Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 was the first custom built theatre in Dublin City and still remains in substantially the same form, making it one of the most important sites in European theatre history.
Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 was the first theatre outside London to receive the title of Theatre Royal, but, because it had been built on land reclaimed from the Liffey, the building was unstable and the gallery collapsed twice. It was rebuilt in 1735.
The theatre closed in 1787. The building was then used as a whiskey store until Father Michael Blake bought it to set up a church. When the bell tolled in 1811, 18 years before the Catholic Emancipation, the first Catholic bell to ring in Dublin in nearly 300 years was heard. The façade boasts ornate stained glass windows and the original ceiling plasterwork remain in the Smock Alley as a witness of this time.
After a six year renovation, Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 reopened its doors as Dublin’s oldest newest theatre in May 2012. With three gorgeous venues, Smock Alley is the perfect place to spend a cultural evening out. They partner with many arts and cultural festivals to welcome audiences, engage with artists and create exciting cultural events. From Dublin Theatre Festival to First Fortnight and from IMRAM to the Irish literature Festival these partnerships are a vital part of their annual programme.
- SCENE + HEARD
Arts and cultureSCENE + HEARD This year, we’re proud to present 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics (both verbal + physical), to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 28 - DOGWHISTLE | FEEL SHIT!
WinterBlock 28 - DOGWHISTLE | FEEL SHIT! Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 30 - Waiting with the gal (a lot) | The Bad One
WinterBlock 30 - Waiting with the gal (a lot) | The Bad One Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 31 - To Be Young, Black And Genius | Me, Myself and Ireland
WinterBlock 31 - To Be Young, Black And Genius | Me, Myself and Ireland Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 26 - BODY COUNT | The Ninefold Spiral
WinterBlock 26 - BODY COUNT | The Ninefold Spiral Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art. 🌟
- Block 29 - Dole Bots | Not All Men
WinterBlock 29 - Dole Bots | Not All Men Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 32 - DUST | This Is Not a Place of Honour
WinterBlock 32 - DUST | This Is Not a Place of Honour Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
- Block 38 - Heart Follows Drum | Everything Makes A Sound
WinterBlock 38 - Heart Follows Drum | Everything Makes A Sound Scene + Heard 2026 is here! Join us for 108 new shows - from comedy, theatre, music, dance, drag, acrobatics, to poetry, puppetry, hip-hop, opera, musical theatre and visual art.
