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

The Belvedere Irish Night is interesting because it turns Dublin’s Irish music and dance into a close-up, in-the-room experience at the Belvedere Bar, with a raised stage you can actually see. I like that the evening is built for interaction, not just watching, so it feels like you’re in on the fun rather than stuck in the back row.

I also really like the pedigree behind the show. It was choreographed by Jim Murrihy of Damhsa, and the performers have toured with major productions like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The main drawback to plan for is timing: dinner comes first, then the show starts, so you’re looking at a full about 3 hours before it’s over.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Every table has a strong stage view in the Belvedere Bar, so you are not hunting for good angles.
• Jim Murrihy choreographed the show (Damhsa), with a cast that has performed in major international Irish dance productions.
• It covers old-style steps plus modern favorites like jigs and reels, with solo dancing and synchronized routines.
• Audience participation is part of the format including singing and clapping, plus volunteers invited to learn simple steps on stage.
• The show is after dinner, not at the same time, so expect a longer meal first.
• Small group size (up to 10) keeps the vibe friendly and makes the interaction feel more natural.

Why this Belvedere Irish Night feels different from the usual dinner show

If you’ve been to a “dinner and a show” setup where you feel like you’re watching from a distance while staff rush plates by, this one is built to avoid that. The show happens in the Belvedere Bar with tables positioned so you get a good look at the raised stage. That layout matters more than people think. When you can see hands, shoes, and faces clearly, you get the rhythm, not just the sound.

The second thing I like is the way the program includes you. You’ll hear live Irish music and singing, then the dancers bring it to life with the kind of footwork and timing that makes Irish dance feel both precise and athletic. There’s also a very human side: interaction with hosts and an invitation for volunteers to come up and learn basic dance steps.

The best part is that this isn’t marketed as “look, don’t touch.” It’s closer to a playful Irish evening where you can clap along, join in with singing, and laugh at your own attempts at the steps.

The evening schedule: arrive early because dinner runs first

Plan your timing around the order of events. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Dinner service starts at 6:45 pm. The show begins at 8:00 pm and finishes by 9:45 pm. The experience runs about 3 hours total.

A few practical notes:

• Arrive by 6:30 pm so you’re not rushed and you can settle in before plates start moving.
• If you’re the type who hates waiting, know that dinner being first is not a minor detail. It is the structure of the night.
• If you’re bringing kids, this schedule can work well, but you’ll want them ready for sitting through the whole meal before the dancing starts.

Some people love this flow because it lets everyone eat, then the room flips into show mode. Others feel the dinner portion lasts longer than they expected. Either way, you’ll be happiest if you mentally commit to the idea that the meal is part of the event, not a quick starter.

Belvedere Bar seating and stage views you can actually use

This is one of those details that can make or break the experience. Here, the show takes place in an intimate bar setting where tables have a great view of the raised stage. You’re not stuck in a distant banquet hall where the dancing becomes a blur of legs and motion.

Also, because the program is staged around that room setup, the staff can run dinner without constantly blocking your view during the performance. You may feel the dinner pacing is a little “let’s finish first, then go,” but the tradeoff is that the show portion stays focused on the dancers and musicians.

For small groups, that layout can feel extra fun. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it’s easier to spot hosts, hear the music clearly, and participate without the room feeling chaotic.

The show: Jim Murrihy choreography and a tour-tested cast

The show is created and choreographed by Jim Murrihy, who is a director of Damhsa. That name matters because it signals the choreography is built around real Irish dance technique, not just generic stage movement.

The cast has also performed both nationally and internationally in shows including:

• Riverdance
• Feet of Flames
• Lord of the Dance

That “tour-tested” background tends to show in the performance energy. The dancers don’t just do steps. They hit timing with the kind of precision you need to make Irish dance land like a drumbeat. Live music also helps. The rhythm in Irish music is the engine of the whole thing, and hearing it performed live keeps the dancers locked in.

What the program includes:

• Traditional Irish music, singing, and dancing
• A mix of older-style solo Irish dance and the jigs and reels many people recognize
• Synchronised precision, plus moments designed to raise the crowd’s energy

If you’re a first-timer, this variety is a win. You see where the tradition comes from, and you also get the familiar, high-energy routines that make Irish dance so watchable.

Audience participation: where the night turns from fun to memorable

This is one of the most praised parts of the evening. The show includes plenty of interaction, and it’s not just random cheering. You can expect:

• Participation that involves singing and clapping
• Hosts who invite engagement throughout the night
• Guests invited on stage to learn some Irish dance steps

That stage moment is usually the highlight for kids and for adults who secretly want to see if they can do one clean step without face-planting. Even if you are not going on stage, the participation vibe makes you feel like you are part of the performance rather than only an observer.

One more smart detail: because the room is small and the tables face the raised stage, audience participation doesn’t feel hidden or awkward. You can watch the person learning steps, then you can feel the rhythm building back up for the next dance set.

The 3-course Irish dinner: good value, but manage expectations

The dinner is included with your ticket, and it’s served before the show. Adults get a 3-course dinner, while children get a 2-course dinner. The food is described as home-cooked Irish dishes with choices across courses.

