Every September, Dublin Fringe brings a burst of energy to the city centre with two weeks of new performances, cutting-edge ideas and dramatic arts shows. Over the five days, the public can engage in activities for all ages, from TikTok workshops, tours of the Docklands and Dublin Port, and a short film exhibition exploring life in the Docklands through the pandemic. As each successive Lord Mayor casts a spear of their own, the tradition reinforces the idea that the city and the Port are at once constantly evolving and inextricably tied to a rich heritage to which all members of Dublin’s diverse community can lay claim.
- The Casting marks the launch of the 36th South Docks Festival, which runs this week for a full five days for the first time since 2019.
- If you’re new to Irish sport, check out our introduction to Gaelic games.
- KILLARNEY’S town-wide Christmas festival continues throughout December, with events still running during the school break.
The festival provides a great conversation starter for book lovers throughout the county and has been growing in popularity year after year. During the month of April, it aims to encourage everyone in the city to read one book that has a connection to Dublin. Every March 17th, a sea of green spectators watch as the colourful parade marches through the streets of Dublin. Plenty of famous faces are on-hand to host events and run Q&As too. Since 2003, the DIFF has taken pride of place as Ireland’s main film festival.
June – Dublin International Chamber Music Festival
Events throughout the festival cover everything from spoken word performances to readings of children’s literature. One of the more unusual events on this list is the One Dublin, One Book festival. A wide array of musical, artistic and historical events take place throughout the week too.
- If you want an authentic taste of the originality, creativity and variety the city has to offer, you have to make a trip to your local Dublin market.
- Events throughout the festival cover everything from spoken word performances to readings of children’s literature.
- Every summer, Trinity College hosts a series of gigs slap-bang in the middle of the city centre.
- His legacy is remembered here every year with a series of ghoulishly gothic events.
- As it’s indoors, it’s the perfect option to avoid cold or rainy days this winter.
February – Dublin International Film Festival
Located in Dublin 8, the zoo is easily accessible by public transport and offers multiple evening time slots to suit younger children. The illuminated trail spans themed zones, giant lantern sculptures and immersive light installations, offering families a full evening out with the kids. All are suitable for kids, most cost under €15 and several are completely free to visit. Dublin’s rich history and culture means you’ll never run out of interesting places to visit.
Interactive exhibits, replica weapons and living-history displays make it a hands-on experience for younger visitors. The museum runs from December 19 until January 5, closing only for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Entry is free, and visitors can browse stalls, food vendors and the big wheel without any obligation to spend. A family of four costs just €5 to enter while a single person ticket is €2. What’s more, the Santo Panto for kids runs daily and costs just €5 per person. IN Dublin 7, TwinkleTown brings one of the city’s largest festive setups to Smithfield Square, operating from late November right through to January 4.
Off-peak dates after Christmas offer the best value and allow families to enjoy the trail at quieter times. From light trails to indoor funfairs and New Year celebrations, there’s a tonne of family-friendly events running right through the Christmas break. This makes the city an ideal location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. So for the latest news on upcoming events and festivals in Dublin, check out our What’s On page. Happening in October, this Dublin festival provides a launchpad for emerging musical talent.
The 9 best family days out for FREE or under €15 over school Christmas holidays from €5 funfair to New Year festivities
One particular aspect of this heritage, the ‘Casting of the Spear’, today saw Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste imbued with the title of Honorary Admiral of Dublin Port. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste has performed the ‘Casting of the Spear’ into Dublin Bay, upholding a 535-year tradition. 98FM will also be broadcasting live on Saturday May 21st. There is an exciting line up of land and sea activities for all the family – get involved! To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Tickets start at €52 for a family of four, making it less than €15 per person.
Meet a Dubliner – Ailbhe Keane, Izzy Wheels
Street performances, music and installations appear across the city, allowing families to enjoy the atmosphere without emptying their wallets. Special post-Christmas family sessions run from December 27 to 30, adding extra value for those visiting between the holidays. EYRE Square’s famous Christmas Market runs until December 31, giving families a chance to soak up the festive atmosphere right through the holidays. The festival runs for three days, offering plenty of chances to join in during the post-Christmas lull. FROM December 30 until January 1, Dublin city centre hosts a major New Year celebration featuring free and low-cost family events.
Water Safety Takes Centre Stage at Dublin Port for Irish Port Safety Week 2025
The biggest music festival in Dublin descends on leafy Marlay Park each July. This always-atmospheric festival is ideal for fans of classical music, as well as architecture buffs. Concerts, workshops and sessions will get you toe-tapping across a great five-day festival. Many of the places featured in the book are still to be found in the city today. As part of the tradition, some retrace Bloom’s journey throughout the city. And the fact that it takes place in early summer usually means the sun is shining.
Street performances, parades and themed entertainment take place across the town, most of which can be enjoyed for free. KILLARNEY’S town-wide Christmas festival continues throughout December, with events still running during the school break. And its central location makes it ideal for combining with a day out in Galway city. Located in Ballsbridge, it operates late into the evening, giving families some flexibility during the busy holiday period. Entry costs just a few euro, with families free to choose how finexo many ride tokens to buy, helping to keep the day affordable. The market is open seven days a week, with long evening hours and direct access to the Luas Red Line.
One of the big benefits of living in Dublin is that you’ll never struggle to find exciting cultural and social activities to enjoy. They set up stage at some of the most amazing and unusual venues across the city and countryside. Nelly Furtado and Four Tet were recent headliners at the festival. Watch out for free events on the calendar, because they sell out fast. The warm glowing lights ensure that the city gets into the yuletide spirit. His legacy is remembered here every year with a series of ghoulishly gothic events.
The Third Level – From Munich to Dublin
Others simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.The beautiful Dublin coast and mountains provide a break from urban life. Many locals enjoy surfing, sailing, sea swimming, climbing and biking. If you want an authentic taste of the originality, creativity and variety the city has to offer, you have to make a trip to your local Dublin market. Every weekend, a diverse calendar of events offers something to suit every taste.
If you’re new to Irish sport, check out our introduction to Gaelic games. The Taste of Dublin festival takes over Dublin’s scenic Merrion Square in mid-June. Ever since, people have gathered in Dublin on this day to celebrate Joyce and his book’s main character Leopold Bloom. We’re big readers and the International Literature Festival is a great excuse for locals and visitors alike to delve into books of Irish and international acclaim.
June – Taste of Dublin
Families can walk through the open-air market zone, food stalls and illuminated displays completely free, creating an easy day out in the city centre. If you’re planning affordable days out during the school holidays, we’ve rounded up nine of the best free and low-cost events happening across the country. From farmers markets to street food stalls, there’s always some exciting events taking place throughout the city. Every summer, Trinity College hosts a series of gigs slap-bang in the middle of the city centre.
Never miss the most important news, events and initiatives happening within the Grand Canal Dock area. The event runs until January 4, making it one of the final holiday activities available before school resumes. THE popular light trail at Malahide Castle operates until December 27, covering the first full week of the school holidays. As it’s indoors, it’s the perfect option to avoid cold or rainy days this winter.
For more information visit Our mission at Dublin Port over the coming years is to strengthen ties between the Port and the city, by allowing the public access through a range of pedestrian pathways, cycle routes and arts spaces. The South Docks Festival aims to highlight this shared heritage, with the theme of this year’s festival being ‘Friendship and Inclusion’. The tradition dates back to 1488, when then Lord Mayor of Dublin Thomas Mayler braced the elements to mark the boundaries of Dublin to the East by vaulting a spear into the sea.
