Cultural September: Art, Theatre, and Avant-Garde in Dublin

Cultural September: Art, Theatre, and Avant-Garde in Dublin
When September arrives, Dublin changes pace. The summer crowds thin out, but the city doesn’t lose its energy — it transforms it. This is when streets fill with artistic proposals, theatres raise their curtains for highly anticipated premieres, and galleries open brand-new exhibitions. If you’re staying at Latroupe Jacobs Inn, get ready: creativity and culture are just a short walk away.

1. Dublin Fringe Festival: Creativity Without Limits
All throughout September, the Dublin Fringe Festival turns the city into a laboratory of ideas. This is not just about watching plays — here, theatre breaks the rules, dance blends with performance art, and any corner — a rooftop, an alley, a park — can become a stage.
Main venues like Smock Alley Theatre and Project Arts Centre are within walking distance of Jacobs Inn. Book your tickets early for the most in-demand shows, but leave room in your schedule for improvisation — the unexpected is part of the Fringe magic.
Extra tip: look out for free performances in public squares or open spaces; they’re perfect for soaking up the festival atmosphere without spending a cent.

2. Theatre Season at the Abbey and Gate Theatre
September marks the official start of Dublin’s theatre season. The Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre, combines contemporary productions with reimagined classics. The Gate Theatre, on the other hand, is renowned for its carefully curated programme and high-quality productions.
Both theatres are close enough to reach on foot from the hostel. Book online in advance to secure the best seats, especially if you’re aiming for weekend performances.

3. Museums That Inspire
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) reopens each September with temporary exhibitions that often tackle social and political themes through a contemporary lens. Its building — a former 17th-century hospital — is worth a visit in itself.
The Hugh Lane Gallery, meanwhile, is a temple of modern art with a hidden gem: the exact reconstruction of painter Francis Bacon’s London studio, preserved exactly as it was. Free admission, and only a 15-minute walk from Jacobs Inn.

4. Latroupe Plan: Culture and Gastronomy in One Day
Picture this: a morning filled with art and theatre, an afternoon stroll along the River Liffey, and dinner at The Woollen Mills, a restaurant serving local products with views of the Ha’penny Bridge. From there, you’re less than a 10-minute walk back to Jacobs Inn, ready to unwind in the common room or share a drink with fellow travellers.