Overview
The National Opera House stands as a bold architectural statement on Wexford’s historic waterfront. Opened in September 2008, the venue replaced the ageing Theatre Royal to provide a purpose-built home for the region’s performing arts. Designed by Keith Williams Architects in partnership with the Office of Public Works, the building features a dramatic triple-height foyer crowned with a glazed roof. From the street-level entrance, visitors are drawn upward into a light-filled space that frames uninterrupted views of the Viking harbour and Wexford Bay.
Beyond its striking exterior, the Opera House functions as a year-round cultural hub. It houses two distinct performance spaces, a public café, and flexible meeting rooms, hosting everything from international symphonies and family-friendly musicals to local conferences and community events.
History & Architecture
For over fifty years, the Wexford Festival Opera relied on the Theatre Royal, a venue that eventually struggled to meet modern technical and accessibility standards. By the early 2000s, the Wexford Festival Trust commissioned a new building that could serve as a catalyst for town-centre regeneration. Construction began in 2006 on a tight, sloping plot on High Street, and the project was officially inaugurated by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in 2008, marked by a live broadcast of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
The architectural response to the challenging site was widely praised. The building’s contemporary form steps down the hillside, keeping its street profile modest while opening dramatically toward the water. It earned the AIA Excellence in Design Award (Townscape) and recognition from the Civic Trust Awards. Inside, the auditorium is lined with carefully selected timber panels, engineered to function like a musical instrument. Critics and acousticians have consistently highlighted the warmth and clarity of the sound, which rivals dedicated concert halls across Europe.
The Performance Spaces
The O’Reilly Theatre
The flagship auditorium seats 771 guests in plush, upholstered leather seats. The layout is designed for optimal sightlines: side seats are angled toward the stage, and the wider side boxes allow for comfortable viewing without straining. State-of-the-art lighting and rigging systems support large-scale operas, touring theatre productions, and symphonic concerts.
The Jerome Hynes Theatre
Named after a prominent Irish philanthropist, the 176-seat Jerome Hynes Theatre offers a flexible, adaptable environment. Its layout can be reconfigured for seated performances, standing receptions, or workshop settings. The space is particularly popular during the festival season for experimental works, emerging artists, and smaller-scale concerts that demand a close connection between performer and audience.
Dining & Harbour Views
Visitors don’t need a ticket to enjoy the building’s public areas. The top-floor café is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering coffee, light meals, and pastries alongside one of the best harbour panoramas in County Wexford. The main bar opens one hour before performances in the O’Reilly Theatre, serving Irish craft beers, wines, and soft drinks. Please note that food and drink are not permitted inside the auditoriums once the performance begins.
Visiting the National Opera House
The venue operates Monday to Saturday, 09:30–17:00, and is closed on Sundays. If you are planning to attend a performance, arrive with plenty of time to explore the foyer, grab a drink, or settle into the café before doors open two hours in advance. The auditorium itself opens 30 minutes prior to curtain time.
Booking tickets early is strongly recommended, particularly for the annual Wexford Festival Opera. The intimate capacities of both theatres mean popular shows sell out weeks in advance. The official website offers a straightforward online booking system with instant email confirmation. Resold tickets incur a 15% administration charge, and tickets are generally non-refundable unless a performance is cancelled by the venue.
Getting There
- By Train: Wexford railway station is a five-minute walk from the Opera House. Regular Enterprise and Commuter services run from Dublin Heuston, taking approximately 1.5 hours.
- By Bus: Routes 1, 2, and 3 serve the town centre and stop directly outside the venue.
- By Car: Pay-and-display parking is available on High Street and at the Wexford Town Car Park on the quayside.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Monday-Saturday 09:30-17:00 (closed Sundays) |
| Ticket Policy | All children require a ticket. Non-refundable unless cancelled; 15% admin fee on resales. |
| Bar & Café | Bar opens 1 hour before shows. Food/drink not allowed in auditoriums. |
| Prohibited Items | No smoking, vaping, food, cameras, or recording equipment. Mobile phones must be switched off. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly circulation, accessible toilets, and staff assistance on request. |
| Venue Hire | Contact Aisling at +353 53 916 3526 or aisling@nationaloperahouse.ie |
| Website | https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie |
Nearby Attractions
The Opera House sits at the edge of Wexford’s compact town centre, making it easy to combine a performance with a broader cultural itinerary. A short walk along the waterfront leads to the historic quays and the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a moving museum dedicated to Irish emigration. St. Iberius Cathedral and the town’s independent boutiques are also within easy walking distance.
Arrive early to secure a window seat at the top-floor café; the late afternoon light reflecting off the harbour makes it one of the most rewarding vantage points in the region.