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For quality classical music, look no further: the National Concert Hall is Dublin’s premier venue, hosting guests of the calibre of the New York Philharmonic. The building is also home to Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra. Jazz, contemporary and traditional Irish music are also performed here, and there are lunchtime concerts in summer.

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.

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.

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

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.

This popular modern venue opened in 1989 in a converted warehouse. In its two intimate spaces touring companies perform drama and musical acts to a high standard.

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.

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.

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

Forget the mainstream: the emphasis here is on strong new US and European drama, which has earned it a place in Ireland’s theatrical nobility.