Dublin Theatre Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Dublin Theatre Festival, established in 1957, is Ireland’s premier theatre event, running from September 25 to October 12, 2025, across Dublin city. Celebrating its 68th edition, it presents world-class Irish and international productions, attracting over 25,000 attendees annually. Curated by Artistic Director Róise Goan, the festival showcases bold, innovative works, from Shakespeare adaptations to new plays by Irish playwrights like Marina Carr.

With a mission to enrich Dublin’s cultural life, it supports artists through workshops, residencies, and accessible ticketing initiatives like “10 for 10.” Principally funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon, it fosters artistic excellence and community engagement, making theatre a vibrant part of Ireland’s identity.

Event Highlights

• World-Class Productions: Features Hamlet, Three Sisters, The Boy: A Two-Play Theatrical Event, and Macbeth, blending Irish and international talent.
• Accessible Ticketing: “10 for 10” offers €10 tickets for under-30s, unwaged, and freelancers; “Final Call” and “Open House” deals provide last-minute discounts.
• Children’s Programming: Shows like Univers and Beyond Universe at The Ark for young audiences.
• Accessibility Features: Audio descriptions, ISL-interpreted performances, captioning, touch tours, and relaxed performances for select shows.
• THINKING STAGES: Panels and talks supported by The Irish Times, fostering dialogue on theatre and culture.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Roles in ushering, box office, and market research for arts enthusiasts.

Categories

• Comedy & Theatre: Showcases innovative plays, adaptations, and experimental performances.
• Cultural & Traditional: Highlights Irish storytelling through works like Marina Carr’s The Boy and John Breen’s The Quiet Man.
• Music & Arts: Includes music-infused productions and immersive theatre experiences.

City

• Dublin, Ireland: Performances span Dublin city centre, suburbs, and coastal areas, with key venues in Temple Bar, Abbey Street, and Dún Laoghaire.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Dublin city centre, with key performances at Abbey Theatre, 26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Ireland: Central hub for major productions like The Boy and The God and His Daughter.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 25–October 12, 2025 (Thursday–Sunday).
• Duration: 18 days.

Venue / Location

The festival spans multiple venues across Dublin, from historic theatres to community spaces.

• Key Venues:
  • Abbey Theatre: 26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (The Boy, The God and His Daughter).
  • Gaiety Theatre: South King Street, Dublin 2 (Three Sisters, Macbeth).
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 (The Making of Pinocchio, I Fall Down).
  • Project Arts Centre: 39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (White Washing).
  • Pavilion Theatre: Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin (The Sound Inside).
  • The Ark: 11A Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (Univers, Beyond Universe).
  • O’Reilly Theatre: Belvedere College, 6 Denmark Street, Dublin 1 (Hamlet).
  • Smock Alley Theatre: 6–7 Exchange Street Lower, Dublin 8 (What Are You Afraid Of?).
  • The Civic: Tallaght, Dublin 24 (The Quiet Man).
• Note: Check dublintheatrefestival.ie for the full venue list and show-specific locations.

Contact Information

• Email: info@dublintheatrefestival.ie (general); boxoffice@dublintheatrefestival.ie (ticketing); access@dublintheatrefestival.ie (accessibility).
• Phone: +353 1 677 8899 (box office, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday, August–October).
• Website: www.dublintheatrefestival.ie
• Social Media: Follow @dublintheatrefest on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates.
• Box Office Address: Festival House, 12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH42, Ireland.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Book online at dublintheatrefestival.ie, by phone (+353 1 677 8899), or in person at Festival House (12 East Essex Street, Dublin 2, open 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday, August–October). Group bookings (10+) via boxoffice@dublintheatrefestival.ie.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD):
  • Standard Ticket: ~€25 EUR (~$29.25 USD) per show, per Visit Dublin.
  • “10 for 10” Ticket: ~€10 EUR (~$11.70 USD) for under-30s, unwaged, and freelance arts workers, available for select shows (e.g., Hamlet, The Boy).
  • Final Call/Open House: ~€10 EUR (~$11.70 USD) for last-minute or community tickets, subject to availability.
  • Concession Tickets: ~€15–€20 EUR (~$17.55–$23.40 USD) for students, seniors, and groups, at box offices with a valid ID.
  • Group Discounts: Custom packages for 10+ attendees; contact boxoffice@dublintheatrefestival.ie.
• Notes:
  • Prices vary by production; premium shows may exceed €25.
  • “10 for 10” and “Final Call” tickets are limited; book early via dublintheatrefestival.ie.
  • Free events (e.g., THINKING STAGES talks) may require registration.

