theatre.


The Point Depot: While not actually a theatre, the Point is the venue for many major Rock concerts and other large productions. Housed in what was once the main Dublin train depot, the Point holds up to 8,000 people. The Point has played host to such diverse acts as Metallica to Luciano Pavarotti.