Tucked behind the narrow streets off Wexford’s High Street is a building that surprises everyone who steps inside: a world-class, 770-seat opera house hidden within the fabric of the old town. The National Opera House is Ireland’s only purpose-built opera house, and the proud home of the internationally renowned Wexford Festival Opera — a remarkable thing for a town of Wexford’s size, and a point of genuine local pride.
Wexford Festival Opera
The festival began in 1951, the inspiration of a local doctor and a group of opera enthusiasts, and built an international reputation by staging rare and rediscovered operas that the big houses overlook. Every autumn, for a few weeks, Wexford fills with singers, musicians and opera lovers from around the world, and the whole town takes on a festival atmosphere. It is one of the most respected opera festivals anywhere.
The Building
Opened in 2008 on the site of the historic Theatre Royal, the opera house is a striking modern auditorium concealed behind a modest period frontage — a clever piece of architecture that hides a state-of-the-art main stage and a smaller studio space. Beyond the opera festival, it runs a year-round programme of music, theatre, comedy and dance, so there is usually something on whatever time of year you visit.
Practical Information
The National Opera House is on High Street in the centre of Wexford town. The Wexford Festival Opera runs in late October and early November and books out well in advance. For other events, and for any backstage tours that may be offered, check the opera house website. Even if you are not attending a performance, the building is worth knowing about as the cultural heart of the town.
This is one of our Top 15 Things to Do in Wexford.