Dublin City Council We Love July Series

Four Saturdays. Four Events. In the Heart of Dublin City. Dublin City Council is inviting people of all ages to experience Dublin City Council We Love July, a programme of four free events celebrating Dublin's culture, imagination, heritage and community spirit.

Taking place across four Saturdays in July from 12 noon to 6pm, Dublin City Council We Love July will transform four of the city's most iconic public spaces into vibrant hubs of music, performance, storytelling, art, play and discovery, creating unforgettable days out for families, friends and communities across Dublin City.

Each event reflects a different aspect of life in Dublin, from play and participation to creativity, culture and the stories and voices that connect our communities.

The series opened on Saturday 4 July in Smithfield with Heart of Play, a joyful day of exploration, connection and shared experiences. Audiences enjoyed live music, circus, aerial performances, dance, street theatre, workshops, interactive play spaces, walkabout acts and immersive virtual reality experiences. Heart of Play reflected Dublin as a diverse, welcoming and multicultural city where people of all ages can come together to create, explore and connect.

On Saturday 11 July, the programme moves to St. Patrick's Park for Heart of Our Story, inspired by Dublin's rich literary heritage and the 300th anniversary of Gulliver's Travels. Storytellers, musicians, puppeteers and circus performers will bring the park to life through performances, workshops and imaginative experiences designed to spark curiosity and celebrate the stories that shape the city.

The journey continues on Saturday 18 July in Merrion Square Park with Heart of Creativity, showcasing imagination, artistic expression and the creative talent that has long defined Dublin. Full programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The series concludes on Saturday 25 July in Fairview Park with Heart of Movement, highlighting the energy, activity and sporting spirit that runs through Dublin's communities. Showcasing the many ways people connect through sport, recreation and movement, the event will promote wellbeing, active lifestyles and opportunities for people of all ages to get involved. Further details will be announced soon.

From toddlers discovering their first puppet show, to teenagers trying virtual reality, to friends enjoying live performances together, and older generations sharing memories and experiences, Dublin City Council We Love July has been designed to ensure there is truly something for everyone.

HEART OF OUR STORY

St Patrick's Park, Saturday 11 July, 12pm – 6pm

MUSIC STAGE

• 12.00 – Regional Massapê – Música Brasileira
• 12.40 – Ballad Storytelling with Sean Fitzgerald
• 13.30 – Candlelit Tales
• 14.55 – New Brass Kings
• 15.45 – Ballad Storytelling with Sean Fitzgerald
• 16.50 – Regional Massapê – Música Brasileira
• 17.20 – Joe the Magician

STORYTELLING TENT

• 12.00 – Ta Tum Tum – If Gulliver Was Travelling to Brazil, What Would He Find?
• 12.45 – Little Gem Puppets presents Maggie!
• 13.25 – Department of Cryptozoology
• 14.10 – Storytelling with Aideen McBride
• 14.55 – Little Gem Puppets presents Maggie!
• 15.40 – Ta Tum Tum – If Gulliver Was Travelling to Brazil, What Would He Find?
• 16.25 – Storytelling with Aideen McBride
• 17.10 – Department of Cryptozoology

MOVEMENT & PARTICIPATION

• 12:00 – Drumology
• 12:40 – Jitterbug Jackson
• 13:20 – Gomba
• 14:00 – Jitterbug Jackson
• 14:40 – Joe The Magician
• 15:20 – Drumology
• 16:00 – Gomba
• 16:40 – Jitterbug Jackson
• 17:20 – Drumology

DUBLIN CITY LIBRARIES

• DCC Libraries Presents “The Reading Nook” at St. Patrick's Park:
  Drop into The Reading Nook at any time during the day to browse and borrow from our pop-up library, featuring a magical and mythical storybook collection, discover the services offered by DCC Libraries, and sign up for your FREE DCC Libraries membership.
  Visit www.dublincitylibraries.ie to explore thousands of books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, online resources, events, and free library services.
  Open throughout the day from 12:00pm-6:00pm
• Sensory Storytimes:
  These welcoming multi-sensory storytelling sessions are tailored for neurodivergent children and individuals in a calm, inclusive, and supportive environment. Please note: Places are limited to 10 participants per session and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Email [email protected] for more information.
  Sensory Storytimes will take place in The Reading Nook at: 1:10pm–1:40pm, 3:00pm–3:30pm, 5:10pm–5:40pm

CREATIVE CORNER

• 12pm – 14.15pm – Giant Collaborative Map Installation with Jane Groves: Inspired by Gulliver's Travels, children are invited to help create a giant imaginative map of lands, seas and adventures.
• 15.15pm – 18.00pm – The Creative Creatures of Hy-Brazil with Heather Grey: Create fantastical creatures inspired by the legendary island of Hy-Brasil using recycled materials and lots of imagination.

FESTIVAL WALKABOUTS – ALL DAY

• Clancy Brothers
• The Giant Heart
• Amazing Flea In A Suitcase
• Keyboard Cormac
• The Bubble Guys

MOMENTS OF WONDER – POP UP PERFORMANCES

• 12.15 – Curious State present: Scissors & Comb A choreography of chaos!
• 15.15 – Tumble Circus
• 16.00 – Curious State present: Scissors & Comb A choreography of chaos!
• 17.15 – Tumble Circus

Further programme announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Programme subject to change. All events are free.