Festivals & Holidays
“Always remember to forget the things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.”
- An old Irish proverb
There are over 300 festivals in Ireland every year, not to mention all the other events going on around the country. Music, food, agriculture, oysters, Guinness, health & wellbeing … if it exists, the Irish celebrate it! Go to Discover Ireland to find out what’s on when you’re planning your Sunlight Properties holiday in Dublin!
Below is just a short list of the numerous festivals and celebrations in Dublin and Ireland that are highly recommended during your short term holiday let.
January
Templebar Tradfest is a celebration of traditional Irish music and culture and takes place over 5 days and 5 nights. Choose from 200 events both indoors and outdoors from Irish dancing to free concerts, markets and exhibitions.
February
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival running for eleven nights in mid February, and taking place in numerous cinemas across the city, this is Ireland's best film festival. Join the likes of Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson and dozens of other actors, directors and screenwriters in celebrating both home-grown and international talent. No matter which luxury Sunlight Properties holiday rental you elect to stay in you can easily reach one of the many venues.
Dine in Dublin Restaurant Week (actually lasts a month!) celebrating all things culinary, this is a bi-annual event that includes great offers at some of Dublin's best restaurants. There is also wine tasting, prosecco evenings and demonstrations going on city wide.
RBS Six Nations for rugby fans there is the opportunity to see some international action at the award winning Aviva Stadium in Dublin during February and March. Why not check out what fixtures are scheduled during your Sunlight properties vacation in Dublin?!
March
St Patricks Day (Lá Fhéile Pádraig, law fayla paw-drig) 17th March
Imagine celebrating St Patricks day in the country it all began! Click here to search for your your Sunlight Properties holiday home rental now! Four days of sporting events, concerts, fireworks and so much more all culminate in the celebration of Ireland’s patron saint. In Dublin, a huge parade with weird and wonderful costumes, floats and performers from all over the world is the highlight of the festival.
It’s estimated that there are over 70 million people of Irish descent throughout the world, which is probably why this holiday has become a global phenomenon. It is truely one of the best times to enjoy a self catering holiday in Dublin.
All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Finals if you fancy doing something different this holiday, why not experience a true Irish tradition – the club hurling and Gaelic football finals that take place every St. Patricks Day in Croke Park. Tickets start from €25 for an afternoon of thrilling entertainment!
April
The Great Ireland Run take the opportunity to burn off those holiday calories by taking part in this run which is aimed at all runners regardless of your fitness level. Set in the backdrop of the beautiful Phoenix Park, it's for the whole family; there are also Mini and Junior events for children.
Franco-Irish Literary Festival over three days, this annual festival centres on one main theme, which is then addressed by literary figures from all over the world at readings, debates and interviews.
May
The Dublin Writers Festival is a wonderful festival celebrating both new and experienced literary names. Workshops, readings, interviews and a fantastic selection of children's authors added into the mix, this is a great event for the entire family to enjoy.
June
Bloom in the Park takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend, Phoenix Park, Dublin - a gardening and food event; with plenty of flower and garden exhibitions. There are also lots of food stalls and craft tables. A particularly enjoyable way to spend a day during your Sunlight Properties self catering holiday. Tickets from €18 per adult.
Bloomsday is the day to celebrate all things James Joyce! It’s named after the lead character in Ulysses, Leopold Bloom. Various events are held around Dublin on the 16th of June, but the main event is following Bloom’s route through the city, as depicted in the book. If you are a Joyce fan, this is one event not to miss out on during your vacation in Dublin.
Taste of Dublin Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2. This laidback outdoor event is a celebration of all things culinary. See some of the best chefs and restaurants in Dublin come together; visitors are invited to try some of their menu ideas. There are live cooking demonstrations from top chefs, not to mention classes, competitions and lots of entertainment. The Dine in the Dark tent is also an experience not to be missed. Tickets from €15 plus booking fee. For those foodies, click here to see what Sunlight Properties holiday rentals are located close by.
