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Smock Alley Theatre, 1662
Dublin City, Co. Dublin
Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 is Ireland’s oldest, newest theatre, cultural and heritage site in a restored 17th century theatre on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin City. With a varied artistic programme of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual arts.

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.

Upcoming events
  • SummerFriends From The West End

    This June, a brand-new theatrical experience comes to Cork and Dublin. FRIENDS FROM THE WEST END is an original musical revue featuring three acclaimed West End performers who have starred in some of London’s most iconic productions.

    26 June - 28 June
  • SummerThe Grönholm Method

    The Grönholm Method, a play by Jordi Galceran, has received several accolades, including the Premio Max SGAE Winner in 2005 and the Premio de la Crítica de Buenos Aires.

    1 July - 5 July
  • SummerMosaic

    Following on from a Dublin Fringe run and a Fishamble New Writing Award nomination, Louis Deslis brings his show Mosaic, back to Smock Alley where it all started. A Franco-Irish tale of craic, joie de vivre, and everything in between.

    7 July - 12 July
  • SummerBunny Bunny

    Sometimes it’s hard to be a Bunny. After critically acclaimed runs at Camden Fringe, Thess Fringe and Smock Alley Theatre Dublin, Nora Kelly Lester’s Bunny Bunny returns to Smock Alley this July.

    14 July - 19 July
  • SummerA Misanthrope

    Sugarglass & Smock Alley Theatre in association with Once Off Productions present the Irish Premiere of American Playwright Matt Minnicino’s Helen Hayes Award nominated adaptation, A Misanthrope.

    17 July - 2 August
  • SummerDANNY RYAN

    MARK FITZ IS HAVING A FREE GAFF!!! And you’re invited. So throw on your Rihanna t-shirt, spray on your super skinny jeans and whip and nae nae with us all the way back to 2015. Oh and P.S. DANNY RYAN JUST KINDA RSVP’d!!!

    21 July - 25 July
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Contact details
7 Exchange Street Lower, Temple Bar, Dublin, D08 PX27, Ireland
For all the best things to see and do in Dublin
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