New Music Dublin 2026
Date & Time
Wednesday 15 April 2026
Various times
Location
National Concert Hall
City Centre
Price
From €10
National Concert Hall
If you think contemporary classical music isn’t for you, New Music Dublin might just change your mind. This is Ireland’s flagship festival for new composition, and it’s been quietly blowing people away at the National Concert Hall for years.
What to Expect
Over five days, you’ll get 25+ performances spanning orchestral premieres, chamber works, electronic experimentation, and everything in between. The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and RTÉ Concert Orchestra typically headline, alongside ensembles from Ireland and abroad. What makes this festival special is its commitment to living composers. Many of the pieces performed here are world premieres, written specifically for the event. You might walk in expecting something stuffy and walk out completely rewired.
There are also free talks, panel discussions, and late-night events that dig into the creative process. It’s as much about discovery and conversation as it is about the performances themselves.
Good to Know
Individual concert tickets start from just €10, which is genuinely incredible value for the calibre of musicianship on display. Multi-event passes and festival packages are usually available too, so check the NCH website for the full lineup and booking details as they’re announced. Events run across multiple spaces within the National Concert Hall, from the main auditorium to the more intimate John Field Room.
The festival tends to attract a wonderfully mixed crowd, from seasoned contemporary music heads alongside curious first-timers. Don’t worry if you don’t know the composers. That’s kind of the point.
Getting There
The National Concert Hall is right on Earlsfort Terrace, a stone’s throw from St Stephen’s Green. The Luas Green Line stops at St Stephen’s Green, putting you within a five-minute walk. Multiple Dublin Bus routes serve the area too. If you’re coming from the Southside, it’s an easy stroll through the city centre. There’s limited street parking nearby, but the St Stephen’s Green car park is your best option if you’re driving.