TradFest
January
Temple Bar echoes to the sounds of traditional Irish tunes in this fun, five-day musical shindig. The performances here range from intimate pub sessions to big concerts, musical workshops, spontaneous jams and more.
St Patrick’s Festival
17 March
The world and his uncle celebrate St Paddy’s Day, but nowhere as riotously as here in the Irish capital. Days of merrymaking build up to the big day, including the country’s biggest street party, ceilidhs, parades, fireworks, concerts, bottomless pint glasses and limitless craic.
Dublin Writers Festival
May
The city’s long love affair with literature continues to this day, with this enthusiastic gathering of wordsmiths, wannabe writers, scholars and bookworms. The programme covers readings, debates, workshops and talks by bestselling authors.
Dublin Fringe Festival
September
Ireland’s best-loved arts festival fills more than two weeks with cutting-edge dance, theatre, music, comedy and family fun in all manner of venues, from pubs and parks to theatres and the cathedral.
Dublin Theatre Festival
September/October
Following hot on the heels of the Dublin Fringe Festival is its fully grown and more highbrow big brother that has showcased new and classic drama annually since the 1950s. It lasts for 16 days and draws talent from all around the world.