Cork Opera House

Overview

Cork Opera House is the city's principal performing arts venue, located on Emmet Place on the north channel of the River Lee. It hosts over 250 events per year including theatre, opera, comedy, and concerts.

Highlights

• Main auditorium: A 1,000-seat venue with excellent acoustics.
• Half Moon Theatre: A smaller 200-seat space for experimental and comedy shows.
• Waterfront location: The building faces the river with a pleasant terrace.

History

The original Opera House opened in 1855 and was destroyed by fire in 1955. The current Brutalist building replaced it in 1965 and was significantly renovated in 2004, adding the Half Moon Theatre and modernising the foyer.

Visitor Tips

• Booking: Popular shows sell out quickly; book online in advance.
• Dining: Several restaurants are within a 2-minute walk on Emmet Place.
• Duration: Show-dependent; typically 2–3 hours.