The Ark is a unique, purpose-built cultural centre in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, where children aged 2 -12 can explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, dance and more.
Our programme of world class performances, exhibitions and creative workshops changes every few weeks, so expect a different experience every visit!
The Ark is located in the heart of Temple Bar in Dublin 2. It's easy to get to by public transport and there are many family-friendly restaurants and cafes close by.
There is always something interesting on in the Ark. Click below to see the latest performances and events.
Booking information
The Ark booking office is open Monday-Friday from 10am-4:30pm, and one hour before performances and workshops on weekends and in the evening. Outside these times, you can book online. Opening hours for exhibitions, workshops and performances vary - please check relevant event page on the website for full details.
Concessions
Children accompanying third-level students, senior citizens, the unwaged and those parenting alone can book tickets at the concessionary rate. Full priced tickets are available to book online. Tickets at the concessionary rate and combination tickets can be booked by calling the box office directly on +353 1 670 7788 or in person. No booking charges apply.
Refunds & exhanges
All events have a limited capacity so advance booking is recommended, and we regret that The Ark is unable to provide refunds or exchanges under any circumstances.
Latecomers
Please be advised that as a courtesy to performers and other audience members, latecomers will not be admitted. We advise all visitors to arrive at the venue 15 minutes in advance of our events.
"I loved it! I'd come a million times if I could"
Elizabeth, Aged 9
Age suitability
The Ark continuously works to to ensure that our programmes are suitable for particular age groups. Most of our events are age-specific, because children’s interests and skills develop with age, and because children generally benefit more from participating in cultural activity with other children of their own age.
We ask all visitors to respect the designated age range when booking. Events are not suitable for any children under the recommended age group
"Fab Show, a place where children can be children – A huge relief for parents! Also lovely to have a space where children can freely express selves in an artistic context"
Parent, Telling Tall & Tiny Tales
Accessibility
The Ark welcomes all children to its programmes.
Our productions, workshops and exhibitions are open to children with individual requirements and the physical spaces within The Ark are fully wheelchair accessible. Please note that the number of wheelchair spaces available for theatre events varies depending on the scale of the performance. Please contact the box office manager directly.
If you or your group have any individual requirements, please let us know when booking your tickets so that we are able to maximise the enjoyment of your visit.
"I love coming to The Ark. The staff are wonderful, the building has a sense of magic about it. A very important space for cultivating our children's’ imaginations and curiosity"
Parent
Group bookings
Groups attending events at The Ark can claim one free ticket with every 10 purchased, and can reserve tickets without having to make full payment at the time of the reservation.
To discuss your group's requirements, please contact The Ark's box office team on 01 670 7788.
“It’s fantastic to have a place like this”
RTÉ
Getting to the Ark
The Ark is located in the heart of Temple Bar, on Eustace Street, which links Dame Street, at the South Great George’s Street junction, and the Quays, at the Millennium Bridge.
Car
The Fleet Street (Temple Bar) Car Park is located just off Westmoreland Street. As soon as you enter Westmoreland Street turn left for Fleet Street and the car park is on the left (opposite The Morgan Hotel).
The Fleet Street car park rate for visitors to The Ark is €5 for 3 hours. Any additional hours are charged at €3.10 per hour. To avail of the parking rate please present your ticket stub from The Ark, along with your parking ticket, when paying at the cash desk prior to collecting your car.
To get from the car park to The Ark, walk straight down Fleet Street, through Temple Bar Square and East Essex Street. Then take a left turn onto Eustace Street. The Ark is located just up the street on the right.
Luas
Luas Red Line
The Luas Red Line runs from Tallaght to The Point and from Saggart to Connolly. Take Luas to Jervis Luas Stop. Walk towards the River Liffey through the Italian Quarter and cross the Millennium Bridge. You are now at the end of Eustace Street. The Ark is just up the street on the right.
Luas Green Line
The Luas Green Line runs from Brides Glen to St. Stephen's Green. Take Luas to St. Stephen’s Green Luas Stop and walk down Grafton Street. Take the left turn just after Brown Thomas onto Wicklow Street and walk to South Great George’s Street. Turn right and walk to Dame Street. Cross the road and continue down Eustace Street. The Ark is located halfway down the street on the left.
For more information, please see www.luas.ie
Bus
Take any bus to Dame Street or College Green. Walk along Dame Street to the junction with South Great Georges Street and turn down Eustace Street towards the River Liffey. The Ark is located halfway down the street on the left.
Dame Street is serviced by the following Dublin Bus services: 15E, 15F, 49, 49A, 50, 51, 51B, 51C, 54A, 56A, 65, 65B, 68, 69, 69X, 77, 77A, 77X, 78, 78A, 79, 79A, 121, 123, 150, 151.
College Green is serviced by the following Dublin Bus services: 16, 16A, 16C, 19, 19A, 19C, 49, 49A, 51B, 51C, 54A, 65, 65B, 83, 121, 122, 123, 150, 151.
For more details and timetables, please see www.dublinbus.ie
Dart
Get out at Tara Street Dart Station and walk along the Quays past O'Connell Bridge, turning left when you reach the Millennium Bridge onto Eustace Street. The Ark is located just up the street on the right.
For more details and timetables, please see www.irishrail.ie
Support Us!
While many people know that The Ark is one of Europe’s leading arts venues for children, few realise that it is also a registered charity.
Public funding only makes up an average of 60% of our income so we rely on ticket sales, grants and generous donations from companies and individuals to enable us to create inspirational cultural experiences for all children.
Below are some of the ways that you could help to support us in our work.
Become a Member
If you love The Ark, then joining us as a FRIEND lets you enjoy lots of exclusive discounts and benefits throughout the year. READ MORE
Make a Donation
Help us keep the quality of our programmes high, and our ticket prices affordable. Please consider making a donation today. READ MORE
Thank You
The Ark is hugely grateful for the committed contribution of our annual funders, donors and partners. READ MORE
Do you know any young musicians (ages 6+) who would love to come and play in a real trad session during Temple Bar TradFest?
On Sunday 28 January, we have our annual open trad seisiún, especially for children, led by members of Ceoltoiri Chluain Tarbh. Children who can play a tune on the fiddle, bodhrán, harp, concertina, or any instrument at all (including non-traditional instruments) are welcome to come along and find out what it is like to play in a trad session with other young musicians.
Part of the TradFest Children's Hub 2018
http://ark.ie/events/view/childrens-open-trad-session-2018
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It's just 100 days until Christmas! We're excited because we can't wait to welcome The Henry Girls back to The Ark in December with our hugely popular festive music show 'Tracks in the Snow'.
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