Wexford Festival Opera – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Wexford Festival Opera, founded in 1951, is one of Ireland’s most prestigious cultural events, running from October 17 to November 1, 2025, at the National Opera House in Wexford. Celebrating its 74th edition, it attracts over 15,000 attendees annually for a 16-day program of approximately 70 events, including rare operas, concerts, and talks.

Renowned for reviving obscure or forgotten works, the festival showcases international talent alongside Irish artists, curated by Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi. Its intimate setting and focus on innovative productions make it a global opera destination, supported by the Arts Council and volunteers, fostering Wexford’s cultural vibrancy.

Event Highlights

• Main Stage Operas: Three rare or rediscovered operas, typically 19th-century works, performed at the National Opera House.
• Pocket Operas: Short, accessible performances in smaller venues.
• Recitals & Concerts: Featuring emerging and established artists, including lunchtime recitals.
• Free Events: Pop-up performances and talks, enhancing accessibility.
• Festival Friend Benefits: Priority booking and discounts for members (e.g., Prelude, Ensemble tiers).
• Community Engagement: Workshops and talks exploring opera’s history and production.

• Music & Arts: Showcases operatic performances, recitals, and choral concerts.
• Comedy & Theatre: Includes comedic operas and dramatic productions.

City

• Wexford, County Wexford, Ireland: Events are centered at the National Opera House, with additional venues across Wexford’s historic town centre, known for its maritime charm.

Main Event Address

• National Opera House, High Street, Wexford, Y35 FEP3, Ireland: Primary venue for main stage operas and key events.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 17–November 1, 2025 (Friday–Saturday).
• Duration: 16 days.

Venue / Location

The festival is primarily hosted at the National Opera House, with additional events across Wexford.

• Key Venues:
  • National Opera House: High Street, Wexford, Y35 FEP3 (main stage operas, recitals).
  • Clayton Whites Hotel: Abbey Street, Wexford (pocket operas, talks).
  • St. Iberius Church: North Main Street, Wexford (concerts, recitals).
  • Wexford Arts Centre: Cornmarket, Wexford (pop-up events, exhibitions).
  • John’s Gate Street: Outdoor pop-up performances, free.
• Note: Full venue list and schedule announced July 2025; check wexfordopera.com.

Contact Information

• Email: boxoffice@wexfordopera.com (ticketing); info@wexfordopera.com (general inquiries).
• Phone: +353 53 912 2144 or 1850 4 OPERA (ticketing); +353 53 912 2400 (administration).
• Box Office Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM.
• Website: www.wexfordopera.com
• Social Media: Follow @wexfordopera on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Address: National Opera House, High Street, Wexford, Y35 FEP3, Ireland.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Book online at wexfordopera.com, by phone (+353 53 912 2144 or 1850 4 OPERA), or in person at the National Opera House box office (High Street, Wexford). Festival Friend members get priority booking; group discounts available via boxoffice@wexfordopera.com.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD):
  • Main Stage Operas:
    • Lower-tier seats: €30 + €3 fee (~$36.96 USD).
    • Mid-tier seats: €60 + €3 fee (~$70.56 USD).
    • Premium seats (e.g., stalls): €150 + €4 fee (~$171.68 USD).
  • Pocket Operas/Recitals: ~€15–€40 EUR (~$16.80–$44.80 USD, estimated, fees: €1.50–€3).
  • Free Events: Pop-up performances, some talks, no tickets required.
• Notes:
  • Exact prices and opera titles announced July 2025; book early for premium seats.
  • Facility fees: €1.50 (~$1.68 USD) for tickets ≤€20; €3 (~$3.36 USD) for €21–€60; €4 (~$4.48 USD) for ≥€61.
  • Festival Friend packages (e.g., Prelude, Ensemble) offer discounts; details at wexfordopera.com.
  • No refunds/exchanges; contact boxoffice@wexfordopera.com for waiting lists.

