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Below are reviews of the best of entertainment in Dublin outside of clubs and pubs. Dublin city has a thriving live gig scene with many amazing venues. The RDS exhibition centre with its exhibition stands, stadium and multiple bars/cafes has something for everyone almost all year round. Comedy events, traditional music sessions, theatre and the arts are just a sample of what awaits those looking for a good night out.
| BEST ACTIVITIES - GREY HOUND RACING |
Greyhound racing is a popular past time in Ireland and the breeding of pedigree racing dogs is something of a cottage industry in rural areas. An evening "at the dogs" is an excellent night out, even if you've no interest in racing or betting. There are modern restaurants and bars available at most venues where you can eat, drink and get an excellent view of the racing action from comfortable indoor viewing areas. This is a lively night out and even if the betting doesn't appeal at first, once the racing starts you'll find it hard not to join the shouting as the dogs round the final bend.
Shelbourne Park is one of the country's foremost greyhound racing venues, offering superb facilities and a great night out. They pride themselves on their ability to deliver an outstanding night's entertainment. Another night in the local pub or restaurant might just look a little lacklustre in comparison!
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Harolds Cross has been recently renovated and is a superb racecourse. Its facilities are directly comparable to Shelbourne Park, although on a smaller scale. It is located in Harolds Cross, Dublin 6. Carparking facilities are available and there is usually no shortage of taxis at the end of the night. More information can be found at the Website below.
Location |
151 Harolds Cross Road, Dublin 6 |
Phone |
01 4971081 |
Web site |
www.igb.ie/stadia/hrx.aspx |
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| BEST THEATRE |
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's National Theatre and is located in the city centre . Designed by Michael Scott, the building floats on a concrete raft upon the river Liffey. The building is 4 stories high and houses two theatres, The Abbey and The Peacock. The height of the auditorium within the Abbey Theatre can be adjusted for different theatre or concert stagings. Seating capacity is 628 of which ninety-seven are located in a shallow balcony. Each seat commands a full view of the stage and the foyers and bar areas are generous in size.
The Abbey Theatre offers productions of works by Irish playwrights past and present , notably Tom Murphy, Brian Friel and Sean O'Casey and international works such as Medea by Euripides. The current programme of the Peacock Theatre is dedicated in the main to the presentaion of new plays.
Location |
26 Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1 |
Phone |
01 8787222 |
Web site |
www.abbeytheatre.ie |
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One of Dublin's oldest and finest theatres, The Gaiety hosts big budget theatre and opera performances.
There are also late night clubbing events where you can watch a late film or listen to a whole host of different music genres across a number of floors.
Location |
South King St, Dublin 2 |
Phone |
01 6771717 |
Web site |
www.gaietytheatre.net |
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Dublin's most impressive new venue, The Helix offers a wide variety of events in three auditoria.
At last, it gives Ireland a truly world class facility in which to enjoy the unique experience only live performances can deliver. The Helix comprises three different halls; The Mahony Hall, The Theatre and The Space, all of which are alongside a Visual Art Gallery. The entire structure is housed in a truly breath taking building designed by A&D Wejchert.
The Helix has already built up an impressive reputation for staging diverse theatre and music and it has hosted some of the greatest orchestras from around the world. Opera singers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett and Bryn Terfel have performed. Theatre from the US, UK, South Africa, Vietnam and Ireland has featured thus far, with more diverse performances planned for 2005. Rock music has not been overlooked and two legends; Van Morrisson and Lou Reed, regularly tread the Helix boards.
Location |
DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 |
Phone |
01 7007000 |
Web site |
www.thehelix.ie |
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The National Concert Hall based in Dublin's city centre is rated by most as the premier centre for the performance of live orchestral music and many of the world's top artists have performed here. The Hall stages concerts almost nightly throughout the year. Home to the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, the NCH hosts a variety of concerts, performances, operas and musicals as well as lunchtime recitals.
Location |
Earlsfort Terrace,Dublin 2 |
Phone |
01 4170000 |
Web site |
www.nch.ie |
>>entertainment in dublin |
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The Olympia Theatre located on Dame Street, across from Dublin Castle, is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dublin and hosts a variety of shows from musicals to plays and comedy to live gigs.
Location |
72 Dame St, Dublin 2 |
Phone |
01 6771020 |
Web site |
www.olympia.ie |
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| BEST FOR LIVE SHOWS & GIGS |
With a seating capacity of 7,500, The Point Depot is one of Dublin's larger indoor theater/concert venues, attracting top Broadway-calibre shows and international stars such as Justin Timberlake, Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue.
Location |
East Link Bridge, North Wall Quay |
Phone |
01 8363633 |
Web site |
www.thepoint.ie |
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Vicar Street is a sumptuously decorated venue on the site of an old church. This venue plays host to Irish and international rock acts usually of the mainstream variety. Theatre and comedy nights are also quite common. The Vicar Street bar is popular, and the venue's latest addition, the Shelter , ensures an intimate space for low-key, often acoustic, performances.
Location |
58-59 Thomas Street, Dublin 8 |
Phone |
01 4546656 |
Web site |
www.vicarstreet.com |
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The RDS
( Royal Dublin Society) was founded in 1731 to promote the development of agriculture, arts, science and industry in Ireland. Having moved to a 15 acre site in Ballsbridge in 1879, the grounds have now increased to 40 acres with 10 multi-purpose exhibition halls, the RDS stadium, meeting rooms, bars, restaurants and over 2,000 car parking spaces.
This venue plays host to many international stars including Elton John.
Location |
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 |
Phone |
01 6680866 |
Web site |
www.rds.ie |
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The Olympia Theatre located on Dame Street, across from Dublin Castle, is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dublin and hosts a variety of shows from musicals to plays, from comedy to live gigs. Recent examples of live gigs include
Groove Armada and The Beautiful South.
Location |
72 Dame St, Dublin 2 |
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Phone |
01 6771020 |
Web site |
www.olympia.ie |
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| BEST TRADITIONAL SHOWS |
Culturlann Na hÉireann is the home of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann, an Irish cultural organization that has been the prime mover in encouraging a renewed appreciation of, and interest in, Irish traditional music. The year-round entertainment programmes include old-fashioned ceili dances (Fri 9pm-Midnight) and informal music sessions (Fri-Sat 9:30-11:30pm).
One of the Comhaltas aims and objectives is "to promote Irish Traditional Music in all its forms"
and this is reflected in its vast programme of musical activities. Hundreds of music classes are held each week by the 400 branches of Comhaltas throughout Ireland and around the world covering all instruments such as uilleann pipes, harp, fiddle, flute, whistle, accordion, concertina, banjo, guitar and bodhrán.
Location |
Monkstown, County Dublin |
Phone |
01 2800295 |
Web site |
www.comhaltas.com |
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| BEST COMEDY |
The Comedy Cellar began life in February 1988 when Mr Trellis (The Mormon) performed their first sketch and stand up shows in the small upstairs club room at The International Bar on Wicklow Street.
Over 10 years later new acts now fight for stage space and the balance certainly leans towards a mixture of more experienced performers. The Comedy Cellar provides a vital platform for comedy talent in Dublin and over the years The Comedy Cellar has been a starting point for many of Ireland's most talented comedians.
Location |
The International Bar ,
Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 |
Phone |
01 6779250 |
Web site |
www.dmcwebs.com/comedy/ |
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