The Samuel Beckett Theatre, named after one of the most innovative playwrights of the 20th century, was opened in 1992 to celebrate the quatercentenary of Trinity College Dublin. It is the campus theatre of the University's Department of Drama.

During University term time it showcases the work of the Department and its courses, while outside term time it hosts visits from some of the most prestigious dance and theatre companies from Ireland, Europe, Japan and the United States. Regular events at the Samuel Beckett Theatre include the Dublin Fringe Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival, and an on-going series of lectures by practitioners and scholars called Contemporary Theatre in Context.The Samuel Beckett Centre, the building in which the Theatre is situated, also houses the Department of Drama offices, seminar room and rehearsal studio, along with Players Theatre, the studio theatre of Dublin University Players, Trinity's student drama society.