Revel in the romance of a Candlelight Concert

Luke McLeod | Last Updated 22 January 2025 | 4 Minute Read

St. Patrick's Cathedral has a telling history within Dublin, for more reasons than many know. However, it also plays the role of Venue for one of the most serene Candlelight Concerts Dublin has seen.

What are Candlelit Concerts?

The Glow of Candlelight creates an unforgettable experience in a renowned venue, as the soft sounds of music echo around the cathedral. St. Patrick's Cathedral has beautiful acoustics, along with a stunning backdrop. The design highlight is seeing the large, stained glass windows illuminated by flickering candlelight.

Usually, a string quartet gather on the alter to play the songs of a famous musician or a group. Some of those world-class musicians that are honoured include Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, U2, Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd. 

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Overview of Upcoming Events

Candlelight: Valentine's Piano

A fabulous night is planned on Friday, 14th February, as the Beethoven's moonlight sonata and Chopin's Raindrop prelude dance through the air. Dr. Conor Linehan from the Royal Irish Academy of Music whose extraordinary career spans solo, concerto, and chamber performances across Ireland and the world. Will perform some of the world's most loved romantic tunes.

Book your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out!

Candlelight: The Music of U2

A stunning ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists come together in this beloved venue to bring you the music of U2. The tracklist included 'One’, ‘Bad’ and ‘Beautiful Day’ to ‘Pride’, ‘Vertigo’ and many more, all performed live by candlelight.

The music of U2 will be performed on three nights, 6th, 7th & 8th of March.

Candlelight Concerts presents a Night at the Opera

Like many, a Night at the Opera may be just a dream. Now, visiting the opera in a beautiful candle-lit setting is an affordable option in Dublin. London Concertante presents an alternative experience to the usual classical music scene on March 29th.

An array of the finest opera arias are coming to St. Patrick's cathedral to perform works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart. Listen to classic music in the gentle glow of candlelight, sitting in pew seats, your unrivaled view will feel like a private concert from some of the UK's greatest opera singers.

Taylor Swift by Candlelight Concert

Swifties who caught Taylor at the Aviva are in for a real shock when they catch her music in a candlelight concert setting at the Cathedral. A spectacular cast of vocalists and band members bring her rocking set list to life on June 13th.

Get ready to step out of the spotlight, and into the candlelight for this once in a lifetime event. Grab your tickets now!

Candlelight: Queen

The ultimate tribute to Queen, fresh from it's sell out tour of Carnegie Hall in New York, Australia and the UK is coming to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Featuring the star studded ensemble from the West End, as well as a live band, this is a show you do not want to miss. With three nights at the end of June, it's time to put a plan in place.

How to Attend a Candlelit Concert

Booking a concert by Candlelight is one of the top date nights in Dublin, paired with a 3-course meal in one of our favourite restaurants. Tickets for these shows do sell out, so it's important that you book early on their site.

Getting to the Venue

St. Patrick's Cathedral is just 700 metres from the Arthaus hotel. Depending on the route you take, you pass by some nice pubs and restaurants for a pit stop on this short walk. You can take a taxi, for a short 5 minute drive if you need to.

If you rather frequent the wide variety of pubs in Temple Bar before the show, you are less than 12 minutes away from the venue on foot.

Tips for Attending

When you go to a candlelight concert in St. Patrick's Cathedral, there are some things you must take into considerations.

Arriving Early

Doors generally open at 7.30, and it would be in your interest to be there early. Each block of seating is first come first served. While your area is on your ticket, the pews have now numbers. Arriving early ensures you get the best seat in your block.

Dress Code

There is no set dress code, but it's a time to revel in the glitz and glam. Wear the new dress, polish the shoes and make yourself feel like a million dollars! You'll never experience an atmosphere like hundreds of flickering candles, in one of Dublin's most beautiful venues.

What to Bring

We recommend going for dinner and drinks before the concert, as there is none allowed in the venue. Which is quite understandable! Ensure you have your ticket, other than that, you're all set to have fun!

When visiting Dublin, a tour at St Patrick's cathedral should be on your list along with the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and some other favourite attractions.

There are two types of tours to take, a self guided and one with a guide. Entrance to the site is €10 for adults and you can join a guided tour at no extra cost. You just need to arrive on time.

If you have a Go City Dublin Pass, you can visit for free. Simply show your ticket at the entrance.

Stay and Save at the Arthaus Hotel

Take the stress out of travelling and stay in Dublin’s Shopping District, just seconds form one of Ireland’s most well-known parks.  

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey. 

Our artwork in the Boutique rooms features works inspired by the Bauhaus teacher Wassily Kandinsky, often hailed as the pioneer of abstract art. In his own words, ‘’Colour is a power which directly influences the soul. 

Stay two nights at the Arthaus Hotel and get €10% off per night.  

The Wrap Up

The Arthaus is just half a mile approx walking distance from St. Patrick's Cathedral. A short trip around the cathedral grounds before entering the cathedral for Choral evensong, or a tour is a very wholesome tourist activity to do during your stay.

Waltz around the beautiful stained-glass windows, each telling a story. Read these windows from bottom to top, rather than left to right! A visit will take you back to the medieval street exterior of Dublin city.

Staying at the Arthaus allows you to be in the heart of Dublin 2, close to St Stephen's green, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street. Book your stay today.

About the Author

Meet our passionate and seasoned Travel and Culture Editor, Luke McLeod. With an insatiable wanderlust and an unquenchable thirst for cultural exploration, Luke is your trusted guide to unlocking the soul of Ireland. 

With years of experience in the realms of travel and culture journalism, Luke has made it their mission to hand-pick the most captivating and authentic experiences that the Emerald Isle has to offer. 

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