Cultural Significance

The Dublin Theatre Festival is a cultural beacon, showcasing Ireland’s theatrical heritage while embracing global innovation. Its 2025 program, curated by Róise Goan, features Irish works like Marina Carr’s The Boy alongside international adaptations like Chela De Ferrari’s Hamlet. By staging performances in Dublin’s historic and modern venues, it transforms the city into a stage, reflecting its vibrant social fabric. The festival’s accessible pricing (“10 for 10,” “Final Call”) and inclusive features (ISL, audio descriptions) ensure broad participation, while THINKING STAGES panels spark dialogue on art and society. Its support for emerging artists solidifies its role in shaping Ireland’s cultural future.

Food & Drinks

• Dublin Dining: Savor Irish dishes (e.g., boxty, seafood chowder) at The Old Storehouse (3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar) or vegan options at Cornucopia (19 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2).
• Festival Venues: Bars at Abbey Theatre, Gaiety, and Project Arts Centre offer Guinness, Irish whiskey, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Pop-Up Stalls: Food trucks at Temple Bar venues (e.g., Meeting House Square) serve global cuisines (e.g., falafel, burgers).
• Nearby Markets: English Market (via Dublin Bus to Cork, 3 hours) or Moore Street Market (Dublin 1, 10-minute walk) for local produce.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Shows like Univers and Beyond Universe at The Ark are designed for children.
  • Under-16s require adult supervision; check dublintheatrefestival.ie for age ratings.
• Accessibility:
  • Abbey Theatre, Gaiety Theatre, and Project Arts Centre are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre and The Civic have partial accessibility; contact access@dublintheatrefestival.ie.
  • Accessible performances include audio descriptions (Three Sisters), ISL (I Fall Down), captioning (Macbeth), touch tours (The Making of Pinocchio), and relaxed performances (The Making of Pinocchio).
  • Join the accessibility mailing list at access@dublintheatrefestival.ie for updates.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km from city centre, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus routes 1, 11, or 16 to Abbey Street or Dame Street (5-minute walk to Abbey Theatre).
  • Luas (Tram): Red Line to Abbey Street (5-minute walk) or Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green (10-minute walk to Gaiety).
  • DART: Tara Street Station (3-minute walk to Abbey Theatre).
  • Dublin Bikes: Stations near Temple Bar and Abbey Street; use dublinbikes.ie.
• By Car: Limited parking; use Q-Park Christ Church (Werburgh Street, Dublin 8, ~€3.50/hour, $4.10 USD).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or Uber from Dublin Airport (~$20–$30 USD).

Lineup Information (2025 Program Highlights)

