Smock Alley Theatre Dublin

Unique historic theatre

Sarah from Dublin

About me A part-time writer, full-time Dubliner, born and bred in this colourful city. I love nothing more than exploring the beauty that's on my doorstep and travelling to experience cultures and destinations further afield. I'm passionate about writing and promoting my city to anyone who will listen! Why Dublin I love the colour of the city. From the history and culture-...
""Smock Alley Theatre" in Dublin was renovated and reopened in 2012 after a 225-year break! The thing I love most about it is the variety of performances..."

Although there have been many theatres with the name Smock Alley, the current one is by far the most modern and impressive. Built on the site of the 17th-century Theatre Royal Dublin, the building was also once an impressive 19th-century church and was renovated using material from the former theatre to stand as the modern theatre we use today. It was renovated and reopened in 2012 after a 225-year break!

One of the most impressive parts of the venue is the surroundings. The high and ancient stone church walls create a dramatic backdrop for performances. It sets a certain ambience before the act steps foot on stage. The thing I love most about Smock Alley is the variety of performances they show here. Everything from comedy to drama and everything in between can be performed here and they change the line-up every couple of weeks to keep things fresh. You can also hire the space as a conference or wedding venue. If you don’t want to see a show here, they offer historic tours of the building, pointing out the features and exactly what makes the theatre unique compared to the larger and more popular venues around the city.

The theatre is located just on the outskirts of Temple Bar, the cultural and drinking quarter of the city. It is a small theatre with very limited seating so if there's something you have your eye on, don't delay in booking.

002-building
Art & culture
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Dublin Spotter Sarah

About me A part-time writer, full-time Dubliner, born and bred in this colourful city. I love nothing more than exploring the beauty that's on my doorstep and travelling to experience cultures and destinations further afield. I'm passionate about writing and promoting my city to anyone who will listen! Why Dublin I love the colour of the city. From the history and culture-steeped streets and the beauty of the green spaces to the graffiti that gives us character and the colourful and often zany characters I meet on a daily basis, there is very little about Dublin that I...

About this spot

Exchange Street Lower 7

Average ticket:

20

16770014

Oct 2, 2025

Our Dublin City Guide

Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Dublin guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin

Freebird Records

Hidden in plain sight

"Freebird Records" isn't just a secret music shop! It's also a book store with all kinds of second-hand books at a good price & cool vintage stuff...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

The Hot Donut

Artisanal array of flavours

"The Hot Donut" sets itself apart because here donuts are homemade and freshly baked daily with natural and fruit-inspired flavors.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

Marlay Park

For a relaxing picnic day

"Marlay Park", located in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin, is a place I like to go to when I feel like taking a long walk in a natural environment...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

Govinda's

Empathy on a plate

"Govinda's" is a perfect example of altruistic cuisine made reality. It's a restaurant run by Hare Krishnas who make hearty vegan & vegetarian food!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

Needful Things

For the nostalgic-hearted

"Needful Things" in Dublin is an antique, collectibles and second-hand book store that's full of soul! Film buffs will especially love it...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

The Peace Tree

An eternal cypress

"The Peace Tree", also known by the locals as The Tree Of Life, is an impressive sculpture located in Raheny in Dublin that represents local animals...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

The National Botanical Gardens

Oasis in the city

"The National Botanical Gardens" in Dublin is one of my favorite places. I love the greenhouses, especially the Victoria Waterlily House...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

Red Stables Market

What will I find this week?

"Red Stables Market" in Dublin takes place every Saturday and it's one of my favorites activities of the week - I never know what I'll find!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

The Famine Memorial

A powerful reminder

"The Famine Memorial" in Dublin commemorates the victims of the Great Irish Famine of the 19th century without & with astonishing honesty...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

Griffith Avenue

The neverending tree-hall

"Griffith Avenue" in Dublin is the longest purely residential tree-lined avenue in Europe. I love having long walks here - especially in autumn!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Oct 31, 2025

The Grand Canal

For enjoyable walks

"The Grand Canal" is the part of Dublin I like to go to discover little bridges, cafés and just quiet spots with benches next to the water...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Oct 29, 2025

Phoenix Park

Dublin walks

"Phoenix Park" is one of the biggest walled parks in Europe, situated in Dublin, one of the smallest capitals! I really recommend you come here on...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Oct 29, 2025

Heading to Dublin?

112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Dublin app Home
Dublin app Home
Dublin app Map
Dublin app Home

Heading to Dublin?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

112 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Dublin

Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
43
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters