What’s on in Dublin

St Patrick's Day Festival

17 March 2024

City Centre

Nowhere else in the world is St Patrick's Day observed with more fun and celebration than in Dublin, which is just as it should be! The St Patrick's Day Festival has become a five-day party filled with craic (good times), with a varied programme of events, including lots of traditional and contemporary Irish music.

Each day of the festival offers a number of events. There are themed poetry readings, craft-beer competitions, and walking tours of the city, as well as lots of live music and performance art. The Big Day Out carnival includes street performers, clowns, games, a funfair and lots of singing and dancing, and promises an enchanting performance involving giant inflatable characters. Other highlights include the team Treasure Hunt, the spectacular Skyfest fireworks event, and a huge celebration of traditional Irish dance (Céilí Mór) where everyone can participate in a range of foot-tapping dances. The grand finale of the festival is the spectacular street parade that is a themed procession of colourful floats, marching bands and fantastic performers.

Website www.stpatricksday.ie

Bloomsday Festival

11 — 16 June 2024

James Joyce fans around the world celebrate Bloomsday on 16 June every year, but nowhere as creatively as in Dublin, the birthplace of the famous novelist. The festival commemorates his masterpiece Ulysses, one of the most highly acclaimed literary works of the 20th century, in which Joyce captured the soul of Dublin in the tale of Leopold Bloom and his adventures on Thursday, 16 June 1904. The celebrations include re-enactments of Bloom's day as people visit the places where the novel was set, as well as readings, performances, breakfasts, look-alike contests and visits to the pub. It is wonderful fun to join a Bloomsday Walking Tour of Dublin (even for those who haven't read the book) and these walks usually include readings and enactments. Places that draw Joyce fans on Bloomsday include Saint Mary's Abbey (featured in the book), Lincoln's Inn (frequented by Joyce), Rathgar Village (where Joyce was born), and the James Joyce Museum in Sandy Cove (the spot that inspired the opening chapter).

For Joyce fans visiting Dublin, it is worth checking out what events are being held by the James Joyce Centre during their stay. They host lectures, walking tours and all sorts of activities to promote the work of the author throughout the year.

Website www.bloomsdayfestival.ie

Irish Derby

28 — 30 June 2024

Curragh

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day is one of the most prestigious horse racing events of the year. Held at The Curragh, one of Europe's oldest sporting grounds, this event attracts the attention of horse-lovers from across the globe, and especially in the horse-mad country of Ireland itself. The race is also a social occasion and it is very well supported. The total prize money for the contest comes to €1.25 million and there is an eight-race programme.

Another enthusiastically awaited competition held at the event is the Most Stylish Lady contest, held in association with luxury jeweller Boodles. The race is the main event of a three-day festival, one of the highlights of which is the Derby Food Village at Curragh Racecourse, which showcases a mouth-watering selection of delicacies from some of Ireland's leading restaurants, hotels and cookery schools. Entrance to the Food Village is free and open to all and it provides a wonderful opportunity to soak up the thrilling racecourse atmosphere for those who don't want to buy tickets. On the other hand, for the really enthusiastic who want front row seats, there are a number of VIP hospitality areas at the event.

Website www.curragh.ie

Irish Music and Dance Show

Nightly throughout the year.

The Merry Ploughboy Pub, Dublin City Centre

This show and banquet is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, ballads, and Irish dancing. Taking place at the Merry Ploughboy, guests enjoy wonderful food, pints of Guinness, and Dublin's very own Merry Ploughboys.

This band has been performing to rave reviews in Dublin for over 20 years, and this live concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. A spectacular dance routine usually interrupts the ballad sessions, incorporating the best of contemporary and traditional Irish dancing.

Once the dancing comes to an end, the band begins to let loose and a night of authentically Irish entertainment commences. Both musicians and dancers involve the entire audience in their high energy performance.

It is a wonderful introduction to the famous Irish nightlife and makes for a merry evening out. The show is popular with locals and tourists alike, which attests to its authenticity. For those needing transport, the pub offers a shuttle service from six centrally located stops in Dublin.

Website www.MPBpub.com

Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show

14 — 18 August 2024

Royal Dublin Society complex

The Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a summer event not to be missed. The show features five days of international competition, social functions, shopping and live entertainment. This horse show is held annually in the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) complex, with top events including the Nations' Cup and the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy. Additional events, such as the Blossom Hill Ladies' Day and an arts and crafts exhibition, take place outside the main arena. Entertainment includes live performances by wonderful bands and musicians, and there are many restaurants, bars and food stalls to enjoy. The event is a delight for shopping fanatics, with 300 trade stands selling books, clothes, jewellery, art, antiques and pretty much anything else shoppers can imagine. There's fun stuff for the kids as well, with a Kids' Zone sponsored by Hamleys that offers things like jumping castles, pony rides, face painting, and children's shows. Of course, the equestrian events are world class and the main attraction, but there is lots to occupy and excite all members of the family.

Website www.dublinhorseshow.com

Dublin