Campo Viejo Tapas Trail the trail runs twice a week for the four weeks of June every year. Sample tapas and wine from four different Spanish restaurants around the city.
Forbidden Fruit The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin 7. Music and art festival set in the middle of Dublin city centre. Along with great music, there is also a Comedy Tent. One day tickets from €59.50
Laya Healthcare City Spectacular at various locations around Dublin city, this street performance festival has grown over the years and now also includes art and food.
Longitude Marlay Park, Dublin. Longitude is all about the music! Enjoy this open-air festival in Dublin which recently won Best New Festival at the Ireland Festival Awards. Tickets from €59.50 for one day.
July
Galway Arts Festival a buzzing centre for arts and culture and what better way to see it when it's alive during the famous arts festival.
Dublin City Soul Festival is a great free event which takes place annually in Dublin City. Buskers, street artists, and picnics are all part of this fantastic street soul festival.
August
Galway Oyster Festival if you are in Ireland at the end of August, it is well worth a trip to Galway, on the west coast. There you will find this fantastic oyster and seafood festival. Steeped in Irish tradition, this is a great place to spend a few days on your Sunlight Properties holiday.
Electric Picnic this is a popular music festival which is aimed at a slightly older crowd and also families. Apart from the music, there is the Body and Soul area and a comedy tent. One day tickets start from €90.
National Heritage Week with mostly free events on offer, during the last week in August, there are a wide range of things to choose from. Food fairs, guided walks, marine events, medieval fairs, classical concerts, poetry events . . . the list goes on . . . needless to say there is something for everyone to enjoy while based at your luxury vacation rental!
September & October
Enjoy Dublin Festival Season throughout September and October! Here are some of the activities on offer, should you plan your holiday apartment letting during this time:
Dublin Fashion Festival a four day event where fashion and beauty come together to prepare the fashionistas of Dublin for the upcoming season's hot trends. Free and ticketed events.
Dublin Fringe Festival showcasing theatrical and performance arts from all corners of the world, the Fringe Festival goes on for almost 3 weeks in September and gives audiences the opportunity to see innovative and inspirational works.
Dublin Theatre Festival running since 1957, this festival brings Irish and international theatre productions together. Discussions, workshops and shows are all to be enjoyed during the three weeks that this festival is on. It overlaps with the Fringe Festival.
Oktoberfest the traditional German festival comes to Dublin at the end of September every year. Held in large beer tents, enjoy authentic German beer, food and crafts. Learn how to yodel and dance a polka during the three week festival – skills no one can do without!
Mind Body Spirit Festival October, Dublin. The largest holistic and wellbeing festival in Ireland, there are over 150 exhibitors showcasing everything from angels to yoga and everything in between.
November
St Stephen's Green Christmas Market starting in mid November when the city's Christmas lights are turned on, these Christmas markets are chocked full of food, drinks and craft stalls.
December
Dublin Docklands Christmas Market starting on the 1st of December every year, this is a great opportunity to try out artisan food and crafts. A family favourite, it's definitely worth a visit during your self catering holiday in Dublin.
Christmas Wonderland with various locations around the city, enjoy winter fun, ice skating, at Santa's Circus and Funderland Carnival, complete with a big ferris wheel.
Christmas Day (Lá Nollaig “law nullig”) as a Catholic country, Christmas Day is a public holiday. All bars, shops and most restaurants will remain closed all day.
St Stephen’s Day (Lá Fhéile Stiofáin “law fay-la steo-fawn”) is celebrated on December 26th. Traditionally on Stephen’s Day, people dress up in straw hats and old clothes and hunt the wren (pronounced ran), playing music, singing and dancing. Groups of people like this travel around their local areas and collect money, usually for charity. St Stephen's Day also marks the start of the January sales and the Christmas horse racing season.
New Years Eve Festival ring in the New Year in style in Dublin! Join in the festivities of the four day NYE Festival which includes live music at the Countdown Concert and Fireworks over the river at midnight. Click here to book your luxury Sunlight Properties holiday rental for this coming New Years Eve – what a fabulous place to celebrate!
