Opera Ireland is Ireland’s National Opera Company. 

We are the country's longest established opera company and we currently present four fully staged operas each year in The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin and on occasion tour these productions regionally and internationally.

Since it’s establishment as the Dublin Grand Opera Society, nearly 70 years ago in 1941, the company has presented almost 400 productions to an audience of in excess of 1 million over 136 seasons. Our youth opera, lecture series, young members' scheme, Transitions programme and Masterclasses contribute to the development of opera throughout Ireland.

Opera Ireland has achieved international recognition following invitations to appear in the Faeroe Islands and the famous Maifestspiele in Wiesbaden, Germany. Opera Ireland was also honoured to be chosen to host the prestigious 2005 European Opera Directing Prize ( the only time it was hosted outside Germany) and to premier the winning opera ‘La Cenerentola’ in April 2006. The company enjoys an international reputation and frequently collaborates with Opera Houses and Companies all over the world.  In 2012 Opera Ireland's acclaimed production of 'Mazeppa' which premiered in Dublin in March 2009, will open in Opera de Monte Carlo, Monaco. 

We are also proud to have presented the Irish premier of a number of contemporary operas as well as the first ever recording of Irish composer Michael William Balfe’s opera 'Falstaff' in association with the RTE Concert Orchestra. 

Opera Ireland has also launched the careers of many of Ireland’s great operatic talent and has been credited with springboarding the career of a then unknown tenor, the late Luciano Pavarotti  in1963 when he sang in the Dublin Grand Opera Society's production of ‘Rigoletto’

An Opera Ireland season not only enriches the cultural life of the capital but also brings with it important economic benefits to the city when the Opera comes to town.  During the Opera Ireland season, the Company attracts domestic and international visitors; directly employs a host of cast and production team members; designers; crew members and requires the services of a host of ancillary companies.  Its positive impact includes direct and indirect employment through suppliers and service providers. Each season the company is responsible for the temporary employment of almost 200 people. The company has received numerous nominations and industry awards and was recently described as 'one of the most dynamic opera companies in the British Isles' by French Opera Magazine. 

Opera Ireland is a member of Opera Europa and an associate member of Opera America