Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festivals in Dublin
If you're planning a trip to Dublin, don't miss out on the opportunity to see some of the city's
famous festivals. The universal Irish love of celebration extends well beyond St. Patrick's
Day and encompasses a huge number of other party days and festivals. Just like any other
major city, Dublin sets aside days and even whole weeks to celebrate food, music, drink,
dance, culture, and various historical events.
Dublin Restaurant Week
, for example, takes place at the end of March and gives restaurat-
eurs throughout the city an opportunity to give out samples and serve all sorts of delicacies
to visitors and neighbors alike. This is not just a fun festival event, either - for the savvy
tourist, it's also an opportunity to sample the culinary possibilities of Dublin and maybe de-
cide which restaurants to eat at during the trip!
Dublin also hosts countless music festivals, especially for Irish traditional and folk music.
In late May, for example, music lovers from all over Ireland congregate in the little town of
Skerries, about a half-hour's drive north of the city. The weekend-long festival focuses spe-
cifically on the unique musical culture of the eastern counties. Whereas most traditional mu-
sic festivals in Dublin combine music from all over the island, the
Skerries Music Festival
is a rare opportunity to delve more deeply into a specific regional style.
But of course no festival is more important than
St. Patrick's Day
. This day of celebration
has become a global phenomenon, and the Irish love to welcome travelers and tourists - both
those of Irish heritage and those who simply appreciate the island's culture. The city holds
a massive parade of musicians, artists, street performances, public officials, huge troupes of
dancers, and local businesses. It's an overwhelming experience! You'll also find great deals
and special events at businesses throughout the city, especially the Guinness Storehouse,
which holds a 3-day special event in the center of the city. If you enjoy festivities (and you're
not afraid of big crowds) there's no better time to visit Dublin than St. Patrick's Day.
The majority of festivals in Dublin (and throughout the country) happen between late March
and early July, making these months the most popular with tourists. For some people, this is
part of the appeal - for others, it's a disaster. Time your trip according to your own tastes!
