Olympia Theatre

The Olympia Theatre, now known as the 3Olympia Theatre, is one of the most iconic and beautiful theatres in Dublin, Ireland.

Since its opening in 1879, the theatre has undergone numerous transformations and name changes, yet it has retained its status as one of the city’s leading cultural venues.

Located in the historic heart of the Irish capital, the theatre boasts a rich artistic heritage, hosting a wide variety of performances, from rock and heavy metal concerts to theatrical productions, operas, and comedies.

The theatre was designed by renowned architect John J. Callaghan at the request of Dan Lowrey, a successful UK businessman who aimed to bring the popular Music Hall entertainment to Dublin.

The history of the Olympia is marked by many highs and lows, including an attempted demolition in the 1960s, which was thwarted thanks to the tireless efforts of theatre producer Brendan Smith and his team.

Even after the collapse of the proscenium arch in 1974, which forced the theatre to close for over two years, the Olympia made a triumphant return in 1977, thanks to the support of the Dublin community and the dedication of Smith’s team. Since then, the theatre has thrived under various managers, and later, in 1995, it was acquired by Denis Desmond and Caroline Downey.

With a capacity of 1,600 people, the 3Olympia Theatre offers an intimate experience, even for large-scale artists and productions. The theatre’s sloped floor ensures excellent visibility from any seat.

The Olympia’s stage has hosted some of the greatest names in music and theatre. From theatre legends like Charlie Chaplin, Alec Guinness, and Marcel Marceau to contemporary bands like Machine Head, Interpol, Alice in Chains, Greta Van Fleet, and major stars like David Bowie, Mumford & Sons, and Foo Fighters, the Olympia remains a gathering place for global talent.

Olympia Theatre Seating Plan

How to find the best seats in 3Olympia Theatre:

Standing Area: tickets here are for general admission standing. There’s also a front pit area for people with wristbands. For some standing shows, wristbands/pit passes are usually allocated to a limited number of Stalls standing ticketholders on a first-come-first-serve basis on the night of the show.

Restricted View: some tickets have a restricted view, which means part of the stage may be blocked by a column or they’re located at the far sides of the auditorium. These tickets are usually cheaper and are the last ones available before a show sells out.

Unreserved Seats: The Upper Circle is the highest level in the theatre, and the seats are unreserved. It’s first come, first served, so arrive early to pick your seat. Some of these seats might have a restricted view, depending on the show.

Boxes: Tickets for the boxes at 3Olympia Theatre aren’t available for sale. They’re reserved for the artists’ guests, promoters, and crew only.

Hotels near 3Olympia Theatre

Staying close to the venue is always a great opportunity to walk to and from the show, and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of musicians and fans arriving throughout the day.

Rock Route in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland, is famous for its rich musical history, having been the birthplace of bands and artists like U2, Kodaline, Sinead O’Connor, Thin Lizzy, and The Script. The city is an excellent destination for rock fans, with plenty of interesting places to visit that will make your trip even more musical.

If you’re looking to catch a great live show, it’s worth checking Dublin’s event calendar.

For those who enjoy bars, Whelan’s and Bruxelles offer a great atmosphere. Vinyl lovers can head to Tower Records, a well-known store famous for its great selection of records.

A tour of the historic Windmill Lane Recording Studios to learn more about U2 in Dublin is must on your musical itinerary.

To plan your complete rock-inspired trip to Dublin (or other cities and countries around the world), check out all the guides we’ve already published here on Travel2Concert!