Vicar Street is a concert hall and performing arts venue at 58-59 Thomas Street in Dublin 8, Ireland. Built in the late 1990s and opened in September 1998, it was developed by Harry Crosbie and has been operated by promoter Peter Aiken, quickly becoming one of Dublin’s most recognizable mid-sized stages for live music, comedy, and theatre.
What sets Vicar Street apart is its scale and layout: with room for around 1,050 seated guests or up to 1,500 standing, it occupies a sweet spot between a small club and a full arena. That intimacy has drawn major international names over the years, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Adele, Paul Simon, Ed Sheeran, and Lana Del Rey, many of whom have spoken warmly about the close connection it allows with Dublin audiences.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: 58-59 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Type: Concert hall and performing arts venue
- Opened: September 1998
- Expanded: 2002
- Capacity: About 1,050 seated / 1,500 standing
- Operator: Peter Aiken
- Famous for: Intimate shows by Bob Dylan, Adele, Ed Sheeran and other major acts
A Stage Built for Intimacy
Unlike Dublin’s larger arenas, Vicar Street was designed around closeness rather than scale. Its tiered seating and flexible standing floor let even sold-out shows feel personal, which is part of why touring artists and comedians return year after year. The venue earned recognition for this reputation, including IMRO’s Live Music Venue of the Year award and a Hot Press Readers’ Award for Best Live Music Venue in Ireland in the late 2000s.
From Dylan to Long-Running Residencies
Vicar Street’s booking history ranges from one-off legendary gigs, such as Bob Dylan’s 2000 appearance and Neil Young’s 2003 show, to extended residencies. Comedian Tommy Tiernan’s show ‘Loose’ became the venue’s longest-running production, racking up more than 160 performances. That mix of touring superstars and local institutions has made Vicar Street a fixture of Dublin’s cultural life since its first show in 1998.
Explore more: Explore more iconic music venues.
Vicar Street FAQs
Where is Vicar Street located?
Vicar Street is at 58-59 Thomas Street in Dublin 8, Ireland, in the Liberties area near the city centre.
What is the capacity of Vicar Street?
The venue holds about 1,050 people when seated and up to roughly 1,500 for standing shows.
When did Vicar Street open?
Vicar Street opened in September 1998 and was later expanded in 2002.
Get More from Vicar Street
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Vicar Street, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: DubhEire / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.