The National Concert Hall
The National Concert Hall
4.5
About
Ireland's National Concert Hall is regarded by performing artists as one of the finest concert halls in Europe. At the heart of Dublin's city centre it boasts a thrilling programme of the world's greatest performers and Ireland's finest musicians. With weekly performances by our resident orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestras as well as a range of performances and activities covering classical, opera, traditional, jazz, musicals, popular music and education and community outreach, The National Concert Hall is a thriving venue catering for all musical tastes, ranging from the New York Philharmonic to the Chieftains, Cecilia Bartoli to Joan Baez, Lang Lang to Jools Holland and Yo-Yo Ma to Peking Opera, and many more. Our vision for The National Concert Hall is that of a world-leading auditorium and centre of excellence for the performing arts in Ireland. The Hall, on Earlsfort Terrace, is a building worth experiencing on its own merits alone, to say nothing of the exciting performances within it.
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Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- Harcourt • 4 min walk
- Charlemont • 6 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
262 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
75
Average
13
Poor
10
Terrible
9
Ms McFadden
Dublin, Ireland10 contributions
May 2024 • Family
A most disappointing evening spent attending the 50’s music concert at the NCH. I travelled all the way up from Connemara just for the one night - 16 May concert. The conductor took the opportunity to have the orchestra perform his own concerto written for clarinet which went on and on… I was expecting a concert of music from the 50’s which then came in the 2nd half. Sadly there was no buzz and the whole thing was lack lustre.
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic511741
60 contributions
Apr 2022
We went to see the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Our first ever classical music concert and we were not disappointed. Really good acoustics. You could immerse yourself in the music. Wonderful to listen to the Korean/German violinist Clara, who was truly amazing! Sat in row L a few seats from the end and had an excellent view.
We will look at booking something similar in other cities too.
The NCH was opposite our hotel, so easy to get to, but it's near St.Stephen's Park.
We will look at booking something similar in other cities too.
The NCH was opposite our hotel, so easy to get to, but it's near St.Stephen's Park.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisw712018
Cavan, Ireland10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My husband and I attended to see Alfie Boe. It was my first time there. My husband had a knee replacement and there wasn't enough room for him to stretch his leg as he couldn't bend it as the seats where to close. A special mention to the lovely member of staff Jackie who could not have been more helpful and got us seated where it was more suitable. Great venue, easy parking, hotel across the road for food in advance.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
default1916
Trim, Ireland574 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
I went to listen to the RTÉ orchestra playing Dark Side Of The Moon, fantastic evening. NCH was easy to find, they say “some parking available” but forget it, get a bus to Stephen’s Green and walk from there. Seats are comfy and the bar is well stocked, but expensive, staff are helpful and friendly, building is beautiful.
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Default1916, many thanks for taking the time to post your review here and we are so glad you enjoyed the Pink Floyd Night here last week. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. Best wishes, Joanne
Written November 26, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CIARB
John O'Groats, UK216 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We recently attended a concert at the National Concert Hall and we were very disappointed with the quality of the sound amplification and acoustics generally. It sounded like 10,000 tinny transistor radios amplified to an ear splitting level - wholly inappropriate for a so-called classical music venue. I would recommend attending one of the other music venues in Dublin if you want to enjoy the occasion.
Written February 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi CIARB, thanks for taking the time to post a review here. We are sorry to hear you were unhappy with quality of the sound at the concert you attended. This is never the experience that we want for our customers. I hope that this occasion won't deter you from returning to us - we look forward to welcoming you again. Best wishes, Joanne
Written February 23, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
conneally
Sligo, Ireland57 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
My family and I decided to visit the beautiful NCH over the Christmas Holidays and opted to see Bugsy Malone. We paid 29 euro per ticket (we are a family of five so basically 150 euro) for what looked like great balcony seats (online) but when we got there we were straining our necks and having to watch our young kids lean over the balcony just to get a view of half the stage. During the break the queues were really long and as we went back after the interval we were prevented from bringing anything inside - such a waste of money. The musical itself was fine, talented kids etc. etc. but it was the wrong venue for this and the prices were a complete rip off - never again.
Written January 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Conneally1, thank you for taking the time to write your review here. I am sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your experience over Christmas. We do usually find that children particularly enjoy the side balconies as they are closer to the stage that the main balcony & can see much more activity onstage. In relation to food & drink in the auditorium, we do announce before the the performance & during the interval that they are not permitted. I do hope this experience will not deter you from attending another event at the Hall and we look forward to welcoming you again. Best wishes, Joanne
Written January 24, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
barramacgearailit
Dublin, Ireland22 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I recently attended the "Dial M for Murder" night. It was an appreciation of some of the better known scores to some of Alfred Hitchcock's films. The show itself was faultless, captivating and very entertaining.
My issue however, lies with rude staff and prices, that are a disgrace.
I ordered a pint of Guinness and a pinot grigio, €5.20 and €7.25 respectively. Over inflated prices to begin with.
What made it worse, was the bar tender took the order poured the pint then left it, to serve others, in the mean time, the tannoy announced that the show was starting, and as usual a rush of customers to the counter. But still no pint. I had to follow the barman, asking repeatedly for a drink I were over charged for in the first place.
