Dublin City Council, in partnership with The Temple Bar Company, is delighted to bring you ‘Summer in West Essex Street’ – a vibrant addition to the Summer in Dublin calendar, bringing colour, culture, and community spirit to the heart of Temple Bar.

Running over two weekends at the end of the summer – Saturday, August 30th and Saturday, September 6th – West Essex Street will be transformed into a lively, fun and atmosphere-filled street party with live performances, music, open-air art and dance classes, and free family-friendly activities.

Opened in 1674, Essex Street is among Dublin’s oldest streets, located just steps from the city’s oldest street, Fishamble Street. West Essex Street, once known as Smock Alley, now houses the iconic Smock Alley Theatre, the Gaiety School of Acting, and a vibrant mix of independent local businesses showcasing the best of new Irish design, crafts, and arts in the historic Old City.

West Essex Street is a winding, traffic-free street, perfect for whiling away time with a coffee or a glass of wine in an open air setting or browsing the mix of design and craft shops dotted along the street. We’ll be filling the street with music, dance, art and theatre! Right around the corner from the newly pedestrianised Parliament Street, this part of Dublin celebrates the transformation of our streets into more walkable, engaging, community-orientated city spaces.

Highlights Include:

• Free Open Air Painting Class with Artist Jenny Cleary – Participants will experiment with colour and learn essential canvas techniques, guided step-by-step by Jenny. This open-air class is all about fun, learning, and self-expression – no prior experience needed. You'll leave with a finished piece to take home.
• Open Air Dance Class with Central American dance teacher Stephanie. Learn the basics of Salsa, Bachata and have fun in an informal atmosphere with likeminded people. There will also be a shorter child friendly dance available.
• The Gaiety School of Acting will host an outdoor performance of young actors and offer a free workshop for children.

Come explore West Essex Street this summer – where history meets creativity in the heart of Dublin.

Date: Saturday 30th August & Saturday 6th September