What a lovely spot for a concert and there's no bad seat in the house! A beautiful intimate setting to listen to the orchestra. Arrive early for a bite or mill around the large lobby space with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Upstairs check out the amazing chandelier too! While you're there, admire the bronze sculpture of the young woman playing the flute. And, when you head to the restrooms, notice the signed photographs of past performers. I've enjoyed lunchtime concerts thus far without disappointment. And, recently I watched Casablanca on the big screen while the orchestra played the memorable score in the background. The walk to the concert hall is pleasant if you're in the Dublin 8 area. This is a jewel in the middle of the City. Bravo! read more

I always love catching a concert at the NCH when in Dublin. It's a tremendous venue, which hosts concerts by some of the world's foremost orchestras and singers. My most recent visit was to see the fantastic Hayley Westenra accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra- a superb show, highly recommended to anyone when she next returns to Dublin. The concert hall itself is very striking from the outside, and beautiful inside as well. The bar area is a lovely place to spend some time, overlooked by the gorgeous chandelier. Inside the hall, there is a variety of seating options, with a corresponding variety of prices. For the particularly budget-wary people, the seats in the choir balcony behind the stage are often the cheapest, but still just as good for acoustics etc. The main negative with the NCH for me is the very expensive prices in the bar/café. I like to purchase a drink or snack whenever I visit to help support the hall, but my goodness the prices are high. I've heard there are some good deals during lunchtime concerts, but I've never been to one of these. There is also a music shop, and performers often stay to sign CDs etc. after the shows. Overall, makes for a great night out. read more

The National Concert Hall - Music Venues Near Me - Dublin, D

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra was fantastic. Truly enjoyed the performance. Rachmaninov and Shostakovich were both played by the orchestra. My friend lost her phone, which was left at reception immediately. I must commend the staff on how friendly and professional they are! read more

The National Concert Hall - Beautiful chandelier! - Music Venues Near Me - Dublin, D

I do love classical music, some Steve Reich and a strong cup of tea or some Merlot equals heaven on earth to me. Classical music should not be seen as the reserve of the upper crust or the formally educated, everyone has ownership over it. So what if you don't know your Bach from your Stravinsky, who cares! Like wine, if you like it you like - don't be intimidated about grapes etc - trust what you like. So with that little pep talk, I encourage you to go here. Keep an eye out for the lunchtime concerts. Also did you know that there is a café and restaurant in there? I only happened upon that discovery last week. Yet another option to meet folks or to go for some you time, they have a large selection of papers to read as you go in. read more

The National Concert Hall is a beautiful building and the main venue for classical music performances in Ireland, though recently they have evolved their programme for more modern and varied music. Recent performers such as Ceris Matthews, Jools Holland and The Beach Boys. The building itself dates back to 1865 where it was owned by UCD. Its inaugural performance was pieces for Handel and Hyden and grand ball. It survived through the war as a building for storing turf! The entrance is grand and beautiful with the hall having various stands of information, box office and info desk. There is a restaurant the Terrace Bar which I found ridiculously expensive though the food is good. There are also bars; again I found the price of drinks expensive. There is a small shop selling CD's and DVD's of recent & relevant performers. There is the beautiful John Field room where small lunchtime performances are held and the room is adorned with beautiful art and a giant chandler. The main hall itself seats 1,200 people and the acoustics of the auditorium are excellent for listening to pieces. If you aren't a classical fan as I said the programme is you might find not solely classical, Jack L is a regular performer here, I saw a wonderful Julie Feeney gig last year, was amazed by the music to Star Wars (hearing it played live is something else) and Holsts' The Planets, which was accompanied by videos and pictures of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and Hitchcock's Psycho movie with the music played by a live orchestra. The Japanese Kodo drummers was also some experience to witness. The Concert Hall also does various workshops for children and as I mentioned earlier lunchtime shows. I do find place bloody expensive. A scone and a cuppa came close to €10; I found this to be a bit of a rip-off especially considering the majority of day-time concert goers would be elderly or families. Its worthwhile keeping an eye out for what's on in the Concert Hall, you will find some gems of concerts to suit all. Perhaps though arrange pre-concert drinks/meal/coffees somewhere else especially if you're on a budget! The Concert Hall also do various workshops for children and as I mentioned earlier lunchtime shows. I do find place bloody expensive. A scone and a cuppa came to over €5, I found this to be a bit of a rip-off especially considering the majority of day-time concert goers would be elderly or families. It's worthwhile keeping an eye out for what's on in the Concert Hall, you will find some gems of concerts to suit all. Perhaps though arrange pre-concert drinks/meal/coffees somewhere else especially if you're on a budget! read more

