Overview
Nestled in the heart of Wexford’s ancient Viking harbour town, the National Opera House is a striking contemporary landmark that rises above the town’s skyline. Opened on 5 September 2008, the venue houses two performance spaces – the 771‑seat O’Reilly Theatre and the more intimate 176‑seat Jerome Hynes Theatre – together with bars, cafés, and flexible meeting rooms. Its design, by Keith Williams Architects in partnership with the Office of Public Works, has earned a string of national and international accolades, including the AIA Excellence in Design Award (Townscape) and the Civic Trust Awards. From the modest street‑level entrance, visitors are led through a triple‑height foyer that opens onto a glazed roof, offering sweeping panoramas of Wexford town, the harbour and the surrounding bay.
The Opera House is the permanent home of the world‑renowned Wexford Festival Opera, a spring‑time celebration of rarely performed works that draws audiences from across the globe. Beyond opera, the venue’s calendar is packed with music, dance, comedy, family shows and conferences, making it a cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
History
The site originally hosted the Theatre Royal, a venue that served the Wexford Festival Opera for more than half a century. By the early 2000s, the ageing structure could no longer meet the technical demands of modern productions, prompting the Wexford Festival Trust to commission a purpose‑built opera house. Construction began in 2006 and the building was officially inaugurated by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in September 2008, with a live broadcast of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show from the newly named O’Reilly Theatre.
From its inception, the project was positioned as a catalyst for cultural and economic regeneration. The design team faced a tight, sloping site on High Street, and their solution – a bold contemporary form that subtly integrates into the historic streetscape – was praised for “being barely noticeable from many angles yet commanding from the waterfront.” Critics have repeatedly highlighted the auditorium’s acoustic excellence and the timber‑clad interior, which they liken to a finely crafted musical instrument.
What to See & Do
The O’Reilly Theatre
The flagship space seats 771 patrons in generously proportioned, upholstered leather seats. The side seats are angled toward the stage, allowing a natural line of sight, while the wider side boxes enable a relaxed, pivot‑friendly posture. The auditorium’s warm timber finishes, coupled with state‑of‑the‑art lighting and sound rigs, create an intimate yet technically sophisticated environment for opera, symphonies, and large‑scale theatrical productions.
The Jerome Hynes Theatre
Ideal for experimental works, workshops, and smaller concerts, the Jerome Hynes Theatre offers a flexible layout that can be re‑configured for standing performances or seated arrangements. Its modest size encourages a close‑up connection between artists and audience, making it a favourite venue for emerging talent during the Wexford Festival.
Bars, Café and Panoramic Views
A bar opens one hour before performances in the O’Reilly Theatre, serving a selection of Irish craft beers, wines and soft drinks. The top‑floor café provides a perfect spot to sip a coffee while gazing over the harbour – a view repeatedly described as “spectacular” in visitor reviews. The venue also hosts a 360° virtual tour, allowing remote guests to explore the interior before arriving in person.
Events and Festivals
While the Wexford Festival Opera remains the marquee event each autumn, the Opera House’s year‑round programme includes:
- International pop‑up concerts such as The Muddy River Band’s tribute to Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Van Morrison.
- Family‑friendly productions like A Tribute to The Carpenters and The Greatest 80s Show.
- Comedy nights, dance showcases, and occasional political conferences.
These diverse offerings ensure that visitors of all ages can find something that resonates with their interests.
Seasonal Highlights
The Wexford Festival Opera runs annually in the autumn months, presenting rarely performed operas and drawing an international audience. Check the official website for the exact dates each year, as the programme varies.
Getting There
Parking – Pay‑and‑display car parks are located within the town centre, a short walk from the Opera House. The nearest designated spaces are on the High Street and at the Wexford Town Car Park (on the quayside).
Public transport – The venue is a 5‑minute walk from Wexford railway station, which offers regular services from Dublin (approximately 1.5 hours). Bus routes 1, 2 and 3 serve the town centre and stop directly outside the Opera House.
Accessibility – Wheelchair‑friendly circulation, accessible restrooms and on‑site staff assistance are available throughout the building.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Monday‑Saturday 09:30‑17:00 (closed Sundays) |
| Ticket Policy | All children require a ticket. Tickets are non‑refundable unless the performance is cancelled; resold tickets incur a 15 % administration charge. |
| Bar Service | Opens 1 hour before performances; food and drink are not permitted inside the auditorium. |
| Venue Access | Doors open two hours before the performance start time; the auditorium itself opens 30 minutes prior. |
| Prohibited Items | No smoking, vaping, food, cameras or recording equipment inside the auditorium. Mobile phones must be switched off. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair‑friendly circulation, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance on request. |
| Contact for Hire | Aisling – +353 53 916 3526 – aisling@nationaloperahouse.ie |
| Website | https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie |
When planning a visit, it is advisable to book tickets early, especially for the Wexford Festival, as the intimate capacities fill quickly. The venue’s online booking system sends an e‑mail confirmation instantly after purchase. For those interested in a behind‑the‑scenes experience, the 360° tour (available on the official site) offers a virtual walk‑through of the foyer, auditorium and backstage areas.
Nearby Attractions
- Dunbrody Famine Ship – A short bus ride north of the town centre, this historic replica offers a moving insight into Ireland’s emigration story.
- St. Iberius Cathedral – Located in the heart of Wexford town, the cathedral’s medieval architecture complements a visit to the Opera House.
- Wexford Harbour – Stroll along the waterfront promenade for additional harbour views and photo opportunities.
These sites can easily be combined into a full day of culture, history and scenic walks.