Smock Alley Theatre

IRELAND

By Steven Beschloss

8. 17TH-CENTURY DUBLIN THEATER  RAISING ITS CURTAIN AGAIN
The Abbey and the Gate are the two Dublin theaters best known worldwide. Both founded in the early 1900s, they raised the profile of such literary greats as W.B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett. But another theater with a royal pedigree dating back to 1662 recently opened after restoration work: the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin's first Theatre Royal under King Charles II. Tucked beside the River Liffey, it was nearly forgotten after it closed in 1787 and was turned into a church.

Archaeologists located the footprint of the original stage, and a 177-seat theater was constructed inside that retains the original walls. It stages a lively mix of cutting-edge and classic works. 011-353-1-677-0014; smockalley.com

9. THE PARTY'S ON ACROSS THE EMERALD ISLE
Throughout 2013, Ireland hosts hundreds of festivals and events to celebrate Irish music, literature, art, dance, and culture. Dubbed The Gathering, the yearlong celebration is intended to spur fresh enthusiasm after several tough years of economic austerity. In Dublin, you'll find major events such as the Franco-Irish Literary Festival (April 19-21), the Dublin Dance Festival (May 10-25), and even hurling matches (a fast-paced sport of ancient Gaelic origin) leading up to the All-Irish Hurling Championships in September. thegatheringireland.com

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