Cultural Significance

The Wexford Festival Opera is a cultural gem, renowned for its dedication to rare and forgotten operas, bringing global attention to Wexford since 1951. Its intimate 441-seat National Opera House fosters a unique connection between performers and audiences, showcasing international and Irish talent. By reviving obscure works, it preserves operatic heritage while innovating with modern productions. The festival’s 70+ events, including free pop-ups and community workshops, engage diverse audiences, boosting Wexford’s economy and cementing its status as Ireland’s opera capital.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: National Opera House café offers sandwiches, pastries (~$3–$6 USD), and drinks (wine, coffee, ~$3–$8 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Greenacres Bistro: Selskar Street, Wexford (local seafood, $15–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Red Kettle: 14–15 South Main Street, Wexford (Irish comfort food, $10–$20 USD, near National Opera House).
  • Cistin Eile: 80 South Main Street, Wexford (modern Irish, $12–$22 USD).
• Street Food: Pop-up stalls on John’s Gate Street during free events (e.g., burgers, vegan options, ~$8–$12 USD).
• Alcohol Policy: Venue bars only; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select events (e.g., recitals, pop-up performances) are suitable for older children; check wexfordopera.com for age guidance.
  • No dedicated children’s programming; under-16s require adult supervision.
• Accessibility:
  • National Opera House is wheelchair-accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms.
  • St. Iberius Church and Clayton Whites Hotel have partial access; contact boxoffice@wexfordopera.com for accommodations.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted performances for select operas (details July 2025).
  • Festival Friend memberships enhance financial accessibility with discounts.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 150 km, 2-hour drive) or Waterford Airport (WAT, 60 km, 1-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 2 or 40 to Wexford (O’Hanrahan Station, 5-minute walk to National Opera House).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Wexford O’Hanrahan Station (5-minute walk).
• By Car: Parking at Quayfront Car Park (Paul Quay, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD) or High Street lots.
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from DUB (~$120–$150 USD) or WAT (~$50–$70 USD).

Program Details (Based on Historical Trends, Expected 2025)

• Expected 2025 Program: Approximately 70 events, including:
  • Main Stage Operas: Three rare operas (TBD, e.g., 2024’s Le maschere, La Favorite), National Opera House, October 17–November 1, €36–$172 USD.
  • Pocket Operas: Short works at Clayton Whites Hotel, ~$16.80–$33.60 USD.
  • Recitals & Concerts: Lunchtime recitals at St. Iberius Church, ~$11.20–$22.40 USD.
  • Talks & Lectures: Free or ~$11.20 USD, exploring opera history at Wexford Arts Centre.
  • Pop-Up Performances: Free street events on John’s Gate Street.
• Note: Full program, including opera titles, announced July 2025; check wexfordopera.com.

Past Notable Performances

• Operas: Le maschere by Mascagni (2024), Zoraida di Granata by Donizetti (2023).
• Recitals: Ermonela Jaho (2023), Juan Diego Flórez (2022).
• Pocket Operas: L’elisir d’amore excerpts (2024, Clayton Whites Hotel).
  These highlight the festival’s focus on rare works and international talent.

Educational Impact

• Talks & Lectures: Free or low-cost sessions at Wexford Arts Centre on opera history and production.
• Workshops: Community masterclasses for aspiring singers, ~$11.20–$22.40 USD.
• School Outreach: Programs introducing opera to Wexford students.
• Cultural Exhibits: Free displays at the National Opera House on Wexford’s operatic legacy.

Cultural Activities

• Pop-Up Performances: Free opera excerpts on John’s Gate Street, October 17–November 1.
• Recitals: Lunchtime concerts at St. Iberius Church, ~$11.20–$22.40 USD.
• Talks: Free literary sessions at Wexford Arts Centre, exploring opera’s cultural impact.
• Exhibits: Free displays at the National Opera House on festival history.
• Festival Friend Events: Exclusive receptions for members, ~$22.40 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Premium opera seats sell out; book via wexfordopera.com in July 2025.
• Weather Prep: October in Wexford (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit John F. Kennedy Arboretum (15-minute drive) or Irish National Heritage Park (10-minute drive).
• Public Transport: Use Bus Éireann multi-trip tickets (~$10 USD) for savings.
• Festival Info: Check wexfordopera.com for digital schedules (no dedicated app).

Local Attractions

• Irish National Heritage Park: Ferrycarrig, Wexford (10-minute drive, $12 USD).
• John F. Kennedy Arboretum: New Ross, 20 km (15-minute drive, $5.60 USD).
• Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: North Slob, Wexford (15-minute drive, free).
• Selskar Abbey: Selskar Street, Wexford (5-minute walk, free exterior view).
• Wexford Quayfront: 5-minute walk, scenic promenade.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Clayton Whites Hotel: Abbey Street, Wexford ($100–$180 USD/night).
  • Talbot Hotel Wexford: On The Quay, Wexford ($90–$160 USD/night).
• Hostels: Kirwan House (3 Mary Street, Wexford, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Wexford town centre ($70–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for the October peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at National Opera House; nearest hospital is Wexford General Hospital (Newtown Road, 5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at National Opera House; Garda presence for outdoor events.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor performances.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues ensure continuity; bring umbrellas for outdoor transitions.