Vicar Street

Vicar Street is a music and events venue in Dublin, Ireland, renowned for hosting concerts, comedy, and cultural events. Located near Christ Church Cathedral (Dublin), St. Patrick's Cathedral (Dublin), Dublin Castle, the venue became a focal point for Irish and international performers. It has been associated with artists from U2 and The Dubliners to Amy Winehouse and Bob Dylan, as well as comedians linked to The Late Late Show and festivals like Oxegen.

History

The site was redeveloped in the late 1990s during a period that included projects by developers such as Harry Crosbie and urban initiatives connected to Temple Bar, Dublin revitalization and Dublin City Council planning. Early connections to performers from Christy Moore and Thin Lizzy to emerging acts tied it to venues like The Point Depot (now 3Arena) and historic spaces such as The Olympia Theatre (Dublin). The venue's opening followed a broader shift in Dublin arts similar to changes seen around Grafton Street (Dublin) and linked to cultural policy debates involving Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Venue and Facilities

The building contains multiple performance spaces mirroring configurations used at venues like Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, and Carnegie Hall. Its main auditorium accommodates approximately 1,000–1,500 patrons, comparable to capacities at Hammersmith Apollo and Tipitina's, with a secondary room used for club shows similar to The Button Factory. Technical setups have drawn engineers who worked on productions for artists from Radiohead and Coldplay, while front-of-house operations often reference standards from Live Nation and AEG Presents. The venue includes a bar and hospitality areas that serve crowds attending events tied to festivals such as Electric Picnic and televised programs associated with RTÉ.

Notable Performances and Events

Artists and events at the venue span genres and formats seen at venues hosting Elvis Costello, PJ Harvey, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Memorable concerts included headline appearances by acts in the orbit of Sinéad O'Connor, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor-era collaborators, and international names like Kylie Minogue, Prince, Shane MacGowan, Morrissey, The Cranberries, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Bono-associated projects, and sessions reminiscent of BBC Radio 1 live performances. Comedy nights have featured performers linked to Gavin & Stacey and Have I Got News for You alumni, while charity events mirrored benefits organized by figures such as Bob Geldof and Band Aid. The venue has hosted recordings and broadcasts for programs akin to Later... with Jools Holland and filming projects reaching outlets like Virgin Media Television.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Critics from publications comparable to The Irish Times, Hot Press (magazine), and outlets similar to The Guardian and The New York Times have cited the venue as pivotal in Dublin's live scene alongside institutions such as The Abbey Theatre and National Concert Hall, Dublin. It became a proving ground for artists who later performed at international arenas including Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium, and for comedians who progressed to tours promoted by companies like GagHouse and networks affiliated with Netflix. The venue's role in Dublin nightlife intersects with tourism promoted by Fáilte Ireland and cultural listings from organizations akin to Irish Film Institute programming.

Ownership and Management

Initial development and ownership involved entrepreneur Harry Crosbie and investors connected to Dublin property projects, with management structures that engaged promoters similar to MCD Productions and agencies such as William Morris Endeavor for international bookings. Day-to-day operations historically aligned with teams experienced at venues like 3Arena and management firms that liaise with regulatory bodies such as Dublin Fire Brigade for safety compliance and licensing overseen by authorities like Dublin City Council.

Category:Music venues in Dublin (city) Category:1998 establishments in Ireland