Dublin is a vibrant and bustling capital that never sleeps. Find out what’s on this summer and autumn in the ‘fair city’, showcasing the best of Irish cultural events. From music, street artists, photography and comedy to sporting events, such as the All-Ireland Final, and even a Coffee and Tea Festival here are our top recommendations for a cultural day out in Dublin.
PhotoIreland Festival
A lack of recognition for photography in Irish culture lead to the creation of PhotoIreland Festival back in 2010 with the aim of cultivating curiosity and recognition of photography and promote the works of Irish artists, both nationally and abroad. It also attracts visiting artists from across the globe through a series of events and exhibitions. Some of the highlights include PhotoIreland Book and Magazine Fair, exhibitions from international artists and various themes.
The Festival of Curiosity
Formed in 2013, this aptly named annual Festival of Curiosity is dedicated to all things science, art and design & technology. Taking place across 14 venues in the city, and catering to people of all ages, especially families, as it instills curiosity, thought and innovation, whilst combining learning with fun.
Dublin Fringe Festival
Immerse yourself in two weeks of music, comedy, dance and theatre. The Dublin Fringe Festival has a dynamic program and is the perfect platform for new and innovative acts to try new material as well as attracting well-known artists, actors and comedians. Over 40 indoor and outdoor venues across the city will be transformed into stages to showcase over 800 events.
All-Ireland Hurling & Football Finals
Hurling is a sport unique to Ireland and is thought to be the world’s oldest and fastest field sport dating back over more than 2000 years. It is played with a stick, known as a ‘hurley’ and a ball, known as a ‘sliotar’. The GAA All-Ireland Final is the highlight of the season and takes place in September. Gaelic Football is another team ball game unique to the country and this final also take place in the same month. Although not a festival, this event brings about the year’s largest sporting celebrations in the city. Come along and join in the action with celebrations and singing.
http://www.gaa.ie/ | September
BlueFire Street Festival
BlueFire Festival is a one-day event filled with music, fun and entertainment. The Live Music Stage offers a great line up of musician and bands. Elsewhere in Smithfield Square, street and graffiti artists will be entertaining the crowds, market stalls will be offering edible delights, arts and crafts. The aim of this free festival is to encourage integration through creative and artistic events from across the globe.
http://bluefiredublin.ie/ | 19 September
Lingo
Continuing with the arts theme is Lingo: A spoken word festival. It is well known that the Irish love the opportunity to tell a story or two and they do have a way with words. This festival is a celebration of this thriving heritage through workshops, readings, poetry and much more.
http://www.lingofestival.com/ | 16-18 October
The Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin is an architectural gem dating back to the 18th century and is situated in tranquil gardens just 5km from the city centre. It places you close to all of the festivals and events whilst offering contemporary living and a cultural lifestyle when visiting the capital of the Emerald Isle.