Best spots at The Academy Dublin - main room, balcony, Academy 2

The Academy is a standing venue on four floors, with three rooms that run separate shows on the same night. The first job is not choosing a spot. It is making sure you are in the right room.

Which room are you in?

• Main room: about 650 standing on the floor, plus room for about 200 on the balcony. Touring bands and the bigger Irish acts.
• The Green Room: on the ground floor, about 550, with a low ceiling. Mostly electronic acts and DJs.
• Academy 2: in the basement, about 250. Smaller bands, comedy and album launches.

The listings sometimes put the main room at 850 in total: that is the floor plus the balcony. The size is the selling point. The Killers played an intimate show here in 2008, the night before they headlined Marlay Park.

Main room: floor or balcony

The floor is general admission and flat. With 650 people it fills front to back, but the room is not deep, so even from the back you are closer than at most venues of its kind. If you want the front, be in the queue on Middle Abbey Street before doors: shows usually start at 19:00, sometimes 19:30.

The balcony is the move if you are short, if you want to see the whole stage and lights, or if you have been to enough mosh pits. It gives you height over the floor and takes only about 200 people, so it fills up too: go up early if you want the front.

Academy 2 and the Green Room

In Academy 2, there is no bad spot: 250 people in a basement, the band at arm's length. The Green Room, with its low ceiling, is built for dancing more than watching. Bring earplugs.

Before you go

• Age: limits vary by show. For over-18s nights, bring a passport with a current photo or a Garda ID. All-ages shows are usually over-14s, no alcohol is served, and late shows and club nights are over-18s only.
• Tickets on the door: will-call is at the main box office entrance, from an hour before the start time, with photo ID.
• Access: the venue says all three rooms are wheelchair accessible, with a lift on request. Book a general admission ticket on Ticketmaster, then email the venue with the show details.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of The Academy Dublin?

The main room holds about 650 standing plus 200 on the balcony. The Green Room takes about 550 and Academy 2 about 250.

Is The Academy Dublin seated or standing?

Mostly standing. The balcony in the main room is the best option if you want height and a clearer view.

Where is Academy 2?

In the basement of the same building at 57 Middle Abbey Street. Check your ticket and follow the signs once inside.

Do you need ID for The Academy?

For over-18s shows, yes: a passport with a current photo or a Garda ID. All-ages shows are usually over-14s.