Africa Day is the annual day that commemorates the foundation of the African Union and celebrates the people and culture of African countries.

In Ireland, the day is celebrated with events taking place in towns and cities around the country alongside the flagship Dublin event which takes place on Sunday 17 May, 2026 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Organised in partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dublin City Council, 15,000 people attended the event in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham last year where they were entertained by over 40 musical acts, dancers and cultural groups representing countries across Africa.

Across Ireland, all 31 Local Authorities hosted cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events last year. These included contemporary African-Irish culture events, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in every county across Ireland.

A month of celebrations
A nationwide programme of events will be organised and run by local authorities for Africa Day 2026.