Making the Most of Your Visit to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
If you’re travelling to Dublin for the first time, or just looking for something different to do in the city, a trip to the Bord Gáis Theatre will be time well spent.
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was opened in 2010 as Dublin’s first premium arts venue, and largest fixed seated theatre space, with over 2,100 seats—shadowing the capacity size of New York’s 41 Broadway Theatres.
Prior to opening the Bord Gáis Theatre, Dublin’s main theatres consisted of The Abbey Theatre, The Gaiety and smaller venues like The Olympia and The Gate. Designed with a West-End feel, the Bord Gáis Theatre enabled Ireland to host large theatrical productions which were previously unable to come to Ireland.
If you’re keen to get your theatre fix but end up touring the city with a few reluctant parties, rest assured the shows at the Bord Gáis Theatre are spectacular enough to convert even the most stubborn theatre phobes!
Can you buy tickets at the Bord Gáis Theatre?
You can buy tickets at the Box Office in the Bord Gáis Theatre up to 30 minutes before the show is due to start, after which ticket sales will close.
If there is a chance you could be running late, it is advisable to purchase your tickets online if possible. You can buy your tickets online through external sites like Ticketmaster, Aiken Promotions or directly on the Bord Gais website.
Which seats are the best value?
Because of the tiered seating layout and amazing sound quality, you will usually get good value for your money no matter which seat you get issued with at the Bord Gáis.
While the box seats might provide a traditional premium theatre experience, some people may find it difficult to watch the show at an angle. These seats also tend to be more expensive because of their exclusivity.
The upper row tends to have the cheapest tickets, but this doesn’t mean these seats aren’t great. In fact, if you get seated near the front in the upper circle, you actually have a fantastic view of the stage.
For more convenience, aim to get a seat as close to the aisle as possible so you don’t have to move to let people in or out too often. Alternatively, the seating at the sides with fewer seats will mean fewer people are likely to move in and out – these are usually seat-numbers 1-10 or 45 onwards. Before buying your ticket, check out the seating plan below from the Bord Gáis website to make sure you’re happy with your choice.
Places to eat and drink near Bord Gáis Theatre
Nestled in the quiet Docklands area, there loads of nearby places to enjoy a few drinks or a delicious meal away from all the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Here is a complete list of places nearby and their distance from the theatre, according to what you fancy!
For cocktails and top-notch food
HQ Gastrobar – 100m away
The HQ bar is very popular for delicious cocktails and high-quality food in a modern, chic atmosphere. The menu is varied, ranging from lunch and brunch to an A la Carte menu. They also have a great value set menu Monday to Friday until 6:45 pm, where you get 2 courses for €25 or 3 courses for €28.
For something casual
Herbstreet -140m away
Herbstreet is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, serving a variety of tasty food with loads of flavour. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Herbstreet’s delicious food in large portions won’t disappoint.
This little place is very popular, however, so there is usually a wait of about 30-minutes for a table. They don’t accept bookings, so it is a matter of going in and putting your name down. It is worth the wait though, and the walk around the Grand Canal area is lovely enough to pass the time while waiting for the call to say your table is ready.
Milano – 180m away
Pizza, pasta and wine—you can’t really go wrong! Located along the canal, it’s only a 2-minute walk from the theatre, with outdoor seating looking out over the lovely Grand Canal Dock. Milano’s pizzas are a Dublin favourite, with a thin and crispy Romana base and a huge selection of toppings.
For fine dining
Charlotte Quay – 350m away
This glamorous little spot is definitely one of the Dockland’s most hidden gems. Tucked away on the corner of Grand Canal dock, it’s easy to miss if it weren’t for the glittering fairy lights shining across the water.
The standard menu is slightly more pricey but well worth paying a few euro extra if you’re looking for a top class meal. Fortunately, they do offer a pre-theatre menu on Monday to Saturday from 5pm-7pm, with 2 courses for €28 and 3 courses for €32. Not bad at all for such a beautiful spot overlooking the water.
For a quick coffee and cake
Il Valentino – 230m away
Arguably the best pastries in Dublin, this little Italian gem is perfect for grabbing a coffee, right up until 7 pm weekdays and 6 pm Saturday and Sunday. With plenty of seating overlooking the dock, and only a stone’s throw from the theatre, you can enjoy either one of their artisanal pastries, or a decadent Italian sandwich, all washed down with great quality coffee.
Art of Coffee – 260m away
Now with almost ten cafes around the city, the Art of Coffee have grown popular for good reason. The location at Grand Canal is possibly the smallest and most quaint of their many cafes, where you’ll enjoy an exceptional cup of coffee in a cosy, quiet atmosphere.
While they serve amazing sandwiches and pastries—if you’re a fan of scones, their white chocolate and blueberry scones will definitely rank in your top five!
