Free ‘Opera in the Park’ events bring world-class music to South Dublin

South Dublin County Council invites the public to enjoy two free outdoor opera performances this September as part of a new cultural initiative bringing live opera to some of the county's most scenic parkland settings.

"Opera in the Park" will see two professionally staged performances take place in South Dublin's public parks, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience opera in a relaxed outdoor environment.

The programme opens with a Verdi Gala in Rathfarnham Castle Park on Sunday, 6 September, followed by a performance of Hansel and Gretel in Tymon Park on Sunday, 13 September. Audiences are invited to arrive from 2.30pm, with both performances commencing at 3pm.

The events are free to attend and suitable for all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or foldable camping chair and enjoy an afternoon of music and entertainment in the open air. As the performances take place outdoors, no weather cover will be available.

The initiative marks the first time South Dublin County Council has programmed opera performances in its parks programme and forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to making arts and culture accessible to communities throughout the county.

Welcoming the initiative, Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Francis Timmons, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Opera in the Park to South Dublin County. This is the first time that South Dublin County Council has programmed opera performances in our parks and it represents a wonderful addition to the county's cultural calendar. These free events provide an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy high-quality live performances in some of our most beautiful public spaces.

I would like to acknowledge the support of South Dublin County Council's Climate Action Directorate, whose funding made these performances possible, and the Council's Event Unit for developing and delivering this exciting new initiative. I would also like to thank Dublin City Council for sharing their experience and expertise, which has helped bring Opera in the Park to South Dublin. I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy what promises to be two memorable afternoons of music and culture."

South Dublin County Council's Event Unit has developed the programme as part of a wider series of community-focused cultural events taking place across the county, helping to animate public spaces and encourage people to enjoy their local parks.

Event Details

Verdi Gala Location: Rathfarnham Castle Park Date: Sunday, 6 September 2026 Time: Arrive from 2.30pm. Performance begins at 3pm

Hansel and Gretel Location: Tymon Park (Castletymon Road Entrance) Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026 Time: Arrive from 2.30pm | Performance begins at 3pm

Admission: Free What to bring: Picnic blanket or foldable camping chair Please note: No weather cover is available.

For further information, visit South Dublin County Council's social media channels.

ENDS

Editor's Notes

• Opera in the Park is a free public event presented by South Dublin County Council.
• Funding support has been provided by SDCC's Climate Action Directorate.
• Events are hosted and coordinated by the Council's Event Unit.
• Audience members are advised to bring their own seating or picnic blanket for comfort.

Images

Image 1 – Meadhbh Hanafin in the role of Hansel

Image 2 – Simon Morgan and Sandra Oman will be appearing in Hansel and Gretel

Image 3 – SDCC Opera In The Park poster Verdi Gala

Image 4 – SDCC Opera In The Park poster Hansel and Gretel