DK Travel : Dublin : Performing arts

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Project Arts Centre

Born as a spin-off project to the Gate, the Project is perhaps the most vibrant centre of performance art in the city, with enthusiastic young companies exploring innovative dance, music, drama and poetry. U2, Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne were all rising stars here.
Samuel Beckett Centre

The drama school of the university that produced Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett is set in a wonderfully intimate theatre space. Productions, often sparse in props, are rarely lacking in talent.
St Patrick’s Day Celebrations

A week-long series of events surrounds the parade on the day.
The Abbey and Peacock Theatres

The Abbey is a legend. Founded in the early 20th century by a circle of writers including the poet WB Yeats, it gained renown at the cutting edge of Irish theatre. Controversial works by new writers such as Sean O’Casey and JM Synge were staged here, the latter causing riots on opening night. Now classics, these are the mainstay of the Abbey. Experimental work is shown in the sister theatre, the Peacock.
The Gaiety Theatre

Dublin’s oldest theatre dates from 1871. The gilded auditorium is an atmospheric backdrop for a wide range of entertainment, but, as its name suggests, the Gaiety leans more towards music and comedy.

Gaiety Theatre
The Gate Theatre

Since its founding in 1928, the Gate has been one of the most daring theatres in Europe, introducing Irish audiences to Ibsen and Chekhov and producing Oscar Wilde’s Salome while it was banned in England. Orson Welles and James Mason both made their acting debuts here. Go early for a pre-performance drink in the cosy bar.
The Olympia Theatre

Opened in 1879 as a music hall, after years of rivalry with the Gaiety the Olympia settled down to staging a similar gamut of musicals and comedy.
Tivoli Theatre

This 500-seat former cinema stages West End and Broadway musicals. The downstairs theatre doubles up as a rock venue at weekends.
Wexford Opera Festival

Performances of three different operas at Wexford’s Theatre Royal, supported by daytime fairs.
Wicklow Gardens Festival

More than 40 private gardens open to the public.