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If you’re new to Irish sport, check out our introduction to Gaelic games. The Taste of Dublin festival takes over Dublin’s scenic Merrion Square in mid-June. Ever since, people have gathered in Dublin on this day to celebrate Joyce and his book’s main character Leopold Bloom. We’re big readers and the International Literature Festival is a great excuse for locals and visitors alike to delve into books of Irish and international acclaim.

One of the big benefits of living in Dublin is that you’ll never struggle to find exciting cultural and social activities to enjoy. They set up stage at some of the most amazing and unusual venues across the city and countryside. Nelly Furtado and Four Tet were recent headliners at the festival. Watch out for free events on the calendar, because they sell out fast. The warm glowing lights ensure that the city gets into the yuletide spirit. His legacy is remembered here every year with a series of ghoulishly gothic events.

About the Port

• Ever since, people have gathered in Dublin on this day to celebrate Joyce and his book’s main character Leopold Bloom.
• Dublin’s festivals are many and varied, spanning every season and a broad range of interests.
• The market is open seven days a week, with long evening hours and direct access to the Luas Red Line.
• Every September, Dublin Fringe brings a burst of energy to the city centre with two weeks of new performances, cutting-edge ideas and dramatic arts shows.
• Dublin’s rich history and culture means you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit.
• The Taste of Dublin festival takes over Dublin’s scenic Merrion Square in mid-June.

Others simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.The beautiful Dublin coast and mountains provide a break from urban life. Many locals enjoy surfing, sailing, sea swimming, climbing and biking. If you want an authentic taste of the originality, creativity and variety the city has to offer, you have to make a trip to your local Dublin market. Every weekend, a diverse calendar of events offers something to suit every taste.

Off-peak dates after Christmas offer the best value and allow families to enjoy the trail at quieter times. From light trails to indoor funfairs and New Year celebrations, there’s a tonne of family-friendly events running right through the Christmas break. This makes the city an ideal location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. So for the latest news on upcoming events and festivals in Dublin, check out our What’s On page. Happening in October, this Dublin festival provides a launchpad for emerging musical talent.

December – Winter Lights & Christmas markets

This festival features performances from great classical musicians and the occasional choir. This first big festival of the summer takes place every June Bank Holiday weekend in the gorgeous grounds of Kilmainham’s 17th century Royal Hospital. Each November, locals and visitors to the city can attend exhibitions, events, talks, tours and readings – many of which are free of charge.

Zendesk in Dublin

Smithfield Fleadh (pronounced ‘flah’) is an exciting, free, two-day outdoor summer event in Dublin City that celebrates Irish traditional music. The Casting marks the launch of the 36th South Docks Festival, which runs this week for a full five days for the first time since 2019. As it’s fully indoors, this fantastic spot is the perfect choice to visit during the colder stretch of the holidays. The museum’s central location in Dublin city makes it a popular option for a full family day out. The festival’s events calendar varies by day, making it easy to slot into holiday plans.

Dublin’s festivals are many and varied, spanning every season and a broad range of interests.

Dublin Safeport

Every September, Dublin Fringe brings a burst of energy to the city centre with two weeks of new performances, cutting-edge ideas and dramatic arts shows. Over the five days, the public can engage in activities for all ages, from TikTok workshops, tours of the Docklands and Dublin Port, and a short film exhibition exploring life in the Docklands through the pandemic. As each successive Lord Mayor casts a spear of their own, the tradition reinforces the idea that the city and the Port are at once constantly evolving and inextricably tied to a rich heritage to which all members of Dublin’s diverse community can lay claim.

• All are suitable for kids, most cost under €15 and several are completely free to visit.
• Every March 17th, a sea of green spectators watch as the colourful parade marches through the streets of Dublin.
• And the fact that it takes place in early summer usually means the sun is shining.
• The event runs until January 4, making it one of the final holiday activities available before school resumes.
• From farmers markets to street food stalls, there’s always some exciting events taking place throughout the city.

Iconic Peruvian Training Ship Coming to Dublin Port

The festival provides a great conversation starter for book lovers throughout the county and has been growing in popularity year after year. During the month of April, it aims to encourage everyone in the city to read one book that has a connection to Dublin. Every March 17th, finexo a sea of green spectators watch as the colourful parade marches through the streets of Dublin. Plenty of famous faces are on-hand to host events and run Q&As too. Since 2003, the DIFF has taken pride of place as Ireland’s main film festival.

May – International Literature Festival

Street performances, music and installations appear across the city, allowing families to enjoy the atmosphere without emptying their wallets. Special post-Christmas family sessions run from December 27 to 30, adding extra value for those visiting between the holidays. EYRE Square’s famous Christmas Market runs until December 31, giving families a chance to soak up the festive atmosphere right through the holidays. The festival runs for three days, offering plenty of chances to join in during the post-Christmas lull. FROM December 30 until January 1, Dublin city centre hosts a major New Year celebration featuring free and low-cost family events.

Interactive exhibits, replica weapons and living-history displays make it a hands-on experience for younger visitors. The museum runs from December 19 until January 5, closing only for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Entry is free, and visitors can browse stalls, food vendors and the big wheel without any obligation to spend. A family of four costs just €5 to enter while a single person ticket is €2. What’s more, the Santo Panto for kids runs daily and costs just €5 per person. IN Dublin 7, TwinkleTown brings one of the city’s largest festive setups to Smithfield Square, operating from late November right through to January 4.

Street performances, parades and themed entertainment take place across the town, most of which can be enjoyed for free. KILLARNEY’S town-wide Christmas festival continues throughout December, with events still running during the school break. And its central location makes it ideal for combining with a day out in Galway city. Located in Ballsbridge, it operates late into the evening, giving families some flexibility during the busy holiday period. Entry costs just a few euro, with families free to choose how many ride tokens to buy, helping to keep the day affordable. The market is open seven days a week, with long evening hours and direct access to the Luas Red Line.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

It takes five days of festivities to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. Over two weeks, locals have the opportunity to enjoy thought-provoking, ground-breaking and often award-winning cinema. But there’s a whole host of smaller, niche festivals to enjoy too. The DART runs quite frequently, approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours. The Luas runs every minutes during peak times.

The biggest music festival in Dublin descends on leafy Marlay Park each July. This always-atmospheric festival is ideal for fans of classical music, as well as architecture buffs. Concerts, workshops and sessions will get you toe-tapping across a great five-day festival. Many of the places featured in the book are still to be found in the city today. As part of the tradition, some retrace Bloom’s journey throughout the city. And the fact that it takes place in early summer usually means the sun is shining.

Located in Dublin 8, the zoo is easily accessible by public transport and offers multiple evening time slots to suit younger children. The illuminated trail spans themed zones, giant lantern sculptures and immersive light installations, offering families a full evening out with the kids. All are suitable for kids, most cost under €15 and several are completely free to visit. Dublin’s rich history and culture means you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit.