The 2026 Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national celebration of creativity in older age (run by Age & Opportunity), takes place throughout May with events nationwide. It features a diverse mix of arts, film, performance, and community engagement, promoting the artistic contributions of older people. Proudly funded by the Arts Council and the HSE, with the support of communities nationwide and a vast network of accomplished local and national bodies.

On an island of storytellers and in a city where books are treasured, International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) is Ireland’s leading literary event. Since 1998, we have brought the world’s finest writers together to enthral, engage and excite audiences. In readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, events, podcasts and broadcasts, we’re proud to celebrate the very best Irish and international fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters. Irish language writing and emerging talent are always supported, and new voices championed

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 an