Best seats at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

This is a big room. With 2,111 seats, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is the largest fixed-seat theatre in Ireland, and the only one in the country with a stage big enough for the touring West End shows. That's great for the scenery, less so for the back of the top tier. Pick your level with the stage distance in mind.

The layout

The theatre's seating plan shows three levels, plus boxes along the sides:

• Stalls: the ground floor, rows A to CC.
• Circle: the first tier, rows A to N.
• Upper Circle: the top tier, rows A to J.
• Boxes A to K: two to six seats each, on the sides of the auditorium.

Where to sit

For a musical or a play: the middle of the Stalls. That's the advice on a long-running Irish forum thread, where one regular said even the front of the Circle felt too far back in a room this deep.

For a tight budget: the front of the Upper Circle. The top tier is usually the cheapest, and the first few rows still give a clear, full view of the stage. The back rows are a different story: fine for a concert, a stretch for a play where you want to see faces.

For room to move: the ends of a row. Rows here are long. Seats near the aisles mean fewer people climbing over you at the interval. Seats at the far ends of a row (low numbers, or numbers in the 40s and 50s) see less traffic.

The boxes feel special and give you a bit of privacy, but you watch the stage at an angle. Fine for a concert or ballet; less fun if you want the whole set in view.

Getting in and settling down

Doors usually open an hour before the show. There's no cloakroom and no bag storage: bring one small bag. Large bags aren't allowed in the auditorium, every bag is searched, and alcohol from outside is taken off you. Each floor has its own licensed bar for the interval. Latecomers are usually let in during applause, at the producers' discretion.

Access seats

Wheelchair spaces are in the Stalls, the Upper Circle and some boxes, reached by level entry and one large lift. People with a visual impairment can ask for the front five rows of the Stalls, subject to availability. Free assistive listening devices are at the box office. Book access seats through the Groups & Access team.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best seats at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre?

For musicals and plays, the middle of the Stalls. For value, the front rows of the Upper Circle.

Are Upper Circle seats at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre any good?

The front rows, yes: the top tier is the cheapest and still gives a full view. The back rows are a long way from the stage.

How many seats does the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre have?

2,111, which makes it Ireland's largest fixed-seat theatre.

Can I bring a bag into the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre?

One small bag only. There's no cloakroom, large bags aren't allowed in the auditorium and every bag is searched.