 It is one of a number of key post-World War II events established to foster tolerance and cultural understanding between nations.Over the past five decades, the festival has become a crucial part of Ireland's cultural landscape.It has played a dual role as a window to world theatre, having presented almost every great theatre artist of the late 20th century, and as a champion of Irish writing on the world stage

The Festival is unique in its ability to stage major international theatre of scale, and has hosted productions by the world's most highly regarded artists, while also premiering work by Ireland's leading playwrights.