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The weekend isn’t complete without some drama thrown in for good measure
You’ve got to love a good trip to the theatre. You can’t beat the drama, spectacle and performances that bring stories to life on stage.
And what better place to do it than in Dublin? A city which has produced so many talented playwrights like Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy and Seamus Heaney.
There’s no better way to enjoy what the Irish capital has to offer than by attending something as special as the Dublin Theatre Festival. You get the chance to sample the work of several playwrights in one day, and get a flavour of the city’s up and coming talent.
Dublin Theatre Festival schedule
The festival is taking place from 24 September - 13 October in 26 different venues across Dublin. Things are kicking off with some plays in the Gaiety that are sure to impress any die hard theatre fans.
Beckett’s Room is first up, a play about Samuel Beckett and an apartment in Paris where he lived during the Second World War. It takes place in the Gate Theatre, and is followed by a modern re-imagining of J.M Synge’s classic The Playboy of the Western World in the Gaiety.
Other highlights to follow include acclaimed playwright Dermot Bolger’s latest production Last Orders at the Dockside taking place in the Abbey from 26 September - 12 October. Bolger is known for his past work like recent plays including Bang Bang and Tea Chests and Dreams.
Some of the plays will tackle social issues which are relevant today, such as Ray Scannell’s The Bluffer’s Guide to Suburbia at project Arts Centre, which looks at Ireland’s housing crisis. Similarly, Travis Alabanza and Hackney Showroom’s production BURGERZ at Smock Alley Theatre deals with transphobia.
However, other plays draw inspiration from the past. At the Pavilion Theatre, The Alternative by Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney will delve into Irish history and questions what would the Republic of Ireland look like if it remained under UK ruling.
Other hotly anticipated shows are making their way here from overseas. Having received glowing reviews in the US, one woman show Pike St. will be taking to the Smock Alley stage. Us/Them by Carly Wijs is set to cross the Irish sea too.
If you want to find out more about the full list of venues and what shows are taking place, have a look at the full Dublin Theatre Festival schedule.
Things to do in Dublin
To experience all of these brilliant venues, you’re best off staying in one of the many great hotels that Dublin city centre has to offer. The Academy Plaza is a particularly solid choice, given that both Luas lines, Connolly Station and O'Connell Street are all within a short walking distance.
All of these fantastic performances might satisfy your theatrical hunger (if that's a thing), you're going to need good places to eat as well. We highly recommend popping into
The Winding Stair for their dedicated pre-theatre menu that offers three courses for just €35 per person.
You might as well enjoy as much of what Dublin has to offer during your time there, so we reckon a backstage tour of the Abbey Theatre would be a great shout.
To complete your weekend of culture, spend a day checking out what else Dublin has to offer. You might enjoy a backstage tour of the Abbey Theatre, the Dublin Writers Museum, or the National Gallery of Ireland.
A festival makes your break, so head to head to our Discover Ireland festivals hub to discover even more options to make your break in Ireland something magical.
Brought to you by Discover Ireland 
