DUBLIN EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
An Evening at The Abbey Tavern: Feast, Ballads and Award‑Winning Irish Dance in the Heart of Dublin
A 2.5‑hour experience at The Abbey Tavern that pairs a three‑course lunch or dinner and Irish coffee with an award‑winning traditional Irish show—this guide explains what to expect, the menu, and practical details.
An Evening at The Abbey Tavern: Feast, Ballads and Award‑Winning Irish Dance in the Heart of Dublin.
In a wooden‑beamed Dublin room that has been staging traditional entertainment for decades, The Abbey Tavern serves a three‑course lunch or dinner followed by a tightly produced showcase of Irish song, music and step dance. The evening combines a full meal, professional lighting and sound, and lively audience participation as dancers, singers and musicians present both classic ballads and older Irish dance routines.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ireland’s longest‑running traditional show
The Abbey Tavern presents a long‑established traditional Irish show that has been refreshed with higher production values while remaining true to its heritage.
A full three‑course menu with Irish coffee
Each performance includes a three‑course lunch or dinner—with choices across starters, mains and desserts—and a complimentary Irish coffee to finish.
Award‑winning dancers and audience participation
The show features award‑winning dancers, singers and musicians performing ballads such as ‘Danny Boy’ and traditional routines like the Brush Dance, with volunteers from the audience invited on stage.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The experience unfolds as a combined dining and theatre event: guests arrive for a set seating at either 12:30pm or 7:30pm, enjoy a substantial three‑course meal, then settle in as the lights and sound lift the traditional songs and dances. The program blends intimate ballads, high‑energy footwork and moments that invite audience members onto the stage, concluding with Irish coffee and a final number before the show ends at roughly 3pm for daytime or 10pm for evening performances.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits—and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Performances run either midday or evening with set seating at 12:30pm or 7:30pm; the total experience is about 2.5 hours.
Bring appetite and a readiness to join in the fun—your three‑course meal and a complimentary Irish coffee are included.
The event takes place at The Abbey Tavern; arrive on time for your scheduled seating.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the show?
The experience runs about 2.5 hours from seating to finish.
When do performances start and finish?
Performances commence at either 12:30pm or 7:30pm and finish at approximately 3:00pm for the lunch show or 10:00pm for the evening show.
What is included in the price?
A three‑course lunch or dinner, a choice of starters, mains and desserts, and a complimentary Irish coffee are included, along with the traditional Irish show.
Is there audience participation?
Yes—dancers regularly invite volunteer members of the audience on stage during parts of the show.
Are there age restrictions?
The event is suitable for ages 5 and up.
Who operates the show?
The Abbey Tavern operates the traditional Irish show.
What kinds of songs and dances are performed?
The program includes Ireland’s well‑loved ballads such as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘The Wild Rover’, and traditional dances including routines like the Brush Dance and Sean Nos.