The mans only response was "Sure" he could care less, for his manners and care to the customers, I found it very frustrating.
The quality of the finish was appalling, over drawn, and flat with no head.
I love attending the shows in the NCH, but I shall never darken the door of their bar agin.
My issue however, lies with rude staff and prices, that are a disgrace.
I ordered a pint of Guinness and a pinot grigio, €5.20 and €7.25 respectively. Over inflated prices to begin with.
What made it worse, was the bar tender took the order poured the pint then left it, to serve others, in the mean time, the tannoy announced that the show was starting, and as usual a rush of customers to the counter. But still no pint. I had to follow the barman, asking repeatedly for a drink I were over charged for in the first place.
The mans only response was "Sure" he could care less, for his manners and care to the customers, I found it very frustrating.
The quality of the finish was appalling, over drawn, and flat with no head.
I love attending the shows in the NCH, but I shall never darken the door of their bar agin.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi barramacgearailit, thank you for taking the time to post your review here. Apologies for the delayed response. I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed the performance you attended. I have passed your comments on to catering here in the Hall regarding the service you received at the bar and I hope it won't deter you from returning to another concert in the future. Best wishes, Joanne
Written November 11, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike W
Northern Ireland, UK108 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Its interesting and illuminating that, so far as I can see, the NCH website does not have a page for complaints, nor a published complaints procedure. Maybe there is such a thing.But if so, its very well hidden. Perhaps purposely so.
I attended a Wagner concert in 2013 and left half way through, owing to what I felt was a pretty average at best performance by the RTE NSO. Before I left, I asked for a part refund and was referred to one of the management team who was dismissive and defensive and insisted this was nothing to do with the NCH and that I must contact the promoters, RTE.
Several emails to RTE later, who felt that the concert 'was up to their usual standard' resulted in no refund, nor any other offer.
Subsequently and quite by chance, I read a review of this same concert, by the Irish Times' classical music critic, who was quite scathing about the performance of the RTE NSO and found broadly similar fault to my own. I forwarded a link to the RTE senior managers, who'd dismissed my complaint and received no reply. It seems courtesy is in short supply at RTE.
I like the NCH as a venue. Despite the 'institutional green' décor of the performance space.
The foyer is pleasant, as are most of the staff. However, the RTE NSO is a big disappointment.
I'd be prepared to live with generally average music, if the tickets were priced accordingly, but prices are on a par with many of the technically superior orchestras such as the Ulster and many of those in GB.
As a walking disabled person on a very low, fixed income, live classical music is one of life's few pleasures. Its published widely that disabled incomes are about a quarter of the average wage in Ireland, yet the price of concession tickets at the NCH are only 10% less than full price. Effectively, the NCH is disincentivising the disabled, amongst others, despite the fact that these same people are paying for the RTE NSO via general taxation. Unemployment amongst the disabled runs at about 80% and much of this is down to discrimination by employers. Its sad that this marginalised part of the community, then faces similar discrimination outside of the workplace.
So, despite my making a cogent, well founded, polite complaint immediately and in person and asking for a refund only of the value of the performance missed, my reasonable complaint was dismissed both by the NCH and RTE. Further, every time I visit the NCH, I am effectively expected to pay a much higher proportion of my reduced income to attend, than other patrons.
I don't doubt that the NCH will ignore or dismiss my comments and certainly do absolutely nothing to make performances more accessible, saying its the promoters responsibility or similar.
Financial arguments don't hold water either, as frequently complimentary tickets are distributed via RTE staff and orchestra members, to boost attendance at less well supported events, of which there are many. A case in point, would be last years series of Chinese themed concerts, which were so badly promoted by RTE, that tickets sales ran as low as 20-30%.
Change does indeed come at a glacial pace in Ireland.
I attended a Wagner concert in 2013 and left half way through, owing to what I felt was a pretty average at best performance by the RTE NSO. Before I left, I asked for a part refund and was referred to one of the management team who was dismissive and defensive and insisted this was nothing to do with the NCH and that I must contact the promoters, RTE.
Several emails to RTE later, who felt that the concert 'was up to their usual standard' resulted in no refund, nor any other offer.
Subsequently and quite by chance, I read a review of this same concert, by the Irish Times' classical music critic, who was quite scathing about the performance of the RTE NSO and found broadly similar fault to my own. I forwarded a link to the RTE senior managers, who'd dismissed my complaint and received no reply. It seems courtesy is in short supply at RTE.
I like the NCH as a venue. Despite the 'institutional green' décor of the performance space.
The foyer is pleasant, as are most of the staff. However, the RTE NSO is a big disappointment.
I'd be prepared to live with generally average music, if the tickets were priced accordingly, but prices are on a par with many of the technically superior orchestras such as the Ulster and many of those in GB.
As a walking disabled person on a very low, fixed income, live classical music is one of life's few pleasures. Its published widely that disabled incomes are about a quarter of the average wage in Ireland, yet the price of concession tickets at the NCH are only 10% less than full price. Effectively, the NCH is disincentivising the disabled, amongst others, despite the fact that these same people are paying for the RTE NSO via general taxation. Unemployment amongst the disabled runs at about 80% and much of this is down to discrimination by employers. Its sad that this marginalised part of the community, then faces similar discrimination outside of the workplace.