• Key Productions:
  • Hamlet (Teatro La Plaza, adapted by Chela De Ferrari): O’Reilly Theatre, September 25–27, €25–€35 (~$29.25–$40.95 USD), “10 for 10” available.
  • Three Sisters (Sugarglass, adapted by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth): Gaiety Theatre, October 8–12, €25–€40 (~$29.25–$46.80 USD), audio description, captioning, touch tour.
  • The Making of Pinocchio (Cade & MacAskill): Samuel Beckett Theatre, September 25–27, €20–€30 (~$23.40–$35.10 USD), relaxed performance, ISL.
  • White Washing (Rébecca Chaillon & Aurore Déon): Project Arts Centre, September 25–27, €20–€25 (~$23.40–$29.25 USD), “10 for 10”.
  • The Sound Inside (Adam Rapp): Pavilion Theatre, September 24–October 5, €20–€30 (~$23.40–$35.10 USD), “10 for 10”.
  • I Fall Down: A Restoration Comedy (Gina Moxley): Samuel Beckett Theatre, September 25–October 5, €20–€30 (~$23.40–$35.10 USD), ISL.
  • What Are You Afraid Of? (Peter Hanly): Smock Alley Theatre, September 25–October 4, €20–€25 (~$23.40–$29.25 USD), ISL.
  • Macbeth (Druid): Gaiety Theatre, September 25–October 5, €25–€40 (~$29.25–$46.80 USD), captioning.
  • Univers & Beyond Universe (Engruna Teatre): The Ark, September 26–28, €10–€15 (~$11.70–$17.55 USD), for children.
  • The Quiet Man (John Breen, Mikel Murfi): The Civic, September 27–October 12, €20–€30 (~$23.40–$35.10 USD).
  • The Boy: A Two-Play Theatrical Event (Marina Carr): Abbey Theatre, September 27–October 11, €25–€40 (~$29.25–$46.80 USD).
• Note: Full program launched July 2025; check dublintheatrefestival.ie for updates.

Past Notable Performances

• Irish: On the Outside by Tom Murphy (2023), Faith Healer by Brian Friel (2022).
• International: The Father by Florian Zeller (2021), The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh (2019).
• Emerging Works: The Beacon by Nancy Harris (2019), Redemption Falls by Anu Productions (2024).
  These highlight the festival’s blend of classic and contemporary theatre.

Educational Impact

• THINKING STAGES: Free panels with The Irish Times discuss theatre’s role in society, engaging students and artists.
• Workshops: Artist residencies and masterclasses at Festival House support emerging talent.
• School Programs: Outreach to Dublin schools promotes theatre education and attendance.
• Volunteer Roles: Opportunities in ushering and market research foster arts engagement.

Cultural Activities

• THINKING STAGES: Free talks and panels at Abbey Theatre and Festival House, September 25–October 12.
• Street Performances: Pop-up acts in Temple Bar, often free with registration.
• Workshops: Playwriting and acting sessions at Festival House, ~$17.55–$29.25 USD.
• Children’s Shows: Univers and Beyond Universe at The Ark, engaging young audiences.
• Community Events: “Open House” performances with community pricing, enhancing access.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: “10 for 10” and “Final Call” tickets are limited; book via dublintheatrefestival.ie by August 2025.
• Weather Prep: September/October in Dublin (50–60°F) is cool and rainy; pack layers and waterproofs.
• Explore Locally: Visit Dublin Castle (Dame Street, 5-minute walk from Abbey Theatre) or National Gallery (Merrion Square, 10-minute walk).
• Public Transport: Use a Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART.
• Festival App: Download the Dublin Theatre Festival app (iOS/Android) for schedules and maps.

Local Attractions

• Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (5-minute walk from Abbey Theatre).
• National Gallery of Ireland: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 (10-minute walk).
• Trinity College Dublin: College Green, Dublin 2 (5-minute walk, Book of Kells).
• Temple Bar Cultural Quarter: Vibrant area with galleries and pubs near Project Arts Centre.
• Phoenix Park: Dublin 8 (15-minute bus ride, Europe’s largest urban park).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: The Westbury (Grafton Street, Dublin 2, $200–$350 USD/night); The Morrison (Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, $150–$250 USD/night).
• Hostels: Generator Dublin (Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Temple Bar or Dublin 1 ($80–$200 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for September/October peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Abbey Theatre and Gaiety Theatre; nearest hospital is St. James’s Hospital (James’s Street, Dublin 8, 10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks and staff at venues; safe crowd management in Temple Bar.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor performances.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; outdoor events have rain contingencies.