Background

Smock Alley Theatre, 1662: Dublin's Oldest Theatre

Experience Dublin's oldest theatre, a beautifully restored 17th-century landmark in the heart of Temple Bar, offering diverse performances.

4.7

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin's oldest theatre, stands on the site of the 17th-century Theatre Royal. Rebuilt in 2012, it showcases a diverse program of theatre, dance, music, and comedy in a beautifully restored space.

A brief summary to Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Local tips

  • Check the Smock Alley Theatre website for the most up-to-date performance schedule and ticket information.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, as seating is unallocated.
  • Arrive early to explore the theatre's historic architecture and enjoy a pre-show drink at the bar.
  • Take advantage of discounted parking at Q-Park Christchurch by booking online in advance and using the promo code SMOCK25.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Smock Alley Theatre is located in Temple Bar, a short walk from many central Dublin landmarks. From O'Connell Street, walk south towards the River Liffey, cross the Ha'penny Bridge, and continue straight onto Temple Bar. Exchange Street Lower, where the theatre is located, will be on your right. This walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Smock Alley Theatre is accessible via Dublin Bus, Luas (tram), and DART (train). Several bus routes stop near Temple Bar, including routes 37, 39a, 51d, 69, 70, 79, 83 and 145. The closest Luas stops are Jervis and Four Courts on the Red Line, about a 5-10 minute walk away. Tara Street DART station is approximately a 12-15 minute walk. A single adult TFI 90-minute fare is €2.00 with a Leap Card. Paying with cash on Dublin Bus costs €2.60 for a long fare. A Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel for €8.00 (24 hours), €16.00 (72 hours), or €32.00 (7 days).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin, including near transport hubs and in the city center. A taxi from a central location like O'Connell Street to Smock Alley Theatre typically costs between €8 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Note that fares are metered and can vary. There is an initial charge of €4.40, with a rate of €1.32 per km between 8:00 and 20:00 Monday to Saturday. Extra passengers may incur a fee of €1.00 each.

Unlock the Best of Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Smock Alley Theatre, or Amharclann Scabhat Smock in Irish, holds a unique place in Dublin's history as the city's oldest theatrical site. Originally built in 1662 as the Theatre Royal, it was the first Theatre Royal outside of London. The theatre has hosted renowned playwrights and actors, contributing significantly to the world of theatre. Despite its early success, structural problems and competition led to its closure in 1787. The building then served as a whiskey store and later, in 1811, was transformed into a Catholic church, Saints Michael and John. In 2012, after extensive renovations, Smock Alley Theatre was reborn as a modern performance venue. Today, it features multiple performance spaces, including the Main Space, The Boys' School, and the Black Box, hosting a wide array of artistic events. The theater is known for its diverse program of shows all year round. It also partners with arts and cultural festivals to welcome audiences and engage with artists.

Popular Experiences near Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Popular Hotels near Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Select Currency