Overview
O’Reilly Theatre sits on Great Denmark Street in the heart of Dublin 1, within the historic campus of Belvedere College. The venue boasts a 500‑seat main auditorium equipped with a proscenium‑arch stage (21 m wide, 8.9 m deep, 9 m height to grid) and a flexible chapel space that can host up to another 500 people in a more intimate setting. Designed as a receiving house, the theatre welcomes touring productions, home‑grown Irish works, and a vibrant calendar of music, comedy and family‑friendly shows. Its modern interior features retractable raked seating, a motorised stage platform and a full‑bar refreshment area, making it equally suited to a night of drama or a lively concert.
History & Background
The theatre is named after Sir Tony O’Reilly, the Irish business magnate and former international rugby player, whose generous contribution helped bring the venue to life. Opened in the early 2000s, O’Reilly Theatre was conceived as a cultural hub for both the college and the wider Dublin community. Over the years it has built a reputation for championing new Irish playwrights and providing a platform for emerging artists. The venue’s programming policy emphasises cross‑cultural and contemporary music presentations, while its studio space – known as “Number 3” – houses nine resident artists ranging from theatre companies to visual artists. This blend of performance and creation makes O’Reilly a lively incubator for Dublin’s artistic scene.
What to See & Do
Main Auditorium Productions
The 500‑seat auditorium hosts a diverse slate of performances. Recent seasons have featured classic Shakespearean revivals, modern Irish plays such as At Peace by Declan Gorman, and high‑energy musical productions like Jesus Christ Superstar (February 2026). The venue also welcomes touring international hits, ensuring that visitors can catch world‑class theatre without leaving the city centre.
Music & Multi‑Disciplinary Events
Thanks to its wide stage – one of the broadest in Dublin – O’Reilly can accommodate large‑scale concerts and multi‑media shows. The space has hosted everything from tribute concerts (e.g., The Music of The Lord of The Rings) to contemporary string‑quartet evenings. Its excellent acoustics and flexible seating (raked or flat) allow for both seated concerts and standing‑room gigs of up to 1,000 attendees.
Studio & Community Spaces
Beyond the main stage, the theatre offers a lecture theatre, meeting rooms and a fully equipped bar. The chapel space provides a flexible stage for experimental performances, workshops and community events. Artists in residence use the on‑site studio facilities to develop new work, and the public can often attend open rehearsals or artist talks organised by the Martin Esslin Society, the group that curates the theatre’s term‑by‑term programme.
Family‑Friendly Offerings
O’Reilly prides itself on a child‑friendly environment. Family‑oriented productions, such as animated musical adaptations and interactive theatre for younger audiences, are regular fixtures. The venue’s modern, comfortable seating and on‑site refreshment area make it a comfortable setting for parents and children alike.
Accessibility
The auditorium and backstage areas are fully wheelchair‑accessible, with level access to the foyer, seating and restrooms. Hearing‑loop technology is available in the main auditorium on request. Accessible public transport links include nearby bus stops and the Luas Red Line (Parnell stop). The box office staff are trained to assist visitors with mobility or sensory needs.
Nearby Theatres
A short walk brings you to other Dublin cultural landmarks, including the iconic Abbey Theatre (≈350 m) – Ireland’s national theatre – and the historic Gate Theatre (≈280 m). This concentration of venues makes the area a perfect evening circuit for theatre lovers.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Belvedere College, Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1, D01 TK25 |
| Phone | +353 (0)1 858 6690 (general enquiries) – Box Office: +353 (0)1 858 6644 |
| bookings@belvederecollege.ie | |
| Website | oreillytheatre.com (to be confirmed) |
| Seating Capacity | 500 (main auditorium) – 500 (chapel) |
| Stage Type | Proscenium arch (main) – Flexible (chapel) |
| Stage Dimensions | Height to grid 9 m; Width 21 m; Depth 8.9 m (main) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair‑accessible auditorium and backstage; hearing‑loop on request; accessible public transport |
| Parking | Paid car parking on‑site; free street parking after 7 pm |
| Public Transport | Bus stops Parnell Square West (≈300 m), Rotunda (≈360 m); Luas tram stop Parnell (≈300 m) |
| Payment | Credit‑card accepted throughout the venue |
| Bar & Refreshments | Full‑license bar and refreshment area inside the auditorium |
Getting There
O’Reilly Theatre is a five‑minute walk from Dublin’s bustling O’Connell Street and is well‑served by Dublin Bus routes and the Luas Red Line (Parnell stop). For drivers, on‑site paid parking is available, and street parking becomes free after 7 pm, making an evening out hassle‑free.
Tickets & Booking
Tickets can be purchased via the theatre’s website (once verified) or directly at the box office. Prices vary by production; for example, Jesus Christ Superstar tickets were listed at €28‑€32 plus a booking fee in early 2026. The box office operates during standard business hours and can also be reached by phone for group bookings or accessibility enquiries.
Amenities
The venue offers modern ventilation, a comfortable climate‑controlled auditorium, and a bar serving a selection of drinks and light snacks. Restroom facilities are fully accessible, and the staff are noted for their friendly, helpful service.
Nearby Attractions
After a performance, visitors can explore the surrounding cultural quarter: the historic Gate Theatre (≈280 m), the Garden of Remembrance (≈240 m), and a variety of cafés and restaurants along Parnell Street. The proximity to Dublin’s main shopping districts makes it easy to combine a night at the theatre with a stroll through the city’s vibrant streets.