Dinner, then dance, right in Dublin. This Belvedere Irish Night pairs a three-course dinner with professional Irish music and step dancing in an easy, up-close setup, choreographed by Jim Murrihy. I especially like the intimate Belvedere Bar atmosphere and the chance for real participation, including moments where you can join in without needing to know Irish dance first.

One thing to plan for: the evening is dinner-first, with the show starting later (around 8:00 pm). If you want dinner and the dancing happening at the same time, this format can feel like a long wait.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Jim Murrihy and a serious dance pedigree: The show is created and choreographed by Jim Murrihy, with cast members who have toured internationally.
• Raised stage with a good view: Tables are arranged so you can see the stage without constantly craning.
• Audience participation that is actually fun: Singing, clapping, and a chance for a volunteer to learn a simple dance step.
• Three courses included for adults: You are not just buying a show ticket, you are getting a full sit-down meal.
• A small cap on your booking group: The experience is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which often keeps things calmer.

Arriving at the Belvedere Hotel: where your night starts (and why location matters)

Your evening begins at the Belvedere Hotel Dublin at Great Denmark Street in Dublin 1. It is right in the city, and the venue is noted as being near public transportation, so you are not stuck finding parking or coordinating a pickup. Also, this is built for a smooth arrival, with a required arrival time by 6:30 pm and the experience start listed for 6:45 pm, so arrive early and get settled before dinner ramps up.

One practical note: there are no parking facilities on the premises. If you are driving, you will need to park elsewhere and walk or use another transport option.

The other big “location” detail is the room itself. The show is staged in the Belvedere Bar with an indoor, raised stage. From the way the seating is set up, you should feel like you are part of the action rather than stuck looking at a distant stage.

The price makes sense if you treat it like dinner plus entertainment

At $56.84 per person, you are paying for two things at once: a live Irish performance and a proper meal. That can be good value in Dublin, where you can easily spend a lot just on dinner and then still have to find a separate evening activity.

Here is the math that matters: adults get a three-course dinner, plus the show. Children get a two-course dinner alongside the show, with the same general “show plus meal” structure. Drinks are not included, and tea or coffee are also not included in the ticket price, so if you plan on ordering beverages, you should budget a little extra.

The overall value can swing based on one choice you control: how much you drink. The show is the included highlight, but drinks are available for purchase throughout the event, and extra items like water can add up. If you want the best “value feeling,” plan to keep drink orders simple.

Timing in plain English: doors, dinner, then the 8:00 pm show

This is not one of those “float into dinner, wander, and watch whenever” events. It runs on a schedule.

• Doors open at 6:30 pm
• Dinner service starts at 6:45 pm
• The show begins at 8:00 pm
• The show finishes by about 9:45 pm
• The full experience runs about 3 hours

So yes, you will be sitting and eating first. That does have a tradeoff. If you are the kind of traveler who hates waiting for the main event, you may feel the gap between dinner and dancing. On the other hand, it can work well if you like your evenings to start with something warm and filling, and you want to focus on the show once it starts.

My advice: treat the early part like your pre-show downtime. Use the time to look around, get comfortable with the room, and be ready when the stage lights come up. You will also have fewer interruptions than you would at a “simultaneous dinner and show” setup.

The show itself: professional Irish music and step dancing in an intimate setting

The Irish night show at the Belvedere is created and choreographed by Jim Murrihy, directors of Damhsa, with an original score. The cast is not made up of weekend performers. They are described as having performed both nationally and internationally, including shows like Riverdance, Feet of Flames, and Lord of the Dance.

What this usually means in practice: the musicians and dancers know how to work a live room. You are not just watching technique, you are hearing the rhythm and feeling the energy as it connects with the audience.

The style of dancing is described as a mix of traditional solo Irish dance and the more familiar jigs and reels. That matters because it gives you variety. Solo work shows off control and footwork, while group sequences show the precision that Irish dance is known for.

You also get singing as part of the evening. That is a smart addition for first-timers, because it anchors the culture beyond footwork alone.

Audience participation: the fun part where you feel included

If you like interactive shows, this is where it delivers. The program includes plenty of audience participation. That can look like clapping along, joining in with singing, and reacting as hosts guide you into the moment.

There is also a specific audience moment: a guest is invited on stage to learn some Irish dance. Even if you are not sure you can do it, that is exactly why this experience is such a hit for families and small groups. You get a taste of how Irish step dance feels without having to “perform well.” The goal is participation, not perfection.

Two tips if you want to be ready for the stage moment:

1. Wear shoes that let you move comfortably. You do not need dance shoes, but avoid anything you will trip in.
2. Watch the hosts early. If you can pick up the vibe of how they bring people into the show, you will feel more confident when you are encouraged to join in.

