The Abbey is committed to presenting the works of these and later dramatists and has the special function of presenting the works of new Irish dramatists where these are judged to meet the levels of its standards and tradition. The Gate Theatre is mainly concerned with the production of international classics and for famous comedies by Irish Writers such as Goldsmith, Sheridan, Shaw and Wilde . The Project Arts Centre presents drama, poetry readings and recitals at lunchtime and in the evenings, and because of the innovative nature of its productions is very popular with the youth. Bands, clubs and cinema that give the theatre a party atmosphere when the evening performance is finished. In Cork the Opera House provides a frequent change of programme during the summer.
Irish plays are most usual though there are occasional musical comedy, ballet or opera productions.
Galway has the Druid Theatre and Punchbag Companies , which have both lunchtime and evening entertainment and also Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe which offers evenings of Irish traditional music, song and dance in a theatrical setting. Cultur, Galway's Folk Theatre , has performances of traditional music, dance, song and drama during the tourist season. In Sligo, the Hawkswell Theatre produces a continual programme of drama and concerts throughout the year. It represents a triumphal blending of top operatic talent with local resources and commitment. The Siamsa Tire in Tralee is a folk theatre entertainment based on the music, folklore and dance of an age when Irish was the spoken language.