3Arena is a 13,000-capacity indoor amphitheatre in Dublin's Docklands, opened on December 16, 2008. Originally called The O2, it was rebranded in September 2014 after Three Ireland acquired O2 Ireland. 3Arena is operated by Live Nation Ireland and hosts approximately 100 events per year. Best suited for major touring artists who need Ireland's largest indoor concert venue for a Dublin stop on a European tour.
Ed Sheeran filmed his full "Multiply Live in Dublin" concert film at the venue during his 2014 UK and Ireland tour. The official upload on Ed Sheeran's YouTube channel has over 19 million views:
Venue Specifications
The venue opened as The O2 on December 16, 2008, built at a cost of 80 million EUR. O2 paid 25 million EUR for 10-year naming rights, which ended in 2014 when Three Ireland acquired O2 Ireland. The venue is owned by Apollo Leisure Group Ltd, a Live Nation subsidiary, and operated by Live Nation Ireland. The auditorium is designed in a fan formation that the architects likened to the Colosseum of Rome. The furthest seat is 60 metres from the stage, 20 metres closer than in the previous venue (The Point). There are no corporate boxes inside the venue. The capacity is 9,300 seated or 13,000 with standing. The building dates to 1878 as a protected structure, originally a train depot. It first became a music venue in 1988 and was refurbished in 2007 at a cost of 80 million EUR. The venue houses four club and bar spaces, including two private members clubs (the 1878 and the Studio) and two sponsor-operated lounges.
Notable Events and Recent Programming
3Arena is regularly ranked among the top ten busiest music arenas in the world by ticket sales. The venue attracts over 3 million visitors per year across all events. Major artists who have performed at 3Arena include U2, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Adele.
In 2026, the venue is hosting Westlife for a record-breaking 13-night residency in September, breaking their previous record of 12 shows. Addison Rae kicked off her global tour at 3Arena on August 25 and 26, 2026. A$AP Rocky brought his Don't Be Dumb World Tour on September 2, 2026. The venue programs pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, comedy, and family shows year-round.
Notable Performances Here
- U2 (November 2015) - U2 played four sold-out nights at 3Arena as part of their iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour, returning to their hometown for an emotional run of shows
- Ed Sheeran (2014) - Filmed the "Multiply Live in Dublin" concert film at the venue during his UK and Ireland tour, with the full 88-minute performance uploaded to his official YouTube channel
- Hozier (December 2019) - The Irish singer performed a homecoming show at 3Arena. His official YouTube channel later released "Take Me To Church" from the performance, which has over 510,000 views:
- The Killers (June 2024) - Opened their Rebel Diamonds greatest hits UK and Ireland tour with three nights at 3Arena, including a rare performance of "Battle Born" for the first time in 11 years
- Westlife (September 2026) - The Irish pop group will play a record-breaking 13-night residency, surpassing their own previous record of 12 shows, the most by any artist in the venue's history. Tickets are priced from 80 EUR to 140 EUR
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
3Arena is Ireland's primary large-scale concert venue, making it a mandatory stop for major tours visiting Ireland. While independent artists rarely headline 3Arena, understanding its role helps plan tour routing through Dublin. The venue's fan-shaped design provides excellent sightlines, making even large-scale shows feel intimate. The absence of corporate boxes means more tickets are available to general buyers rather than being locked up in VIP packages. Dublin is a compact city with a passionate music audience, and 3Arena serves as the endpoint for artists who graduate from smaller Dublin venues like Whelan's, The Olympia Theatre, and Vicar Street. The venue's Live Nation operation connects artists to the global promotion network. See our guide on how to book your first tour for routing strategies through Ireland.
Drawbacks / Things to Consider
The 13,000 capacity is far beyond what most independent artists can fill. Booking requires Live Nation involvement, meaning artists need major label or large agency representation. The venue's corporate naming history (O2, then 3) may conflict with some artists' values. The Dublin Docklands location is developing but has limited dining options compared to central Dublin. The protected structure status of the original 1878 building limits modifications. Ireland's relatively small population (5.1 million) means the domestic market is limited, though Dublin draws from the entire island. The venue's busy schedule means booking requires advance planning of 12 to 18 months. The standing capacity configuration can lead to safety concerns for high-energy shows. There is no cloakroom, which is a known issue for attendees during colder months. The Luas Red Line tram service to The Point stop experienced disruptions in 2025 due to bridge reconstruction, so verify transit status before planning load-in logistics.
Related Resources
- Venues Directory
- How to Book Your First Tour: Step-by-Step Guide
- Touring Internationally: Independent Artist Guide
- Use our Tour Revenue Calculator to estimate earnings from Dublin stops
- Olympia Theatre Dublin - A historic mid-size Dublin venue, part of the city's venue hierarchy below 3Arena
- O2 Arena London - A comparable large-capacity indoor arena in London, formerly sharing the O2 branding
- Wembley Arena - Another major indoor concert arena, part of the UK and Ireland touring circuit
- Brixton Academy - A smaller London venue on the touring path that Dublin artists often play before reaching arena scale
- Visit 3Arena for event listings and venue information