Based on the overall experience, this part is usually a strong match for the night. Many people found the dinner tasty and appreciated having a real menu rather than a token meal. The service also tends to be friendly and efficient, which helps when you’re on a set schedule.

That said, I’d be honest about the weak spots I noticed from the range of feedback:

• Some people feel the meal is too long, especially because the show only starts at 8:00 pm.
• A minority of diners felt the dinner quality did not justify the price, and they wanted more satisfying portions or a better overall experience compared to eating elsewhere.
• Drinks are not included, and that can shift how “good value” feels once you add orders.

So here’s my practical advice: treat the dinner as a meaningful part of the show experience, not a restaurant-quality substitute. If you’re picky about food or you expect a steak-and-wine style dinner, you might feel disappointed. If you want hearty Irish comfort food served in a fun setting, it fits.

Drinks, water, and the part of the bill that can sneak up on you

Your ticket includes the show and the dinner courses, but beverages are not included. Tea or coffee are also listed as not included in the ticket price. Drinks are available to purchase throughout the event.

That’s normal for a show ticket, but it matters for budgeting. Several experiences point out extra costs for drinks, including concerns about paying for bottled water.

Also note: there’s a minimum drinking age of 18.

If you want to keep the night simple:

• Decide early if you’ll be buying drinks or sticking to water.
• If you’re traveling with kids, their beverages and extra items will still need separate purchasing.
• If you’re on a tight budget, the show is the value, not the bar tab.

Price and value: what you’re actually paying for

At $56.84 per person, the headline value is clear: you’re buying a ticket that bundles a live Irish dance and music show with a 3-course dinner. That can be a good deal compared to paying separately for a dinner out and a separate paid show.

The best value angle is the combination:

• Small setting where you can see the stage well
• Live performance with professional-level dancers and musicians
• Audience participation, including stage learning
• A full evening schedule that keeps families entertained

Where value can feel weaker is when you focus only on the dinner. If dinner quality or pacing doesn’t meet your expectations, you might feel like you paid for the wrong part. If you’re excited primarily for dance and music, then the dinner becomes a built-in bonus that gets you in early.

Given the strong rating overall and the high recommendation rate, the experience seems to land well for most people. Just go in with the right mindset: you’re buying a show-driven evening, with dinner as part of the package.

Who should book this (and who might want a different night)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A family-friendly Irish night that includes interaction and energy
• A compact, easy-to-manage evening in Dublin
• A live show with real audience participation, not passive sightseeing
• A small-group feel (maximum of 10 travelers)

It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want a strong slice of Irish culture without complicated logistics.

You might think twice if:

• You hate waiting through dinner before the dancing begins
• You are very picky about food and want a high-end restaurant meal
• You’re expecting the show to feel long and constant, instead of a shorter set of dance moments after dinner

Practical tips so your Irish night goes smoothly

Here’s how I’d plan your evening to avoid common frustration:

1. Arrive by 6:30 pm even if your dinner starts at 6:45 pm. Getting seated calmly matters.
2. Wear shoes you can move in if you think you might try a dance step on stage. Not because you’ll be asked, but because it helps you feel game.
3. If you’re traveling as a family, set expectations early: dinner first, then dancing at 8:00.
4. Bring patience for the pacing. Some people feel the dinner segment runs long, but it helps keep the show portion focused once it starts.
5. Budget a little for drinks. The ticket covers dinner and the show, not bar purchases.

One more small point: it’s near public transportation, and it’s held at a specific hotel address on Great Denmark Street in Dublin 1. That makes it easy to slot into your evening plan without renting a car.

Should you book the Belvedere Irish Night dinner show?

Yes, I’d book it if your priority is a fun, close-up Irish music and dance evening with participation. The show format, the strong stage visibility in the Belvedere Bar, the proven performance credentials behind the choreography, and the chance to learn steps make it more memorable than a sit-and-watch option.

Skip it or choose carefully if your top goal is a standout restaurant dinner or you dislike the dinner-first schedule. In that case, you may feel the meal pacing and drink add-ons don’t match what you wanted from the price.

If you’re flexible and you want an authentic-feeling Irish night in a small room, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for the Belvedere Irish Night?

Doors open at 6:30 pm and dinner service starts at 6:45 pm. You should plan to arrive by 6:30 pm.

Does the show happen at the same time as dinner?

No. Dinner is served first, and the show starts at 8:00 pm and finishes by 9:45 pm.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 3 hours total.

What is included with the ticket?

You get the traditional Irish show with live music, singing, and Irish dancing, plus dinner. Adults receive a 3-course dinner and children receive a 2-course dinner. Beverages are not included.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

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

Is there audience participation?

Yes. There is participation during the show, including singing and clapping, and guests can be invited on stage to learn some Irish dance.

Where is it held and is there parking on site?

It takes place at Belvedere Hotel Dublin, Great Denmark Street, Dublin 1, D01 W1C0. There are no parking facilities on the premises.