The Olympia Theatre, located at 72 Dame Street in the heart of Dublin 2, Ireland, is one of the city’s most celebrated live entertainment venues, known for its storied past and vibrant cultural presence. Originally opening its doors in 1879 as The Star of Erin Music Hall, the venue has since undergone several name changes—most notably becoming the Olympia Theatre in 1923—and periods of refurbishment, but has continuously retained its reputation as a prime destination for music, theatre, comedy, and other live performances. Architecturally, the Olympia is famed for its Victorian-style façade and lavish interior, featuring a proscenium arch, ornate balconies, and plush red velvet seats, which together evoke an old-world charm even as the theatre caters to contemporary audiences.

The theatre holds around 1,200 to 1,600 patrons, depending on the seating arrangement for each event, and is revered for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to connect closely with performers. The Olympia Theatre is steeped in Dublin’s cultural tapestry, not just as an entertainment venue, but as a historic landmark that has weathered political upheaval and urban development. The threat of demolition in the 1970s and again during the property booms of the Celtic Tiger era galvanized public campaigns to preserve it, cementing its status as a beloved city institution.

Throughout its long life, while renovations have modernized backstage and improved patron comfort, the Olympia has kept its original structure and charm largely intact, standing in the same Dame Street location since its inception. The venue’s cultural significance extends beyond its architecture—it has served as a platform for both local Irish talent and international stars, nurturing generations of artists across multiple genres, and is a key part of the city’s live performance circuit. Notable artists who have graced the Olympia Theatre stage include international acts such as David Bowie, Adele, Radiohead, REM, Blur, Sarah Silverman, and Hozier, as well as beloved Irish and local performers like The Dubliners, Glen Hansard, The Script, Villagers, Imelda May, Christy Moore, and Sinéad O’Connor.