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Festivals & Seasonal Events in Dublin, Ireland

15 recurring festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events for families.

Dublin Book Festival

Returns NovFestival

Annual, typically November

Dublin Book Festival transforms Ireland's literary capital into a wonderland for young readers each November, featuring beloved children's authors, interactive storytelling sessions, and hands-on creative workshops. This annual celebration brings books to life through performances, illustration demonstrations, and meet-and-greets with favorite writers that inspire a genuine love of reading. It's an unmissable opportunity for families to spark their children's imagination while experiencing Dublin's warm, welcoming literary culture.

Dublin Christmas Market

Returns NovHoliday Event

Late November through December

Dublin's enchanting Christmas markets transform the city centre into a magical winter wonderland that captivates children and adults alike. With twinkling lights, festive music, traditional crafts, and the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air, these seasonal markets offer an authentic European Christmas experience. Kids will love meeting Santa, riding vintage carousels, and sampling hot chocolate while parents browse unique handcrafted gifts and Irish artisan goods.

Dublin Food Festival

Returns OctFestival

Annual, typically October

Dublin Food Festival transforms Ireland's capital into a culinary playground each October, offering families a delicious opportunity to explore global flavors and Irish food traditions together. Kids can participate in hands-on cooking demonstrations, meet local producers, and sample everything from artisan chocolates to fresh-baked treats across multiple city center venues. It's an educational and tasty adventure that turns eating into an exciting cultural experience for curious young food lovers.

Dublin Fringe Festival

Returns SepFestival

Annual, typically September-October

The Dublin Fringe Festival is Ireland's premier arts celebration, featuring hundreds of innovative theatre, dance, music, and performance art shows across the city each September. While traditionally geared toward adventurous adult audiences, the festival includes a carefully curated selection of family-friendly and children's performances that introduce young audiences to creative storytelling and interactive experiences. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to explore Dublin's vibrant cultural scene and inspire kids' imaginations through unique, high-quality performances you won't find elsewhere.

Dublin Horse Show

Returns AugFair

Annual, typically mid-August

The Dublin Horse Show is one of Ireland's premier equestrian events, combining world-class showjumping with a vibrant festival atmosphere that captivates children and adults alike. Held annually at the RDS in Ballsbridge each August, this five-day spectacle offers families the chance to get up close with magnificent horses, watch thrilling competitions, and explore countless shopping and food stalls. It's a uniquely Irish experience that blends sporting excellence with family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Dublin.

Dublin St. Patrick's Festival

Returns MarFestival

Annual, typically 4-5 days around March 17th

Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival is Ireland's largest celebration, transforming the entire city into a vibrant, multi-day party filled with parades, street performances, treasure hunts, and family-friendly activities. Kids will be mesmerized by the spectacular parade featuring giant floats, marching bands from around the world, and colorful street theater that brings Irish folklore to life. This is an unforgettable opportunity for families to experience authentic Irish culture and celebrate alongside locals in the heart of Dublin.

Dublin Summer City Festival

Returns JulFestival

Throughout July and August

The Dublin Summer City Festival transforms Ireland's capital into a vibrant playground for families throughout July and August, with free outdoor performances, cultural activities, and entertainment spread across the city's most beautiful parks and public spaces. Children can experience everything from street theater and live music to interactive workshops and family-friendly cinema screenings, all celebrating Irish culture and international arts. It's the perfect way for visiting families to explore Dublin's neighborhoods while enjoying world-class entertainment without the hefty price tag.

Dublin Theatre Festival

Returns SepFestival

Annual, typically September-October

The Dublin Theatre Festival brings world-class performances to stages across Ireland's capital each autumn, with a carefully curated selection of family-friendly shows that introduce children to the magic of live theatre. This prestigious festival features everything from imaginative adaptations of beloved children's stories to innovative new works designed specifically for young audiences. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to experience Ireland's vibrant arts scene while exploring multiple historic theatres throughout the city centre.

Dun Laoghaire Christmas Market

Returns NovHoliday Event

Late November through December

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas Market transforms the scenic Victorian harbour into a magical festive wonderland, where the salty sea air mingles with the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts. This charming seaside Christmas market offers families a quintessentially Irish holiday experience with stunning coastal views, artisan stalls, and plenty of festive cheer. It's the perfect blend of authentic local culture and family-friendly Christmas magic, making it a must-visit for families exploring Dublin during the holiday season.

Electric Picnic

Returns SepFestival

Annual, typically early September

Electric Picnic is Ireland's premier music and arts festival that has evolved into a wonderfully family-friendly experience with its dedicated family camping area and Kids' Area featuring workshops, performances, and activities. While known for its stellar music lineup, the festival offers a magical woodland setting where children can enjoy circus performances, storytelling, craft workshops, and interactive installations alongside the music. It's a gentle introduction to festival culture for families, blending world-class entertainment with a safe, welcoming atmosphere for little ones.

Georges Street Arcade Market

In Season: Jan–DecFarmers Market

Daily year-round

Georges Street Arcade Market is Dublin's oldest Victorian covered market, offering families a vibrant indoor experience filled with vintage treasures, artisan crafts, and delicious food stalls. Kids will love exploring the winding maze of colorful shops, discovering unique toys and curiosities, and sampling treats from around the world. The bustling atmosphere and treasure-hunt feel make it an exciting adventure for curious young minds, rain or shine.

Irish Museum of Modern Art Summer Events

Returns JunConcert Series

Throughout summer months

The Irish Museum of Modern Art's Summer Events transform the stunning 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham grounds into a vibrant cultural playground for families. Throughout the summer months, this concert series combines world-class music performances with outdoor fun in one of Dublin's most beautiful historic settings. It's a perfect opportunity for international visitors to experience Irish culture while kids explore expansive lawns and engage with art in an accessible, festival-like atmosphere.

Smithfield Market

In Season: Jan–DecFarmers Market

Thursday to Sunday year-round

Smithfield Market transforms Dublin's historic cobblestoned plaza into a vibrant farmers market four days a week, offering families an authentic taste of Irish food culture. Kids will love sampling artisan treats, watching street performers, and exploring the colorful stalls brimming with fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to local Irish flavors while soaking up the lively community atmosphere in one of Dublin's most characterful neighborhoods.

St Stephen's Green Summer Series

Returns JunConcert Series

Weekly concerts, June through August

The St Stephen's Green Summer Series transforms one of Dublin's most beautiful Victorian parks into a magical open-air concert venue every summer, offering free live music performances that families can enjoy together on warm evenings. Kids can dance on the grass, parents can relax with a picnic, and everyone gets to experience Irish culture in the heart of the city. It's the perfect way to combine sightseeing with entertainment while letting children burn off energy in a safe, festive atmosphere.

Temple Bar Street Performance Festival

Returns JunFestival

Summer weekends, June through September

The Temple Bar Street Performance Festival transforms Dublin's iconic cultural quarter into an open-air stage filled with acrobats, musicians, magicians, and clowns from around the world. This free festival offers families an exciting mix of interactive performances, colorful characters, and spontaneous entertainment that captivates children while showcasing world-class street artistry. The vibrant atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for families to wander, discover performances, and enjoy Dublin's creative heart at its liveliest.