Friends Events

We offer our NCH Friends an exclusive programme of social, music and cultural events throughout the year. Bookings can be made through our dedicated Friends office. Please contact the Friends office on 01 408 6777 or email friends@nch.ie

Monthly Coffee Mornings

On the first Wednesday of each month, Friends are invited to the Iveagh Room of the Terrace Café to meet with fellow Friends. This is an opportunity to chat, find out about upcoming Friends and NCH activities. Coming up:

Wednesday 7 August, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 4 September, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 2 October 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 6 November, 11am - 12pm
Wednesday 4 December, 11am - 12pm

*No booking required. Purchase the beverage of your choice.

Music Club

Six Tuesdays, beginning 17 September, 11am -12.30pm, Iveagh Room, Terrace Café.

Music Club led by Professor Gerard Gillen, discusses repertoire featured in upcoming NCH concerts. Different pieces are explored every week, and each session takes place in the Iveagh Room of the Terrace Café. Complimentary beverage included.

Friends €120 for six sessions.

Trip to Kilkenny

Thursday 15 August, 10am (Meet in NCH Foyer, returning approximately 6.30pm)

Join us for our annual Friends visit to the Kilkenny Arts Festival for a great day out. On arrival at Kilkenny there will be some free time to explore or relax before attending celebrated pianist Maire Carroll as she performs a selection of Philip Glass’ Etudes at St. John’s Priory. After the concert enjoy a four-course meal with a glass of wine or soft drink at Langtons’ restaurant.

Friends €110 euro, non-Friends €130

Pre-season lunch at Hugo’s restaurant

Thursday 22 August, 1pm

We kick off the new music season with our annual pre-season lunch where you can enjoy a four course meal with wine or a soft drink with fellow Friends. Join us for a leisurely afternoon with good food and company. Meet in Hugo’s restaurant, 6 Merrion Row at 1pm

Friends €65, non-members €85

Friends visit to Patthana Gardens with two course lunch,

Thursday 5 September, 10.30am

Join us for a visit to the celebrated Patthana Garden in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow where gardening author TJ Maher will give a fascinating talk on the flora and fauna of the Garden while giving the full tour of the gardens. Lunch with dessert and tea and coffee will be served and full transport is provided. Meet in NCH car park at 10.30am

Friends €70, Non-members €90

Pre-Bratislava tour lunch and briefing

Wednesday 11 September, 12.30pm on the Iveagh Room

Friends travelling to Bratislava in October are invited for a briefing on the trip followed by a light lunch. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the tour and meet fellow Friends who are travelling. Meet in Iveagh Room at 12.30pm.

Complimentary to Friends travelling to Bratislava.

Friends interested in traveling to Bratislava on 2-7 October can contact international Cultural Travel on 01 8887840

Pre-Concert Patrons and Season Friends food and wine Reception

Friday 27 September, 6.30pm in the Carolan room

Patrons and Season Friends are invited to a pre-concert wine and canape reception ahead of the National Symphony Orchestra concert in the Carolan room of the National Concert Hall. Meet in Carolan room of NCH at 6.30pm.

Complimentary to Patrons and Season Friends

Friends International trip to Bratislava, 2 – 7 October 

Discover the wonders and musical delights of Bratislava as we attend the Bratislava Music Festival. Enjoy two orchestral concerts and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly as well as experiencing the delights of the city ,including the Slovak National Theatre, St. Martin’s Gate and Primate’s Palace. There are plenty of excursions also as we take a trip to Devin Castle and sail to Vienna for a day visit.

€2249 per person sharing, €435 single supplement.

Booking is available, please contact International Cultural Travel on 01888 78 40 to book your place.

Friends NSO Open Rehearsal

Thursday 24 October, 10.45am, NCH

Witness the National Symphony Orchestra prepare for their Friday performance at this private Friends open rehearsal. This is a great opportunity to see the musicians at work behind the scenes. Meet in NCH Foyer at 10.45am.

Complimentary to Patrons and Season Friends booking essential.

Friends Day Trip to the Wexford Opera Festival

Sunday 27 October, 11.30am

Join us for a performance of Charles Stanford’s The Critic, a comic opera within an opera which takes place on a stage where a new opera, The Spanish Armada is in rehearsal, the eponymous critic Mr. Sneer is invited to attend with intricate and comic consequences. Prior to the performance, a four course lunch will be served with a glass of wine in the Clayton White hotel followed by supper after the opera. Meet in NCH car park at 11.30am (returning at 11.15pm approx.)

Friends €240, non-members €270

Friends Gala Concert and Reception

Friday 1st November, 7.30pm (reception 6.30)

Our annual Friends gala evening is a very special one this year as Internationally renowned Irish soprano Tara Erraught will be giving a concert as part of her artists residency with the Hall. Friends receive a substantial discount for concert tickets to this event of 25% and the concert is preceded by a wine and canape reception where you can join fellow Friends for an enjoyable evening of music and good company.

Friends 25% discount on concert tickets with complimentary reception (Please identify yourself as a Friend when booking tickets)