3Arena

3Arena, North Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

The 3Arena, located on North Wall Quay in Dublin's vibrant Docklands, is a world-class indoor amphitheatre that plays host to the biggest names in music, comedy, and live entertainment. It stands out as one of the best things to do with kids in Dublin if you are looking for a spectacular live entertainment arena experience that brings world-famous touring shows, family theatre, and music spectacles to life. With its incredible acoustics and state-of-the-art staging, the venue offers an electric atmosphere that keeps families coming back for major touring productions.

Ticket pricing varies heavily depending on the specific touring production, but baseline standard seat prices start from £28 for select family matinees and community events. Because each show is independently ticketed and operated, families can choose from a massive range of seating tiers, premium packages, and viewing angles to suit their exact holiday budget.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines the magic of live performance with the scale of a major indoor stadium, this world-class venue is an ideal choice. It offers children an awe-inspiring introduction to big-stage entertainment, with a layout that ensures fantastic views of the performers and clear, high-quality sound from every angle.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • State-of-the-Art Sound: A world-class acoustics setup designed specifically to deliver crisp, clear audio to every single tier of the auditorium.
  • Massive Indoor Seating: A highly flexible bowl layout that comfortably hosts thousands of spectators while preserving an intimate view of the stage.
  • Premium Club Lounges: Exclusive private members' spaces, including the 1878 and the Studio, offering high-end pre-show hospitality.
  • Excellent Transport Links: Phenomenal inner-city connectivity, with the local tram line dropping families off directly outside the entrance gates.
  • Varied Event Calendar: A diverse year-round schedule packed with pop concerts, family theatre, orchestral events, and seasonal spectaculars.

Detailed Highlights

  • The Main Auditorium Bowl: This massive, tiered amphitheatre layout immediately creates a sense of wonder for children walking through the tunnel entrances. The seats are arranged in a steep horseshoe shape that brings families surprisingly close to the stage action, even from the upper tiers. It is a fantastic environment for school-aged kids to experience their very first major arena concert or theatrical production.
  • The 1878 Private Members Club: A premium hospitality suite that offers an indulgent pre-show escape for families celebrating a special milestone. Members enjoy access to a private entrance, a dedicated account manager, and reserved tables for fine dining before the curtains rise. It provides a seamless, stress-free luxury experience that lets parents bypass the main concourse crowds completely.
  • The Studio Hospitality Space: Another beautifully designed, intimate private lounge area located within the arena complex. Ideal for small groups or families looking for a relaxed setting, it serves up a great selection of drinks and bites in a comfortable environment before the main event begins. It is an excellent option for parents who want a calm, organized base before heading into a high-energy show.
  • The River Liffey Concourse: The wide, modern public concourses run efficiently around the perimeter of the venue, offering great views out towards the modern Dublin Docklands. The area is packed with vibrant food stalls, merchandise stands, and digital displays that build up the pre-show excitement. It is a lively, well-lit space where kids can pick up official tour programmes and glowing event souvenirs.
  • The Point Square Plaza: Situated right outside the front doors of the arena, this spacious pedestrian plaza provides an ideal gathering spot before doors open. Children can watch the classic Dublin trams glide right up to the venue while families organize their tickets. The plaza is surrounded by local eateries, making it very easy to grab a quick snack or a refreshing drink before passing through security.

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Point Square Shopping & Leisure: Located directly adjacent to the venue, offering a modern cinema, casual dining chains, and sheltered areas for pre-show family meals.
  • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: A highly interactive, award-winning digital museum located just down the quays that kids love exploring.
  • The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship: A remarkable, authentic tall ship replica docked nearby on the river wall, providing an educational look into maritime history.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Multiple large public toilet blocks are placed at regular intervals across all main concourse levels, including dedicated accessible facilities.
  • Lockers: There are no storage lockers on-site; the arena enforces a strict maximum bag size limit of 40cm x 40cm x 20cm.
  • Food Options: A wide range of concourse food stalls serve family favourites like hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and soft drinks throughout the event times.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • The transport link is unmatched, with the tram stopping mere steps from the main doors.
  • Staff and stewards are consistently praised for being organized, polite, and helpful when guiding families to their correct tier.
  • The acoustic quality is superb, ensuring that singing voices and spoken dialogue are crystal clear from the front row to the back wall.
  • The venue feels highly secure and controlled, providing peace of mind for parents travelling with teenagers.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Concourse food and drink prices can be quite high, which can quickly add up for a large family group.
  • Leaving the venue at the end of a sold-out show can result in long queues at the local tram station, requiring a bit of patience.
  • The steep incline of the upper seating tiers can feel a bit daunting for younger children who are afraid of heights.

Pro-Tips

  • Check the Age Restrictions: For most live events, under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, and standing floor areas are strictly restricted to those over 14.
  • Use Public Transport: Traffic congestion around the Docklands can be severe on show nights; taking the Luas tram avoids travel delays entirely.
  • Arrive at Door Times: Arriving right when the doors open (typically 6:30 PM for evening shows) gives you plenty of time to clear security, buy merchandise, and find your seats without rushing.
  • Travel Light: Avoid bringing backpacks or large shopping bags, as oversized items are not permitted through the security gates.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Prices vary by event (typically from £28 to £110+ based on the touring artist).

Pricing URL: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/3arena-tickets-dublin/venue/197033

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The arena opens its main doors to ticket holders at specific times on event nights, typically starting around 6:30 PM. Concourse zones close shortly after the headline performance concludes.

Address: 3Arena, North Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland

Post Code: D01 H104

Council: Dublin City Council

County: County Dublin

  • By Luas (Tram): This is the easiest travel option. Board the Luas Red Line tram from any central city stop (such as Abbey Street or Jervis) and ride it directly to the terminus at The Point stop, located right beside the arena entrance.
  • By Train: Arrive at Connolly or Heuston Station via Irish Rail services. From either station, you can hop directly onto the Luas Red Line tram which takes you straight to the venue doors.
  • By Bus: Dublin Bus operates multiple routes serving the Docklands area, including routes 151, G1, G2, and N4, which drop passengers off close to the arena perimeter.
  • By Car & Parking: Limited public car parking is available next door at the Point Village car park. However, this car park is not operated by the venue, and heavy traffic delays are common on show nights. Visitors can find more parking options and book spaces via the Point Square Parking Portal.

0.00

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!