The Point Theatre is Dublin’s premier concert and events venues. Over the years it has played host to many a legendry concert including U2, Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins, and REM. If you’ve danced the night away to one of these greats then you’ll have fantastic musical memories of the Point Theatre. Or maybe it was a boxing match that introduced you to The Point. It has been closed for this past year for renovations and will reopen its doors in December 2008 under its new name The O2. Read on for more…
The Point Theatre – The O2 is located on the north side of Dublin on the North Wall Quay of the River Liffey, in the Docklands area of the city. The Point, as it was commonly referred to, is having a makeover and will reopen in December 2008.
This brand new state of the art venue will have high quality acoustics. In addition the new theatre will have an increased capacity of 13,000 compared to the previous seating capacity of 8,500. Historically, The Point was noted for the diversity of its entertainment shows, not only has it featured the cream of Irish and international musical talent from U2, David Bowie, REM to Kylie Minogue and Beyoncé, but it has in the past been transformed into an ice rink, a boxing arena, an exhibition centre, a wrestling ring, a theatre, an opera house and a circus!
In addition to the highly innovative and extra seated new events centre, there’s also going to be an underground carpark, a cinema theatre, a shopping centre, a smaller 2,000 seater theatre, and a hotel together with retail outlest, offices and residential units near the venue.
Find out more about The O2.
Upcoming O2Events…
Worldwide chart toppers Coldplay will perform their fantastic show on Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd of December. The band are currently touring their seminal fourth album “Viva la Vida”, and will perform fan favourites “Yellow”, “Clocks”, “Speed of Sound” to their loyal army of fans. Unfortunately these dates are now sold out.
The Kings of Leon, who wowed the crowds at Oxygen this summer, perform on Friday the 19th of December. Tickets are still available for this gig. This American hard rock indie band have an army of fans worldwide, and are currently recording their fourth album “Only by the Night” to be released in September 2008. Fans will expect to hear classics such as “Molly’s Chambers”, “The Bucket”, “Fans” and “The Charmer” to name but a few. Tickets are still available for this marvellous show by the three brothers and first cousin who make up the group.
Counting Crows perform on Saturday 20th December. This popular American band will be touring their new release “Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings”. Best known for their tracks “Accidently in Love” and “Mr Jones”, lead singer Adam Duritz and his band provide a show of massive energy and undisputed passion. Tickets are still available.
Location of the O2…
The O2 is located at Northwall Quay Dublin 1, just a 20 minute stroll from O’Connell Bridge to the north. From O’Connell Street, go down the Northside Quays and past the IFSC Centre, where the venue is. The 02 is positioned opposite Dublin Port and facing the East Link Toll Bridge.
If you’re travelling by bus, take the number 53 to the O2 Arena.
Management of the O2 venue…
All Events in the O2 are managed by “Live Nation” a company which is based in Beverly Hills, California and who are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Check out the Live Nation website.
History of the O2 arena…
The original location was built as a train depot in 1878 to service Dublin Port. In the late 1980′s, after years of neglect and dereliction, it was purchased by property developer Harry Crosbie and transformed into an area of offices and factories. U2 recorded part of their million plus seller “Rattle and Hum” album here, along with some video footage.
The Point as we knew it before the 2007 refurbishment was opened in 1988 as a concert and events venue. U2 closed their “Lovetown” tour there in 1989 to end the eighties and herald the beginning of the nineties. You will probably remember throughout the nineties, the Point Depot became almost an annual venue for the Eurovision Song Contest, as Ireland won the competition 3 times in 4 years. It held the contest in 1994, 1995 and 1997 and millions of viewers could see this majestic musical theatre for themselves on television. Indeed, the magnificent Irish musical “Riverdance” was first enacted to an enthralled audience during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest.
1999 saw the MTV Europe Music Awards hosted in the Point Theatre.
The Point Venue has played host to some of the most celebrated acts and solo artists in the world today, past and present. Maybe you have seen some of them yourself ! To name but a few, Oasis to Def Leppard, David Bowie, REM, U2, David Gray, Velvet Revolver, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Pearl Jam have all wowed audiences with brilliant performances. Most recently, Westlife sold out 12 live shows at the point in 2007.
The final high profile event to feature at the Point, before its extensive refurbishment was a boxing event, showcasing Irish boxer Bernard Dunne, in August 2007.
So if you are visiting Dublin for a concert or event at the sparkling new O2 arena, book your Dublin hotel on line to save yourself some hassle. Check out our Dublin city hotels page.
