Opera in the Open is an initiative of Dublin City Council that presents live performances of operatic work in the open air in Dublin City Centre. The annual opera season is taking place on 7, 14, 21 & 28 August in the Amphitheatre at the Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8. Each opera performance is presented in an abridged format, narrated in English, and lasts one hour, fitting perfectly into the lunchtime slot from 1 to 2pm. Attendance is completely free of charge, and all are welcome! The Amphitheatre features a raised stage, seating areas, and grassy verges

Matt Berninger is the vocalist and lyricist for Grammy Award-winning band The National. His songwriting has long garnered praise for its poignant clarity, jagged-edged wit and intimately emotive melodies. The band’s career spans ten studio albums, including First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track, both issued in 2023. Late 2024 saw the release of The National’s first proper live album, Rome. Together with his wife Carin Besser, Berninger produced the band’s 2013 feature-length documentary Mistaken for Strangers, directed by Matt’s brother Tom. Outside of The National, Berninger

Dublin’s vibrant tradition of Irish music takes centre stage this August with the return of the Dublin City Council Dublin City Fleadh (formally Smithfield Fleadh). Set in the heart of Smithfield Square on the 23rd and 24th, this free, unticketed, family-friendly festival celebrates the rich tapestry of Irish folk music with a dynamic blend of internationally acclaimed and local artists. We’re looking forward to another vibrant weekend of music and celebration! While this year’s line-up is still being finalised, audiences can expect a lively mix of traditional and contemporary musi