Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner

Belvedere Irish Nights is a fun way to spend an evening in Dublin when you want live Irish music and dance up close without hunting down tickets one by one. I especially like that the show is staged in the intimate Belvedere Bar, with tables built for a clear view of the raised stage. I also like that you get a three-course Irish dinner as part of the same ticket, so you can settle in and let the night unfold.

One thing to plan around: the evening runs on a dinner-first schedule, so you may feel the meal takes its time before the dancing kicks in. Also, drinks cost extra, so keep a little budget aside if you want something beyond water or tea.

Key things to know before you go

• Jim Murrihy and Damhsa creative roots, with cast who have performed in major shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance
• Belvedere Bar staging, where every table has a good view of the raised stage
• A dinner-plus-show timeline (dinner starts 18:45, show starts 20:00, finishes by 21:45)
• Real audience participation, including singing and chances to learn simple Irish dance steps on stage
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 10 travelers, plus a mobile ticket
• Budget for drinks, since beverages are not included and are sold during the event

Where the Belvedere Irish Nights show happens

This is all about Irish step dance and live musicians, served in a compact setting at the Belvedere Hotel Dublin on Great Denmark Street (Dublin 1, D01 W1C0). The performance takes place in the Belvedere Bar, and the layout is designed so your table has a strong view of the raised stage. That matters more than people expect. When you can clearly see feet, posture, and timing, the dance becomes the main event instead of something you half-watch while you eat.

I like that this isn’t a faceless theater experience. You get that I am in the same room as the performers feeling, and the band and dancers actually interact with the crowd. The atmosphere is lively, but the stage time is where it really clicks.

Also, plan to arrive with a little buffer. Doors open at 18:30, and the evening runs like a set program rather than a drop-in event.

The schedule that shapes the whole night (dinner first, show after)

Here is the pacing you should expect. Doors open at 18:30. Dinner service starts at 18:45. The show begins at 20:00 and finishes by 21:45, for about a three-hour total experience.

You will eat first, then watch. I know, that is not what everyone hopes for when they see the words dinner and show together. But the structure is intentional: it helps keep the room calm during performance time and reduces people walking around while dancers are doing their thing.

The trade-off is that you might feel the dinner portion stretches out more than you want, especially if you are hungry but not in the mood to sit through a long service before the first dance set. Some people also wished the program between dinner and dancing felt tighter, and one review noted that the early part of the show included projected material, not only in-person dancing, before the full action really started. If you love the dance above all else, this schedule is the main consideration.

My practical advice: build this into your day as your first big dinner activity. Don’t schedule a late pub stop beforehand unless you enjoy the idea of arriving tired.

The three-course Irish dinner, what you get and what to watch

The ticket includes dinner with specific course counts. Adults get a three-course dinner, while children get a two-course dinner. The food is described as home-cooked Irish dishes, and you get choices for each course.

From what I can tell, the menu is set up to cover common tastes rather than being super adventurous. Reviews mention good selection and that mains can include things like chicken. Portion size seems designed for a dinner-with-a-show pace, not for a slow, gourmet feast that drags until midnight.

Two things to keep in mind:

1) Tea or coffee is not included in the ticket price. If you like a warm drink to end the meal, assume you will pay extra.

2) Drinks in general are extra. Bottled water is available for purchase, and some guests felt pricing was steep for basic items.

If your group includes kids, this dinner piece is a big reason the experience works. They still get a real meal, not just snacks.

The show itself: live Irish music, singing, and step dance

At 20:00, the live show takes over. It is a mix of Irish music, singing, and Irish dancing, ranging from older-style solo step dancing to the jigs and reels you recognize from modern productions. The choreography is credited to Jim Murrihy, with the show created by and choreographed by him and directed through Damhsa. The score is original, not a patchwork of pop tunes and stock tracks.

Why this matters for you is simple: when the choreography and music are built to work together, the rhythm lands. Reviews consistently point out the precision and energy, and you can feel that when the band is live and the dancers are moving right in front of you.

The show is also interactive. Expect audience participation for clapping and singing, and there is an invitation for volunteers to learn a simple Irish dance step on stage. If you are the sort of person who smiles at the idea of being slightly on display, this is your moment. If you would rather stay in your seat, you can also just enjoy it without volunteering.

The performers: pros with big-show experience

One of the strongest signals that this will be a high-quality performance is the cast background. The production notes that the dancers have toured both nationally and internationally in famous shows such as Riverdance, Feet of Flames, and Lord of the Dance.

That does not just mean they are technically good. It usually means they understand crowd energy too. A step dancer needs stamina, and a live band needs timing discipline, especially in a small room where sound carries and the audience is close. Reviews highlight passion and that the performers treat the crowd as part of the night, not just background noise.