Dinner and food choices: comforting Irish dishes, served in a sit-down flow

The dinner is a major part of why this ticket works as value. It is described as a sumptuous three-course menu with a choice of home cooked Irish dishes.

In practice, you should expect a traditional, hearty meal rather than something trendy and light. Review notes in the same spirit point to food quality that is often described as tasty and well-liked. You also have some flexibility, since each course offers choices.

One thing to anticipate is pacing. Since dinner happens before the show, your meal is not a quick bite. If you prefer fast service, you might feel the time. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is a factor in whether the whole evening feels relaxed or a little stretched.

If you are traveling with kids, the sit-down meal can be either a plus or a challenge. The good news is that the structure is straightforward, and kids can enjoy the show side right after the meal starts to wrap up. The main “watch out” is just energy levels during the pre-show dining period.

Drinks and extras: how to avoid surprises to your bill

Drinks are not included. Throughout the event, you can purchase beverages, and that includes the obvious items like beer and wine, plus non-alcoholic options.

Also, tea or coffee is not included in the ticket price. That is one of those small line items that can change the final cost if you rely on it.

My budgeting advice is simple:

• If you want a smooth evening and a clear total cost, limit drink orders to what you truly want.
• If you are buying bottled water, assume it will be extra priced, because it is sold as an add-on.

If you are trying to keep this an easy family outing, consider deciding ahead of time how many drinks you will buy, then enjoy the show without keeping a running tally in your head.

Who this is best for in Dublin (and who might want a different night)

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids who want a lively, participatory show
• Small groups who want something walkable and simple in the evening
• First-time visitors who want Irish culture in one organized, ticketed night
• People who like live music and want to see how the dance and band work together

The show is described as most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so plan adult supervision as you choose your seating and keep an eye on timing.

A practical “fit” point: the room is described as intimate, and tables have a good view of the raised stage. That means you are not dependent on getting a perfect seat location. Still, you should arrive on time so you do not get rushed when you are trying to find where you sit.

If you are the kind of traveler who hates dinner-formality and would rather just watch a performance nonstop, you might find the dinner-first format less satisfying. In that case, look for an entertainment-only option next door to your itinerary.

Getting the most out of your evening: simple planning that pays off

Here is how I would plan this night in Dublin to make it feel effortless.

First, schedule it as either your first Irish “culture hit” or your last night when you want a warm finale. The show runs until around 9:45 pm, so it is a full evening block.

Second, build in time before 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30, and dinner begins shortly after at 6:45. If you arrive late, you may not get the calm start you want.

Third, plan for weather. The experience notes that it requires good weather, with a different date or a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions. Since you are in Dublin, that can matter more than you think. Have a backup in your schedule in case the operator moves plans.

Finally, consider your walk from nearby transit. The venue is near public transportation, but the address is in Dublin 1 near Great Denmark Street, so you will be moving around city sidewalks before and after the show. Wear footwear that works on pavement.

Should you book Belvedere Irish Nights? My straight answer

I think you should book it if you want a classic Dublin night where you get live Irish music, step dancing, and a real sit-down meal in one ticket. At $56.84, the included three-course dinner for adults is what makes this feel like more than just entertainment pricing, and the audience participation is genuinely the difference between watching and enjoying.

Skip it or choose a different format if you strongly dislike waiting for the main event. The show starts at 8:00 pm, and dinner is the first act. If you want dancing and music from the first minute, you may find this structure a bit long.

If you are coming with kids, this is often the kind of night that turns into a story you all remember. Even if nobody becomes the next step-dance star, you are likely to leave with stage-moment photos and tired, happy energy.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for the Belvedere Irish Night?

Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the experience start time is listed for 6:45 pm. You should plan to arrive by 6:30 pm so you can get settled before dinner service begins.

When does the show start and when does it finish?

Dinner runs first, then the show starts at 8:00 pm. The show finishes by about 9:45 pm.

Is dinner included, and is it different for adults and children?

Yes. Adults get a three-course dinner, while children get a two-course dinner. The dinner is part of the full package that also includes the live Irish show.

What is included in the ticket besides dinner?

Your ticket includes the traditional Irish night show with live Irish music, singing, and Irish dancing. There is also plenty of interaction with the audience, including a chance for a guest to go on stage to learn some Irish dance steps.

Are drinks included with the ticket?

No. Drinks are not included and are available to purchase throughout the event. Tea or coffee are also not included in the ticket price.

Is pickup or transport provided?

No. You must arrange your own travel plan, and there is no pickup service provided. Parking on the premises is also not available.

How small is the group for this experience?

This experience has a maximum of 10 travelers. The setting still uses tables and a raised stage, but your booking group itself is capped.

Can I cancel, and what if weather is bad?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also notes that poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.