National Opera House

The National Opera House is Wexford's cultural anchor, built on the site of the old Theatre Royal and home to the Wexford Festival Opera. The building is tucked into the town centre rather than standing aloof, which suits Wexford: the festival feels woven into the streets.

Outside festival season, check the programme for concerts, theatre, and touring performances. During the festival, book well ahead and expect the whole town to revolve around curtain times, restaurant sittings, and post-show talk.

things to do sight theatre architecture
A story
Wexford's opera reputation began in the old Theatre Royal, a modest building that became famous for staging rarely performed works rather than the obvious crowd-pleasers. That eccentric confidence still defines the festival: people travel here for operas they may never get another chance to hear live.