The Lir

The Lir is Trinity’s Dramatic Arts Academy and its façade is easily recognisable by the green «bubbles» on the wall facing Pearse Street, right across the street from Valentino’s.
There are (at least) two stages, neither of them too big, and they can sit maybe around 40 – 80 people.
The tickets aren’t expensive, around 10 – 15 €.
During the year they run a programme with various kinds of plays and there’s also a showcase in the summer, where they can highlight the work of their last-​year graduates. This is a way their students get some experience, either as actors, writers or scenographers. I believe all the support staff — bar, tickets — are also students.
For us, the regular public, it’s a chance to catch a glimpse of raw talent, some more experimental productions and even new material. I’ve seen some really good acting and stage design there, but you also get the occasional mediocre actor, which is fine, because they’re still students so it’s expected that not everything will be as polished as in a more professional production.
The bar serves all the usual things: glasses of wine, tea, coffee and some snacks, but remember to have some money on you, as they don’t take cards.
A very nice place to have in your neighbourhood, but unfortunately overlooked by most Docklands dwellers.