Also, because the group size is small, you are not watching from a distant balcony. You are close enough to notice expression and how quickly dancers reset for the next set.

Audience participation, and how to decide if you will join in

This is not a sit-and-zone-out show. You can expect the host to draw you into the experience. Singing and clapping are encouraged, and volunteers get a real invitation to learn steps.

Here is how to make this part enjoyable rather than awkward:

• Decide in advance whether you want to volunteer. If you do, go in relaxed and treat it like a laugh with good instructors.
• If you do not want to volunteer, still join the clapping and singing. You will feel the show more.
• If you bring kids, participation can be the highlight, but only if they are comfortable being on stage or you are okay with them trying for a few seconds.

One more tip: since the show starts at 20:00 and the full event runs until about 21:45, keep an eye on energy. If your child has an early bedtime, plan an easier day before this.

Value in plain numbers: does $56.84 feel fair?

At $56.84 per person, you are buying a packaged deal: dinner plus a live Irish show in Dublin at the Belvedere. That tends to be good value when you would otherwise pay for an evening meal and then separately find a ticketed performance.

You should also look at what is not included. Drinks are extra, and tea or coffee is not included. If you are the kind of traveler who always orders a pint, a cocktail, and bottled water, your final bill can climb. One guest even mentioned extra cost for a bottle of water.

Still, the strong pattern is that people feel this is worth it because the room is close, the performers are professional, and the show includes genuine interaction, not just background singing from the stage.

For me, the value question comes down to this: if you want dinner plus a high-energy Irish dance and music program in one ticket, this is a sensible use of an evening. If you mostly want the show, and you dislike slow dinner service, you might feel it is less efficient.

Who this is best for, and who might want a different plan

Belvedere Irish Nights is a great fit for families and small groups. Reviews point to it being ideal with children, and the format is friendly to first-timers. The interactive elements make it more than a passive performance, and the dinner is included so kids are not stuck waiting through an empty stomach.

It also suits couples and solo travelers who want a social atmosphere but still like intimacy. With a maximum of 10 travelers and the small-room setup, it can feel more personal than big Dublin theater nights.

You might consider a different option if:

• You expect the dinner and show to happen at the same time. Here, dinner is first, then the dancing.
• You want a long, extended dance program. Some people felt the show after dessert moved quickly, with fewer dance sets than they expected.
• You are extremely sensitive to dinner pacing. If you are prone to impatience during a long service, the timing of meals might feel off, because food timing can vary with your table and course flow.

A few practical tips so your night runs smoothly

The easiest way to get the best experience is to treat this like a scheduled evening, not a casual stop.

• Arrive early. Doors open at 18:30, and the dinner service starts at 18:45. Aim to check in and get seated before the rush.
• Plan for a ticketed evening start. The show begins at 20:00, so you need to be settled by then.
• Keep cashless convenience in mind. You get a mobile ticket.
• Watch your expectations on drinks and coffee. Those are not included.
• If you care about comfort, confirm your seat view when you are seated. The venue is designed so tables have a great view, but you still want to be sure you are positioned well.

Should you book Belvedere Irish Nights?

Yes, book it if you want a compact, close-up Irish night in Dublin with live music, real step dance, and a dinner included in the same plan. The combination of a small-room feel, professional performers with major-show credentials, and real audience participation gives it a “do not miss” energy for a first Dublin music and dance outing.

I would pause before booking if you are mainly chasing maximum dance time and hate long dinner pacing. In this format, dinner comes first, and the show follows. If that timeline matches your style, you will likely have a great time.

If you tell me your group makeup (adults, kids ages) and your usual bedtime tolerance, I can help you decide whether the 20:00 show start will feel perfect or a bit late.

FAQ

How long is the Belvedere Irish Night experience?

The full experience runs about 3 hours. Dinner service starts at 18:45, the show runs from 20:00 to about 21:45, and doors open at 18:30.

What time should I arrive for the show?

Plan to arrive by about 6:30pm, when doors open. Dinner service starts at 18:45.

Is dinner included, and how many courses do adults and children get?

Yes, dinner is included. Adults get a three-course dinner, and children get a two-course dinner.

Are drinks included with the ticket?

No. Beverages are not included in the ticket price and can be purchased throughout the event. Tea or coffee is also not included.

Is there audience participation during the show?

Yes. The show includes opportunities for audience participation, including singing and clapping, and volunteers are invited on stage to learn a simple Irish dance step.

Do all seats have a good view of the stage?

Tables are set up so they have a great view of the raised stage.

How big is the group?

This experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is hotel pickup or transportation provided?

No. You will need to arrange your own travel plan. There is no pickup service.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation timing?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the experience start time is not refundable.