The Abbey Theatre, Ireland's National Theatre, was founded in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory to stage the "deeper emotions of Ireland" and foster a distinct Irish identity. As the first state-subsidized theatre in the English-speaking world, it played a pivotal role in the Irish Literary Revival and continues to produce ambitious, courageous new theatre that engages with all of Irish society. The current building, designed by Michael Scott and opened in 1966 following a devastating fire, houses two performance spaces: the Abbey Auditorium and the Peacock Theatre.
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
In the Abbey Auditorium, rows closer to the stage offer optimal sightlines, though specific recommendations require familiarity with the current configuration. Wheelchair accessible spaces are located at either end of row H.
No Dress Code
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Abbey Street (Luas Red Line); O'Connell Street (multiple bus routes); Connolly Station (Irish Rail)
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Performer guide coming soon
Housing, coaches & studio spaces for this city
Architect
Joseph Holloway (original 1904 building); Michael Scott (1966 rebuild)
Architecture
Contemporary modernist (1966 rebuild by Michael Scott)
Heritage
National Theatre of Ireland
Resident Company
Abbey Theatre
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View Full Directory26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, D01 K0F1, Ireland
Abbey Street (Luas Red Line); O'Connell Street (multiple bus routes); Connolly Station (Irish Rail)