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.