So, despite my making a cogent, well founded, polite complaint immediately and in person and asking for a refund only of the value of the performance missed, my reasonable complaint was dismissed both by the NCH and RTE. Further, every time I visit the NCH, I am effectively expected to pay a much higher proportion of my reduced income to attend, than other patrons.
I don't doubt that the NCH will ignore or dismiss my comments and certainly do absolutely nothing to make performances more accessible, saying its the promoters responsibility or similar.
Financial arguments don't hold water either, as frequently complimentary tickets are distributed via RTE staff and orchestra members, to boost attendance at less well supported events, of which there are many. A case in point, would be last years series of Chinese themed concerts, which were so badly promoted by RTE, that tickets sales ran as low as 20-30%.
Change does indeed come at a glacial pace in Ireland.
Written February 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi DublinBlow-In, thanks for taking the time to post your comments here. I spoke with the NSO and I am aware that correspondence has been had with them in relation to the Wagner concert. Just to respond to some of your comments in relation to the Concert Hall - The email address for any comments/queries is info@nch.ie or we have a list of Key Contacts on our website, should you require to email someone in particular. I am glad to hear you like the venue and the staff here. There are concessions available on a wide number of concerts throughout the year in the Hall - unfortunately, as a hiring venue as well as a promoter, we do not set the prices and concessions for all concerts, only the concerts promoted by the Hall.
I do hope your recent experience has not deterred you completely from returning to the Hall, especially when you refer to live classical music as 'one of life's few pleasures' and I hope we can look forward to welcoming you at the Hall again. Best wishes, Joanne.
Written March 21, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lanadel
Ireland121 contributions
Excellent is all I can say, i went with a friend to this show and enjoyed every second , tickets where reasonably priced which suited families with kids , upon arrival there was plenty of staff on hand to assist and help with any questions , there was also a shop which had mulled wine for the adults giving it a nice xmasy feel , hot chocolate teas and coffee among kids sweet / meal boxes all reasonably priced , the show itself was amazing from start to finish , the singers where phenomenal , couldn't fault this show at all , looking forward to next show i choose to see at the concert hall
Written January 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lanadel, thank you for taking the time to post your review here. We are all delighted to hear you enjoyed the Snowman so much and that the whole experience was an enjoyable one for you and your friend. We look forward to seeing you again in 2014, plenty of fantastic concerts coming up! Best wishes. Joanne
Written January 14, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew P
Durham, UK40 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Lovely venue not far from St. Stephen's Green, great auditorium and sound quality. We were sat close to the front but there didn't appear to be a bad seat in the house.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi AndrewP494, many thanks for taking the time to post your review here and we are delighted you enjoyed your experience at Rufus & Martha Wainwright's A Not So Silent Night in December. We hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Joanne
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What are the choir seats like in the national concert hall
Written November 7, 2019
When I attended, it was for Handels Messiah, which included a choir of approximately 130 singers. There was no seating in that area, so I cannot offer advise on that seating! I’m so sorry.
Written November 8, 2019
Hi, I would love to go to a Christmas concert at the NCH and was wondering which one would be the best one to attend. I'm after a super musical experience and a very Christmassy feel. Any tips would be appreciated.
Written December 2, 2018
new years nite...............or dec 31st..............super show on offer................................tickets selling fast...............look up nch web site for full list of events.................................
Written December 3, 2018
Is there a way to buy a gift voucher online for the Concert Hall?
Written July 20, 2018
Is there parking at NCH? We are travelling with two children to Annie. Many thanks
Written December 28, 2017
There is limited street parking. we were staying across the street at the Conrad so we parked there, and that might be an option, also it seemed like they had valet or underground parking for the venue itself. I recommend you email them. The Irish are great at getting back to travelers...
Written January 6, 2018
hi there! just wondering what time you should be arriving for good seats in the choir balcony before the scheduled start time of the performance? are these seats ok? someone told me they weren't good at all?
Written January 7, 2017
You look down on the stage we liked the seats because I don't have great eyesight so it suited and they were very comfortable
We arrived half an hour before and had a drink prior to performance
Enjoy great venue!and free parking inside the gate if you have a car
Written January 8, 2017
If you sit in the first couple of rows you'll have a great view of their shoes. Sit further back to see the whole orchestra eg. rows M-Q are good (sit either in the middle or towards the left, facing the stage,to view a piano soloist. To see the conductor's communication with the orchestra, sit in either of the side balconies, rows 1-9 or so. Red balcony for a piano soloist and to view cello and brass section well, Green balcony to view the violin section well.
Written May 15, 2017
What's the view like from Row B-Stalls?? Restricted?
Written March 2, 2016
Absolutely no restrictions in row b. Only downside is you will be looking up slightly at stage. Chairs are not tiered for the first few rows.
Written March 4, 2016
Hi, I am attending a concert on Friday and I am a little confused on what attire I should wear. Would a dress, blazer and heels be ok? Thanks for any advice!
Written August 16, 2015
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