Whether you are into the most world-famous pop stars, or you prefer seeing the whites of your favourite singer-songwriter's eyes, Dublin has a stage to suit you.
The 3arena is the massive 14,000 Irish incarnation of the 3arena arena franchise. After having opened in 2008, it is the largest indoor arena in Ireland, creating greater scope for the biggest bands to perform there. As a result, artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Guns N' Roses have graced the stage with their massive sellout shows. The 3arena has also hosted general entertainment such as the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent live tours, giving you a taste of the kind of enormous crowds that the 3arena draws in. As well as music, the venue also brings in large shows from comedians such as Peter Kay and Ricky Gervais, and so if you are up for a break from music and want some laughs, be sure to frequently check out the 3arena box office. The venue is obviously huge, and so is not likely to hose any intimate performances if that is your thing, however, if you really enjoy the biggest acts, then the 3arena is sure to be on their tour, so be sure to check out the listings, as this might be the only place available to see the biggest bands on the planet.
Vicar Street is a popular venue with a capacity for a maximum of 1,500 people and was opened in 1998. The venue is popular with locals for its intimate feel and good acoustics, with even artists who have performed there stating that it is a favourite for their performances due to the nature of its size. Such a venue that is renowned for intimacy might be expected to only host unknown musicians, however, acts such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Glen Hansard have played there proving that it is a popular spot for fans and musicians alike. Not only this, but the venue has also been the site of a number of recorded performances of comedy and music, and this would suggest that the sound is one worth preserving. Reviews of gigs at the venue all comment on the atmosphere that accompanies such great acts, and the perfect size of the area, not too big and not too small. The only downside of such a popular but intimate venue is the tickets sell out in record times if you are looking to see someone here be sure to be on the ball with buying tickets.
Whelan's is a bar that also doubles up as a venue that is frequented by notable artists. The pub is known internationally for its small size but a big heart, even going so far as to be mentioned in the Hollywood film 'PS I Love You', in which the character names it as his favourite pub. The venue is an old-style pub during the day, before turning into a popular venue for local, national and international artists to showcase their talents before an appreciative crowd. The number of acclaimed acts is a testament to the venue's popularity, and pictures of the artists line the walls as a reminder of their stamp on Irish musical history. Artists like Irish favourites Lisa Hannigan and Damien Rice, along with international musicians James Blake and Jeff Buckley have performed, serving to cement the Whelan's reputation for drawing stellar acts. The size of the venue suits very well the singer-songwriter atmosphere, with reviewers noting the ability of a lone singer to captivate the entire venue and the unforgettable experience of seeing a singer perform songs in such an intimate setting.
The Village Venue (Now Closed)
The Village Venue is a former nightclub that was turned into a music venue in 2003, with a capacity of 550. With such a small size comes the expected intimacy of all great gigs, and the chance to enjoy acts like Bloc Party, the Frames and Ian Brown up close and personal. The music venue also incorporates a late-night bar and restaurant, and so if you are thirsty or hungry from one of the numerous gigs, head here for refreshments in the stylish setting of a building designed by an acclaimed architect. The venue has become something of a favourite among Dubliners, hosting new bands, international favourites as well as musical legends alike. Reviews of the site focus on the quality of its food during the day, as well as the calibre of acts that it draws. The twinned nightclub is also a prime spot for partying long into the early hours of the Dublin weekend, drawing top quality DJs and filling out the 600 capacity dancefloor with the most wide-eyed young people. Please note this venue has now closed.
