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Venues #22 in Dublin

3Olympia Theatre

4.5 · 6,369 reviews
Historic, intimate, and energetic
3Olympia Theatre, 72 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 K135, Ireland
Interesting facts
1

The theatre was renamed the Olympia Theatre in 1923, before rebranding to 3Olympia Theatre following a long-term sponsorship agreement.

2

Charlie Chaplin famously performed on the stage here during his early career.

3

The venue has an 'all-standing' floor option for rock and pop concerts, which significantly alters the seating layout from its theatre configuration.

4

A major structural renovation took place in the early 2000s to stabilize the building's facade and modernize safety systems.

5

The theatre's exterior is recognized for its wrought-iron canopy, a classic feature of late 19th-century theatre design in Dublin.

6

In 1979, the theatre was the site of the famous 'U2 at the Olympia' recording sessions.

7

The auditorium features a distinct 'sloped' floor design intended to improve sightlines for the stage.

Overview

The 3Olympia Theatre is a historic performance venue located on Dame Street in Dublin, originally opening its doors in 1879 as the Star of Erin Music Hall. It underwent significant renovations to preserve its ornate 1920s Victorian architecture, including its iconic proscenium arch and intricate ceiling plasterwork. The theatre serves as a primary venue for live music, comedy, and theatrical productions, hosting both international touring acts and local Irish talent. Its capacity is approximately 1,200, featuring a mix of stall seating and a traditional horseshoe-shaped balcony. The venue is protected as a protected structure, maintaining much of its original character despite modern technical upgrades for lighting and sound. It is a cornerstone of Dublin's cultural scene, situated in the heart of the Temple Bar district.

Photo spot

The ornate lobby and entrance staircase featuring the original mosaic flooring.

Insider tips

The balcony offers a superior view of the stage architecture and acoustic clarity compared to the rear stalls.

Check if your performance is 'seated' or 'standing' at the time of booking, as this changes the venue experience entirely.

Arrive early if you have general admission tickets, as the floor space fills up quickly.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to purchase tickets from third-party scalpers outside the venue; use the official website only.

Etiquette

No flash photography during performances; refrain from recording shows due to copyright policies.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3 hours
Best time to visit
Autumn and winter months for the most consistent schedule of indoor performances.
Address
3Olympia Theatre, 72 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 K135, Ireland
53.344, -6.266
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleVictorian/Edwardian hybrid with ornate plasterwork
CapacityApproximately 1,200 depending on configuration

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Autumn and winter months for the most consistent schedule of indoor performances..

The ornate lobby and entrance staircase featuring the original mosaic flooring.

Close by you'll find Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green, St Patrick's Cathedral.