Dublin Event Guide
Annual Events
These are all of the annual events that happen in Dublin city or on the outskirts. This can include County Dublin as well as parts of County Wicklow, like Bray and Greystones, which are easily accessible by public transport from Dublin. Events are listed by month and date, starting on January 1st and ending December 31st.
JANUARY
Trad Fest Music Festival
Featuring top Irish and international folk musicians, Tradfest is the perfect remedy for January gloom. Enjoy concerts, workshops, and lively sessions over the course of this exciting five-day festival. Be sure to keep an eye out for complimentary events as they tend to book up quickly.
The Next Big Thing Festival
The Next Big Thing Festival is a proudly DIY event, curated by musicians for musicians. With a mission to showcase the incredible talent of Ireland, it offers a platform for emerging artists across music and culture. A celebration of creativity, this festival highlights the best of the island's up-and-coming talent in a truly authentic, grassroots style.
FEBRUARY
Brigit's Day
Held annually on February 1st, Brigit’s Day marks the beginning of spring and is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The Brigit Festival features a range of events, including traditional music, poetry readings, workshops, and arts exhibitions, all honouring Brigit’s legacy and the spirit of renewal. It's a time to reflect on Ireland's rich history while embracing the creativity and community that the festival brings to Dublin each year.
Dublin International Film Festival
The Dublin International Film Festival is a premier cinematic event celebrating the art of film, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and film lovers from around the world. Held annually in Dublin, the festival showcases a diverse selection of international films, including cutting-edge features, thought-provoking documentaries, and short films. With its focus on innovation and storytelling, the festival offers screenings, Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and red-carpet events, providing an exciting platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.
MARCH
St. Patrick's Day Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin is one of the world’s most iconic celebrations, marking Ireland's patron saint with a vibrant, city-wide extravaganza. Held annually in March, the festival features a spectacular parade through Dublin’s streets, showcasing stunning floats, traditional Irish music, dance performances, and colourful costumes. Beyond the parade, the festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, street festivals, food markets, and family-friendly activities, all celebrating Irish culture, history, and heritage. Whether you're enjoying the lively atmosphere in Temple Bar or taking in the sights and sounds of the parade, the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin is a truly unforgettable experience that brings together locals and visitors alike in a joyous celebration.
APRIL
One Dublin, One Book Festival
MAY
Culture Date with Dublin 8
International Literature Festival
The International Literature Festival Dublin is a celebration of the written word, bringing together some of the world’s best authors, poets, and thinkers for an inspiring week of literary events. Held annually in Dublin, the festival features a diverse program of book launches, readings, panel discussions, and workshops, offering a platform for both emerging voices and established literary giants. Whether you're a passionate reader or an aspiring writer, the International Literature Festival is a must-attend event that immerses you in the power of storytelling and the global literary community.
JUNE
Pride Month
Dublin Pride takes place every year in June, with a parade that winds through the streets of Dublin city. Unfortunately, like in many other places, the parade has been co-opted by corporations and politicians. There is often a counter-protest that happens alongside the parade pointing out the hypocrisy of the state of Pride today. Throughout the month you'll also find other events happening like film screenings and educational events aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Bloomsday
Fans of James Joyce will know that his seminal work, Ulysses, takes place on June 16th, 1904. Ever since, people have gathered in Dublin on this day to celebrate Joyce and his book’s main character Leopold Bloom.
Forbidden Fruit Music Festival
This summer festival occurs annually during the June Bank Holiday weekend in the beautiful surroundings of the 17th century Royal Hospital in Kilmainham.
Dublin International Chamber Music Festival
This festival showcases performances by talented classical musicians and occasional choirs. The stages are located in unique and stunning venues throughout the city and countryside, creating a memorable atmosphere. It is a perfect event for classical music enthusiasts and lovers of architecture.
Stoneybatter Festival
The Stoneybatter Festival in Dublin is a lively celebration of community, culture, and creativity in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Held annually, this festival brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of live music, food stalls, street performances, arts exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. With its rich history and close-knit community spirit, the Stoneybatter Festival showcases the best of local talent and offers a fantastic way to experience the heart and soul of this unique Dublin district.
Dublin’s Festival of Curiosity
Dublin’s Festival of Curiosity encourages people of all ages to engage with science, art, design, and technology through creative and playful experiences.
JULY
Liberties Festival
The Liberties Festival is one of Ireland’s oldest festivals. From modest beginnings in 1970 it has grown to become a highlight of the summer in Dublin with a series of family-friendly, sporting and community events, and an exciting multi-cultural and arts programme.
Longitude Festival
Each July, the largest music festival in Dublin takes place at Marlay Park, drawing in international and local musicians, as well as a crowd of thousands, for a weekend of entertainment.
AUGUST
Taste of Dublin
In early September, the Taste of Dublin festival transforms the picturesque Iveagh Gardens in Dublin into a vibrant celebration of food, flavor, and entertainment.
Dalkey Lobster Festival
The Dalkey Lobster Festival, held annually in the picturesque village of Dalkey, Ireland, celebrates the region's rich coastal heritage with a delicious focus on fresh seafood. This lively event brings together locals and visitors to enjoy mouth-watering lobster dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Set against the stunning backdrop of Dublin Bay, it’s a must-visit for food lovers and anyone seeking to experience the charm of this coastal gem.
SEPTEMBER
Culture Night
Culture Night in Dublin is an annual celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage, offering free access to a wide array of museums, galleries, theatres, and performance spaces. Held each September, the event invites locals and visitors to explore Dublin’s vibrant arts scene, with special events, live music, dance performances, and interactive experiences taking place across the city. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the creative spirit of Dublin and engage with the city's diverse cultural offerings in a fun, accessible way.
Dublin Fringe Festival
The Dublin Fringe Festival livens up the city centre every September with a dynamic two-week showcase of fresh performances, innovative concepts, and captivating arts displays.
OCTOBER
Bram Stoker Festival
Bram Stoker, the iconic creator of the immortal vampire Count Dracula, was born in the bustling city of Dublin in the year 1847. As one of Ireland's most celebrated literary figures, Stoker left a lasting legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Each year, Dublin pays homage to its famous son with a series of ghoulishly gothic events that celebrate the macabre world of Dracula and the eerie atmosphere that Stoker masterfully crafted in his novels.
NOVEMBER
Science Week
Science Week in Ireland is an annual celebration of science, innovation, and discovery, inspiring curiosity and learning across the country. Held in November, the week features a wide range of events, including workshops, talks, exhibitions, and interactive demonstrations aimed at making science accessible and exciting for all ages.
Dublin Book Festival
The Dublin Book Festival has become a staple event in the city's cultural calendar, attracting book lovers, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the world. The Dublin Book Festival is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the literary world. Whether you're a dedicated bookworm or simply curious about the power of words, this festival is a must-visit for anyone with a love for literature and lore.
DECEMBER
Winter Lights and Christmas Market
The Winter Lights spectacle in Dublin is a display that draws locals and tourists alike to the city center, where streets are adorned with twinkling, colorful lights that create a magical, inviting atmosphere and get you in the holiday spirit! There is also an annual Christmas Market at Dublin Castle which has food stalls, crafts, gifts and activities for kids.
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