South Dublin County Council invites the public to enjoy two free outdoor opera performances this September as part of a new cultural initiative bringing live opera to some of the county's most scenic parkland settings.

“Opera in the Park” will see two professionally staged performances take place in South Dublin's public parks, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience opera in a relaxed outdoor environment.

The programme opens with a Verdi Gala in Rathfarnham Castle Park on Sunday, 6 September, followed by a performance of Hansel and Gretel in Tymon Park on Sunday, 13 September. Audiences are invited to arrive from 2.30pm, with both performances commencing at 3pm.

The events are free to attend and suitable for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or foldable camping chair and enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment in the open air. As the performances take place outdoors, no weather cover will be available.

The initiative marks the first time South Dublin County Council has programmed opera performances in its parks programme and forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to making arts and culture accessible to communities throughout the county.