Theatre, Cinema & Live Shows
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
- Oscar Wilde
Ireland is known worldwide for a vast array of playwrights, comedians, and internationally famous film actors. Theatre emerged in Ireland in the 18th Century and came into its own in the late 19th Century when Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw came to the fore. The early part of the 20th Century saw the likes of W.B. Yeats, Sean O'Casey, John M. Synge, and George Moore attain great success on the stage. In the later part of the 20th Century, a more rebellious side to Irish theatre evolved – most notably from Brendan Behan and Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett.
The theatre is still a very big part of the Dublin social scene and is not as formal as it is in other countries. There isn’t a dress code, most people opt for smart casual, so don’t worry if you don’t have your best suit or dress in the wardrobe of your Sunlight Properties vacation home!
Here is a list of some, but by no means all, of the theatres, cinemas and live venues in Dublin:
The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2. Box Office Tel: 0818 719388
One of our most celebrated theatres, not to be missed, is this gem at the Stephen’s Green end of Grafton Street. Dating back to 1871, with a distinct Venetian design, this landmark building has seen some of Ireland’s, and the world’s top entertainers perform. A wide range of shows are staged here including Irish and international plays, as well as musicals and dance performances. If you are holidaying with children in Dublin in December, a trip to “The Panto” is a must. This is an annual Christmas pantomime put on at the Gaiety where audience participation is key! Singing along and shouting at the cast are all part of the fun!
TIP! Fancy staying out late during your Sunlight Properties Dublin holiday? The Gaiety is also a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights, staying open later than most clubs in the area.
The Olympia, 72 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Tel +353 (0)1 679 3323
Please note bookings cannot be made over the phone; this number is for enquiries only.
This Victorian music hall is a small and intimate venue that often plays host to music gigs and stand-up comedy performances.
The Abbey, 26 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1.Tel +353 (0)1 874 4045
Founded in 1904 by WB Yeats and Lady Gregory, the Abbey’s main purpose was to promote Irish writers and productions. Sadly, the original buildings were damaged in a fire in 1951. It has, however, been rebuilt on the same site and reopened in 1966.
The Gate, Cavendish Row, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.Tel: 0818 719388 (from within the Republic of Ireland)
Opened in 1928 in a landmark building, which is over 250 years old, the Gate was initially opened as an alternative to the Abbey theatre by introducing European and American work to Dublin theatre goers, along with a different genre of Irish theatre.
Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2.Tel: +353 (0)1 677 7999
Opened in 2010, this state-of-the-art building, 2,000 seat theatre plays host to a wide range of shows including: ballets, musicals, plays, and musical performances - there’s sure to be something to entertain you during your Sunlight Properties vacation in Dublin.
O2 Arena, East Link Bridge, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1. Tel: +353 (0)1 819 8888
A large capacity venue that attracts international stars – mostly musical stars such as Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. A more diverse range of large productions are also shown here.
The Lighthouse Cinema, Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7.Tel: +353 (0)1 872 8006
Ticket prices start from €7.50
The Lighthouse is a small, modern, art-house cinema that screens an eclectic mix of Irish and international films.
Irish Film Institute, 6 Eustace Street,Temple Bar, Dublin 1. Tel: +353 (0)1 679 5744
Ticket prices start from €7.60.
The IFI is not your mainstream cinema; there are discussions, Q&A’s and screenings of independent Irish and international films.
The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.Tel: +353 (0)1 677 9250
Ticket prices start from €10.
Every evening from 8pm, this unassuming spot is home to Dublin’s first comedy club. Take an evening away from your Sunlight Properties holiday rental and check out the diverse group of comedians here. Notable comedians who drop by every now and again include: Ardal O’Hanlon, Des Bishop, Tommy Tiernan, Dylan Moran, and Dara O’Briain.
FACT! The International Bar is mentioned in Joyce’s “Ulysses” as “Ruggy O’Donohue’s”
Laughter Lounge, 6 Eden Quay, Dublin 1. Tel: +353 (0)1 874 4611
Ticket prices start from €20.
Situated just off O’Connell Street, this is a bigger venue than the International and draws a more international collection of comedians.
Tip! Get there early for a good seat with a table. There is a bar, so you can relax and soak up the atmosphere before the show starts!
