Vicar Street in Dublin, Ireland is one of the most popular and iconic music venues in the country. With a capacity of 1,500, Vicar Street hosts over 300 events per year featuring top Irish and international acts. From intimate acoustic shows to full-on rock concerts, Vicar Street provides an excellent live music experience. However, with multiple seating sections and varied views of the stage, some seats are undoubtedly better than others. So what are the best seats at Vicar Street?
The Main Floor
The main floor at Vicar Street offers open standing room space directly in front of the stage. This is a great option for fans who want to be front and center for their favorite bands. You’ll get the most immersive experience right by the stage and will really feel part of the action. The main floor is general admission, first come first served, so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot. The earlier you arrive, the closer you can get to the stage. Main floor ticket holders also have access to the reserved seating balcony above if they want to take a break from standing.
Pros:
- Closest to the stage and the artists
- Most immersive, exciting experience
- Can arrive early for front row spots
- Ability to move around and find the best view
- Access to reserved seating balcony
Cons:
- Need to arrive very early for front spots
- No reserved/assigned spots
- Standing only
- Potential for crowding/pushing up front
The Balcony
The balcony at Vicar Street offers reserved theater-style seating overlooking the main floor. There are a few balcony sections, like the upper and lower balconies, with rows of seats. These are great option for concert-goers who want the experience of an assigned seat and the ability to sit back and enjoy the show. Most rows offer decent elevation and sightlines with only some minor obstructions. There are also box seats on the furthest sides which provide a more private, intimate viewing experience in pairs or for small groups.
Pros:
- Reserved assigned seating
- Ability to sit back and enjoy the show
- Elevated view over the crowd
- Box seats for most private experience
Cons:
- Further back from the stage
- Potential for some obstructions in lower rows
- Less immersive compared to floor
- Box seats have most obstructions
VIP Area
Vicar Street also offers a VIP area with premium seating located at the back of the main floor. This space has cocktail tables and stools along with an exclusive full service bar. Ticket holders in the VIP area can comfortable sit or stand to enjoy the show with a private upgraded experience. There is generally plenty of room to move around, with few crowds. The slightly elevated position also provides great sightlines of the stage over the GA floor. This is a great option for an intimate viewing experience in a more exclusive setting.
Pros:
- Premium experience with exclusive bar
- Cocktail table seating or standing room
- More space and no crowds
- Excellent elevated sightlines
Cons:
- Smaller capacity means tickets sell out fast
- The most expensive ticket option
- Further back from stage than GA floor
- Not great for groups bigger than the table size
Table Seating
There are also some intimate table seating options available at Vicar Street during select shows. These four-top tables are on an elevated mezzanine with a direct view facing the stage. Fans can sit comfortably in their own chairs around a table to have drinks and food while watching the concert. The table seating offers a more private experience similar to the VIP area. With only a very limited number of these seats available per show, they are highly sought after.
Pros:
- Unique intimate table setting
- Comfortable padded chairs to sit back
- Wait service for food and drinks
- Elevated sightlines facing the stage
Cons:
- Very limited availability, sell out instantly
- Priced similar to VIP tickets
- Further back than front GA spots
- Not great for groups bigger than 4
Where to Avoid
While most seats at Vicar Street provide decent views, there are a few sections concert-goers may want to avoid when possible:
- Far left and far right edges of the lower balcony – can have obstructed views
- Rear mezzanine balcony – very far back from stage
- Box seats on far left/right – angled with poor visibility
- Standing room only upper balcony – limited space and obstructed views
Tips for the Best Seats
Keep these tips in mind to score the best seats for a concert at Vicar Street:
- Buy early – once best seats sell out, they are gone!
- Arrive early for GA floor access
- Aim for center sections in balcony
- Check seat views online before buying
- Read reviews of specific seat locations
- Consider VIP or table tickets for a treat
View from the Balcony
Here is an example view from the center balcony at Vicar Street:
As you can see, the balcony provides an excellent vantage point of the stage and artists, especially from the center sections. You’ll get great elevation and sightlines at medium distance from the performers.
View from VIP Area
And here is an example view from the VIP Area right behind the standing floor section:
VIP ticket holders get an up close perspective from the back of the standing floor area. Distance is slightly further but elevation provides nice unobstructed sightlines of the stage.
Comparison of Seat Locations
Here is a table comparing some of the key seating sections at Vicar Street:
Section | Distance from Stage | View | Perks |
---|---|---|---|
Main Floor GA | Very Close | Immersive, energetic | Standing room, arrive early for front spots |
Lower Balcony | Medium Distance | Elevated view, some obstructions | Reserved seating |
VIP Area | Medium-Far | Elevated view, unobstructed | Exclusive bar, space to move around |
Upper Balcony | Far | Highest elevation, obstructed corners | Cheapest reserved seating |
As you can see, it comes down to preferences and trade-offs between distance, viewing angle, amenities, and cost when selecting the best seats at Vicar Street.
Choosing Your Ideal Seat
When choosing seats for a concert at Vicar Street, start by considering your priorities:
- Do you want to be up front and close to the action?
- Are reserved seats a must have for you?
- Are you willing to pay more for VIP amenities?
- Is budget a concern?
- Will you be sitting or standing?
- Do you have any vision obstructions?
If an immersive concert experience right by the stage matters most, aim for main floor GA tickets. Be ready to arrive early to get a good spot before the passionate fans up front. If having your own reserved seat is more important, look at the balcony sections. Prioritize the center over the obstructed side edges. For a truly exclusive VIP experience, consider splurging on the VIP area or table seating if available.
Booking Early Is Key
Regardless of which tickets you choose, the key is booking early. The very best seats at Vicar Street tend to sell out fast. So don’t delay on buying your tickets as soon as the concert is announced. Scout out seat options and reviews ahead of time so you can snap up your desired tickets right away.
Use this guide to understand the pros and cons of each seating section at the iconic Vicar Street. With the right tickets, you’ll be able to relax and soak in an amazing live show with fantastic views. Vicar Street’s intimate setting and stellar acoustics make it one of the top venues in Ireland. Enjoy the electrifying atmosphere and energy of passionate fans with the concert experience you crave.
Conclusion
Vicar Street offers a range of excellent seating options, from the immersive standing-room floor to the relaxed balcony sections. Front floor spots let you soak in the electric atmosphere up close to artists, while balcony seats provide elevated views in a comfortable reserved setting. Splurge on VIP or table tickets for an exclusive experience or aim for obstructed edge seats if budget is a concern. Review your preferences, sightlines and pricing to choose the ideal Vicar Street seats for your concert-going needs.Ultimately there is no single “best seat”, only the best seat for you based on your priorities. Booking early guarantees you get the seats you want before the most passionate fans snatch them up.