Ireland’s performative art scene - theatre, opera and more

Experiencing Ireland's performative arts scene can be an enriching way to connect with the island’s culture, history, music and humour. Irish theatre alone holds a significant place globally, thanks to the contribution of household playwright names like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats. The island also boasts some fantastic venues to discover Irish dancing, legendary comedy, and live music, along with some amazing festivals to suit any taste and interest. 

Where to catch a show?

Dublin is a great place to catch a well-known Irish play as well as up-and-coming stage productions and artists. And while the historic Abbey Theatre is a cornerstone regularly staging productions of classic Irish plays, there are many other spots to experience local, and high-quality performances. The Gate Theatre and Gaiety Theatre are fantastic venues, along with 3 Olympia and the Smock Alley Theatre - all of which boast fascinating histories too. For a more contemporary experience, you should definitely add the Project Arts Centre on your itinerary, and if it’s a musical performance that you’re after, the Dublin National Concert Hall is a must-see. 

Entertainment is definitely not confined to Dublin alone. Venues such as the Lyric Theatre, The Metropolitan Arts Centre and the Belvoir Players Studio Theatre in Belfast all offer excellent experiences. The Grand Opera House is always a must if you’re looking for star opera performances. 

In Cork, the Everyman Palace Theatre is a much appreciated venue, but don’t hesitate to check what performances are on in Cork Arts Theatre or at the city’s own Opera House. You’ll also be very pleasantly surprised to find some brilliant productions at the University Concert Hall in Limerick. 

What to see?

The island’s theatre scene is amazingly varied and you’ll likely find anything to suit your interests! But if it’s the classics you’re after, you should check out plays such as Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge, Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, The Plough and the Stars by Sean O'Casey or By the Bog of Cats by Marian Carr. 

The iconic figure of W.B Yeats is also deeply linked to the development of Irish theatre, as he was one of the founders of the Abbey Theatre in 1899. Discovering more about the man and his times can be a worthwhile experience in itself. 

Festivals

When planning your visit, you could try to have it coincide with one of the many theatre festivals held here. The Dublin Theatre Festival and Galway International Arts Festival are particularly noteworthy, offering a range of productions from new talents and established artists. Both cities also offer other festivals such as the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival - the latter a unique way of getting to know the island’s LGBTQ+ scene. On top of the International Arts Festival, Galway does also host its own dedicated Theatre Festival. Opera enthusiasts should not miss the Wexford Opera Festival, while Athlone continues to hold since the 1950s the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival. 

Go further

Ireland’s performative arts scene is intimately connected to its literary history, and getting to know this side of the story can be all the more enriching. You can find an essential reading list for your trip to the island, together with some suggestions on places to see to get a better feel for what inspired the island’s artists. And finally, there's nothing quite like discussing the performance over a drink at one of Dublin's iconic literary pubs.