Dublin Theatres

Theatre has always been an important part of cultural life in Dublin and we are very proud of our world famous playwrights and authors.

Over the years, Dublin theatres have come and gone but a number of the greats still survive (including the Gaiety and the Abbey). There is also a collection of new and exciting theatres in Dublin and innovative venues in the city, including the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Gaiety Theatre

One of the best-known theatres in Dublin just happens to be next door to the hotel. The panto season at Christmas is when it really comes into its own but the Gaiety Theatre Dublin is busy all year round.

Inside is simply beautiful with that old Victorian style seating, balconies, boxes, dark wood, red velvet and crystal chandeliers.

Abbey Theatre

The Abbey Theatre is also known as the National Theatre of Ireland was founded in 1904 and was the first state-subsidized theatre in the English-speaking world.

The Abbey was closely associated with the writers of the Irish Literary Revival and served as a nursery for many of the leading Irish playwrights and actors of the 20th century, including William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory and Sean O’Casey.

Olympia Theatre

The Olympia Theatre is on Dame Street and has been entertaining Dubliners there since 1881. Like the Gaiety Theatre, it is ornate and very pretty.

Over the years, some incredible stars have performed at the Olympia, including Adele, Elvis Costello, Elkie Brooks and Billy Connolly. REM recorded a live album here and Tom Waits iconic live version of The Piano Has Been Drinking was made here too.

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

A relative newcomer, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has slipped nicely into Dublin’s theatre world. The biggest dedicated theatre in Ireland, it was designed by Daniel Libeskind of New York and RHWL Architects of London as a touring theatre for Ballet, Opera, Musicals and Concerts.

The first official performance was Swan Lake by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia and set the tone for future productions.

Peacock Theatre

Dublin’s Peacock Theatre is a small theatre situated under the more famous Abbey Theatre and it is affiliated with Ireland’s National Theatre and the Abbey Theatre.

In compliment to its big sister upstairs, the Peacock is dedicated primarily to the presentation of new plays and contemporary classic drama. Together the Abbey and Peacock Theatres make up Ireland’s National Theatre which was founded in 1904.

Gate Theatre

Founded in 1928, the Gate Theatre established a position in Dublin’s theatre hierarchy as one that brought European plays such as Ibsen to the Irish people.

Incredibly, Orson Welles, James Mason and Michael Gambon all started their acting careers at The Gate. In December 1983 Michael Colgan took up the directorship and today it is the only major theatre in the world to have existed with only two artistic directors.

Chocolate Factory

This theatre in the old Williams & Woods building on King’s Inn Street was once an actual chocolate factory and the first concrete building in Dublin.

The Chocolate Factory is home to many small creative businesses such as art, design, music, photography, etc. It is also a wonderful venue for smaller, cutting edge dance and musical theatre performances and art exhibitions.

Project Arts Centre

In busy Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre is all about contemporary art. It is by far the busiest arts centre in Ireland, presenting over 620 events and six exhibitions and co-producing 38 productions each year.

It is dedicated to protecting the independent sector and nurturing the next generation of Irish artists across all forms of the performing and visual arts.

Samuel Beckett Theatre

The Samuel Beckett Theatre is in Trinity College Dublin and was opened in 1992 to celebrate the four-hundredth anniversary of the university. During term time it showcases the work of the students while at other times of the year it hosts visits from some of the most prestigious dance and theatre companies.

Other regular events include performances within the Dublin Theatre Festival, the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Dublin Dance Festival.

Tivoli Theatre

Dublin’s Tivoli Theatre is a unique and historic theatre space in that has played host to a long line of famous actors, playwrights, musicians and comedians from all over the globe.

It’s a cinema styled theatre that seats up to 500 people. The Tivoli is a highly desired space which means that it is also a very busy one as a quick glance at its programme of events will confirm.

Get Directions

GPS coordinates: Lat 53.339442° Lon -6.261306°

Public Transport

There is a regular bus service called “Aircoach”” departing from Dublin Airport every 15 minutes from 10 past the hour. The nearest stop to The Fitzwilliam Hotel is Grafton Street, near Trinity College which is a 10 minute stroll from the hotel. An adult ticket costs €7.00 per person or €14.00 p.p. return. Alternatively a taxi will cost approximately €30.00. The taxi rank is located outside Terminal 1 on the arrival level. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

Private Transport

We can arrange a transfer from Dublin Airport to The Fitzwilliam Hotel by private car and driver. There are a variety of vehicles available depending on the number of guests and quantity of luggage. For more details please contact our concierge team on enq@fitzwilliamhotel.com or 01 4787000

Private Parking

The 5 Star Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin offers secure parking for hotel residents. Valet parking is provided on a complimentary basis however, an overnight charge of €20.00 is applicable.