Dublin’s festivals are many and varied, spanning every season and a broad range of interests. Some of the biggest are ones you might guess; but there’s a whole host of more unusual – and no less enjoyable! – festivals on offer, just waiting to be joined.

Many have been effected by COVID-19 restrictions though, so please see updates below.

The Main Events Across The Year

January – New Year’s Festival Dublin

Okay so this one starts in December – but one night just isn’t enough time to wave goodbye to one year and welcome in another; that’s why, in Dublin, we take three days – and really do it properly!

February – Dublin International Film Festival

Since 2003, the DIFF has taken pride of place as Ireland’s main film festival, injecting the city with two weeks of thought-provoking, ground-breaking and often award-winning cinema.

March – St Patrick’s Festival (Cancelled for 2020)

Five days of festivities is no less than Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, deserves – so that’s what he gets in Dublin! Apart from the parade every March 17th is a wide array of musical, artistic and historical events, as well as the general spirit of celebration that takes over the city at this time each year.

April – One City, One Book (Public events cancelled for 2020)

One of the more unusual festivals, but one that’s growing in popularity, is One City, One Book. Its aim is to encourage everyone to read one book with a connection to Dublin, during the month of April. 2019’s choice is Edna O’Brien’s Country Girls trilogy; while past picks have included The Long Gaze Back, Strumpet City and Gulliver’s Travels.

May – International Literature Festival (Postponed to Autumn)

There’s a reason Ireland is known as the land of saints and scholars. We’re big readers here and the International Literature Festival is a great excuse for locals and visitors alike to delve into books of Irish and international acclaim. Events throughout the festival cover everything from spoken word to children’s literature, workshops and seminars.

June – Pride (Cancelled for 2020)

Dublin’s yearly LGBTQ+ festival takes place each June and is guaranteed to be full of energy, colour and people. A festival of togetherness, it shows Dublin in its best light – and the fact that it takes place in early summer helps!

July – Laya Healthcare City Spectacular

Featuring world-class street performers, food stalls and entertainment for all ages, this one all happens in Dublin’s magnificent Georgian Merrion Square. Taking place over five days, it’s big and entry is free.

August – The height of the GAA Championship

Ireland’s national sports – hurling and Gaelic football – reach fever-pitch in late August, when the finals of the All-Ireland Senior Championships of both are fast approaching. If you want to experience real Irish life, you can’t miss a hurling or Gaelic football match; but if you’re hoping to make a final, you’ll have to cross your fingers – the tickets are like gold dust!

September – Dublin Fringe Festival

Every September, Dublin Fringe explodes with two weeks of new performances, ideas and performing arts shows. If you’re attending, try to see at least one show event you know nothing about – you never know what you might discover.

October – Bram Stoker Festival

Creator of Dracula, the most famous vampire of all time, Bram Stoker was born in Dublin and is remembered here each year with a ghoulishly gothic range of events. Do you dare to book a ticket?

November – Dublin Book Festival

Now in its thirteenth year, the Dublin Book Festival is a celebration of all things literary: the perfect festival for a UNESCO City of Literature. Visit in November for the chance to attend the exhibitions, talks and tours.

December – Christmas markets

Dublin’s atmospheric Winter Lights spectacular makes sure the city enters whole-heartedly into the yuletide spirit. Adding to the winter-wonderland vibe are a fabulous array of must-visit Christmas markets; for a special Chrismas-by-the-sea shopping trip, don’t miss the Christmas Festival at Dun Laoghaire, a pretty coastal town south of the city.

Music

TradFest

Showcasing the cream of both Irish and international traditional and folk artists, blow the January blues away with Tradfest. Concerts, workshops and sessions will get you toe-tapping across a great five-day festival.

Forbidden Fruit (Cancelled for 2020)

The first big festival of the summer, this takes place every June Bank Holiday in the gorgeous grounds of Kilmainham’s magnificent 17th century Royal Hospital. Laurent Garnier and Elbow are recent headliners here.

Great Music in Irish Houses

Great classical musicians – and the occasional choir – sound even more fantastic in some amazing venues spread around the city and countryside: this always-atmospheric festival offers the classical fan all the musical and architectural nourishment she could wish for in the month of June. No need to wear wellington boots, either.

Longitude (Cancelled for 2020)

Dublin’s biggest music festival descends on leafy Marlay Park each July, welcoming international and Irish acts alongside thousands of fans. Past acts have included Kraftwerk, Foals, The Chemical Brothers, Hozier, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Solange.

Summer Series

A series of gigs hosted by Trinity College slap-bang in the city centre . Where else can stand in the warm summer rain on the cricket pitch of an Elizabethan college whilst singing along with…oh, Bryan Ferry or New Order – as the buses go by on the other side of the wall? Unmissable.

Ireland Music Week

Happening in October in venues across the city this festival is a great showcase-cum-launchpad for emerging talent – see them here first and years from now you’ll be able to say knowingly, ‘oh, I prefer their early stuff’.

Something a bit different

Taste of Dublin

Postponed until August this year, Taste of Dublin takes over the Iveagh Gardens on the city’s south side, filling it with food, flavour and fun.

Bloomsday

Any fan of one of Ireland’s greatest writers, James Joyce, will know that his seminal work, Ulysses, takes place on June 16th, 1904. Ever since, people have gathered each year on that day in Dublin to celebrate Leopold Bloom, the book’s main character; and Joyce himself.

The Jonathan Swift Festival

Each year, one of Ireland’s most celebrated authors is remembered with a November festival, where his works are reinvigorated and enjoyed afresh through a diverse programme of events.

Festival of Politics

If you’re a fan of current affairs and edu-tainment, this is the festival for you. Events take place in a variety of venues across the city, making it a great way to see places you may not otherwise take the time to visit.

Festival of Curiosity

Billed as Dublin’s International Festival of Science, Arts, Design & Technology, this truly is one of the most diversely entertaining festivals you’ll find anywhere in the city. Drop by in July to enjoy the exciting intersection of science and entertainment.

View our What’s On page for a full list of festivals in Dublin.