This spring, we are marking the 100th anniversary of Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars, first staged at the Abbey in 1926.

To celebrate, we are offering 11 special backstage tours across March and April, giving visitors deeper insight into the play’s history, its infamous opening night riots, and its continued resonance today.

Step onstage and view the set up close in these exclusive backstage tours and discover the temporary exhibition which explores the previous productions of this Irish masterpiece.

As one of Ireland’s longest-standing cultural institutions, the Abbey Theatre offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with Irish identity, history, and creativity in an intimate setting.

Good to know: 

Our tours start in the Abbey foyer – please arrive 10 minutes before your tour if possible. You can enjoy a delicious drink or snack in our café while you wait.

Our tours cross multiple levels and involves stairs. Please let us know if you have any mobility needs, and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Our tour guides are Abbey Theatre staff who are passionate about theatre and the history of the National Theatre

We recommend the tour for people over the age of 10. 

A glimpse into the world of the play