The Abbey Theatre first opened in 1904, but the original building was badly damaged by fire in 1951. The current building open in July 1966 and was designed by Michael Scott and Partners. It occupied the same site as the original theatre, and was in the architectural style of austere modernism, influenced by the work of Mies van der Rohe. It has been the Abbey’s home for 55 years and has provided the stage for many memorable productions and performances. A portico by McCullough Mulvin Architects was added in 1990 and the main auditorium was re-configured in 2007 by John Keogan Architects with designer Jean Guy Lecat. Led by Aisling Joyce (architect, Scott Tallon Walker) and James Hickson (Abbey Theatre), this tour will explore the character, challenges and achievements of the current building, while also looking to the past and future of the site.
Tour Info
Tours at 10am, 11am and 12pm
Pre-book only.
Accessibility
- The entrance to our foyer is on Marlborough Street. There are no steps at our main entrance, so the foyer is fully accessible from street level. The doors can open to accommodate wheelchair users.
- The Abbey auditorium is accessible via the foyer with no intervening steps. There are two designated spaces available for wheelchair users inside the auditorium.
- The Peacock auditorium is partially accessible for wheelchair users. The auditorium is located at basement level and an elevator is available. The lift (1,000mm wide x 1,400mm deep) is at the top stairs inside the main entrance. There are two wheelchair accessible spaces with adjacent companion seats situated to the left of the auditorium. These can be accessed via a ramp with an automated door. This measures 785mm when open. The Peacock auditorium may not be available to us on the day, depending on rehearsal requirements.
- One partially accessible wheelchair toilet is located in the Abbey foyer.
- One wheelchair accessible toilet is located in the Peacock foyer, to the left of the exit from the lift.
- There is no lift available in the main Abbey building.
- There is a lift available to access the Peacock Theatre.
- To make the visit as accessible as possible, we will not be including any floors or areas that present barriers to accessibility.
- Cycle parking is available on Abbey Street Lower, alongside the Abbey Theatre building.
Getting there
- Dublin Bus: Take any route which stops on or near O’Connell Street. (4 mins)
- Expressway/Intercity Bus: Busáras, the main bus station in the city centre, is within walking distance. (5 mins)
- Dart: The nearest station is Tara Street. (5 mins)
- Train: Get off at Connolly Station which is located at Amiens Street, North Dock. (10 mins)
- Luas: Take the Red Line to Abbey Street (2 mins) or the Green Line to Marlborough (2 mins).
Notes
- Wheelchair Accessible.