Does exactly what it says on the tin! The National Concert Hall is, firstly, a truly gorgeous building. It's absolutely massive, yet inviting at the same time. Inside, the foyer is large, and the cafe decent. The hall itself is actually far more modern than what you would expect, and built more for acousitics than asthetics if the truth be told. The stage is, however, not too distant from the seats, so although it is quite big, it maintains an intimate atmosphere. A word on ticketing...don't be tempted by the 'Balcony'. I made that mistake when I went to see Habib Koite and realised that it's actually the area behind the stage, so for the majority of the gig we were stuck looking at the backs of the musicians. It must be said though, the Balcony was packed and the band kindly did turn and play to us (at least that's my interpretation!) every now and then...cheapskates up the back please! Seats aren't the most comfy you'll ever sit in, but definitely not the worst! There's a good mix of concerts held here, and the Walton's series throws up a few different bits and pieces which may appeal to fans of world music. read more

The National Concert Hall - Music Venues Near Me - Dublin, D

For a very civilised lunch, pop in here on a Tuesday to see the RTE Concert Orchestra play. Ok so it felt like a retirement home day out, but at only €10 this 1 hour recital is a great way to spend your lunch! You can also pick up a sambo and tea/coffee for €5. The concert hall itself is and intimate space and I don't think there are any bad seats. The hall feels a bit makeshift, but that's probably because it's almost identical to the UCD library next door that I use to study in. read more

Recently I went to see Gilbert and Sullivan's jubilant 'HMS Pinafore' at the National Concert Hall. This comic opera could not be performed in a theatre that compliments the show's thriving and big-production status as effectively as the National Concert Hall. It certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the premium concert halls in Europe with a world-class auditorium boasting a considerable seating capacity, outstanding acoustics and high-tech art staging and lighting apparatus, all working to ensure no production fails to disappoint. The National Concert Hall's annual programme of events boasts a rousing line-up of national and international performers. Fashion shows, seminars and conferences, product launches and exhibitions are also held here, the versatile range of events held pays tribute to the prevailing technology and resources on hand. This grandiose building always provides for a thrilling night out. read more

This is a large grey formidable Edwardian building, the only kind on this street. Inside, it offers large generous public spaces, a wide atrium, cafe, the John Field recital hall, and lots of galleries and organ pipes and lovely designed neo classical architecture. All of these things combine to make it a very impressive venue. The main music here is classical but sometimes other genres sneak on to the bill, but whatever is on it is usually really good! read more

Had a wonderful time at the Nat.Concert Hall watching the fabulous Honor Heffernan with the equally wonderful group of Jim Doherty, Dave Fleming and Myles Drennan. More Old Fashioned. I love catching any one of these great musicians when I am home from California and this just made my trip. It was professional down to the toes of each and every one and I look forward to their next show. Dreadfully sorry not to be able to catch next Fridays tribute to Sinatra or Ms Heffernan's show, but my heart is singing from their great music, see you next time. cathy read more

The National Concert Hall is Ireland's preeminent classical music venue with only some level of opposition from the Helix (in DCU) and various churches and cathedrals. Every Friday night it plays host to the National Symphony Orchestra with occasional but welcome support from the RTE Philharmonic Choir. The NCH also plays host to numerous international choirs, orchestras, soloists etc. The ticket box office is located at the very front of the entry way and the staff there are as helpful as they can reasonably be. There is also a computer linked to the NCH website if you simply want to browse. Also if you have a laptop or smartphone they have WIFI if you so wish. If you do not have a ticket booked in advance of a show you can queue up outside the box office and buy one prior to the show. If the show is a sell out then it is advisable to get to the box office well in advance (I found 6:30 to be a good time as your far from being the first in the line but your near enough to nearly guarantee a ticket. Any later and you are taking a risk). When booking seats everywhere is fine bar the choir stalls as they are cramped, uncomfortable and the entire hall can see you fidget (does make for some entertainment if sitting in main section of hall) The NCH has a coat room where you can hand over your coats to be minded for free. It is a good system but be warned that in order to avoid general anarchy at the end of the show make sure you get to the front of the line straight after the concert. People have a tendency to queue barge. There are three bars in the NCH. Two downstairs and one upstairs. It is advisable to book your interval drinks before hand or you will spend most of the time waiting in line to be served. There is also a coffee station in the John Field room but I can't say anything about it as have never had need to use it. I am sure it is perfectly adequate though. One note on the Main Hall of the NCH. Whilst it is very nice etc etc it could do with a bit of a make over. It was due for a total revamp around two years ago but recession then hit and....well you can guess the rest. On more mundane matters the NCH is served by the Green Luas line, by any number of buses heading to Stephens Green and there is a taxi rank at the Conrad opposite also. Btw the Conrad is also a fine place for an after concert drink or snack, whichever takes your fancy. read more

The National Concert Hall is great; a real asset right on our doorstep. Lovely building and the Iveagh gardens just behind. Also, you HAVE to go and hear our own RTE National Symphony Orchestra......they're amazing!! They play full concerts almost every Friday night all year around and in summer they have lighter programmes as well as lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays. Bring your significant other.....or your Mum! read more

We went there recently to see an amazing show called Pigalle, which is a tribute to Edith Piaf by an amazing Irish singer Derby Browne. I enjoyed every minute of the performance, and I believe that the NCH is a great place to attend for musical gems from time to time. In about 10 days we are going to see the Magic Flute there, and I am sure it'll be a great success! read more