Upcoming Events in Dublin This Summer
Make the Most of Your Visit
If there’s one word to describe Dublin City during the summer, it’s: BUZZING!
From literary festivals and food extravaganzas to Pride parades and American football, there’s something for absolutely everyone. Here’s your guide to the unmissable events happening while you visit us this summer:
Taste of Dublin | 11th -14th June
The Taste of Dublin is one of those events where the city’s food scene really comes alive. Set against the backdrop of Iveagh Gardens, it brings together some of Dublin’s best chefs, restaurants, and producers in a way that feels both premium and relaxed. You can wander from stand to stand sampling everything from modern Irish dishes to global flavours, all while sipping cocktails, discovering new brands, and catching live cooking demos.
There’s a real buzz to it -music in the background, people sharing plates, and that constant feeling you’ve just found your new favourite dish.
Bloomsday Festival | 11th-16th June
One of Dublin’s most distinctive summer events, the Bloomsday Festival celebrates the life and work of James Joyce and his iconic novel Ulysses. Taking place from 11–16 June, the festival transforms the city into a living snapshot of 1904 Dublin, drawing both literature lovers and curious visitors alike.
Throughout the week, the city hosts a packed programme of events - from public readings and theatre performances to guided walking tours that follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom.
With its mix of culture, creativity, and city-wide energy, Bloomsday Festival offers a unique way to experience Dublin.
Riverdance 30 - The New Generation | June - Sept
If you’re in Dublin and looking for something that really captures the spirit of Ireland, Riverdance 30 is well worth a spot on your list. What began as a short performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 1994 has grown into one of Ireland’s most famous shows - and for good reason. It’s the kind of show that gives you a real feel for the culture, whether it’s your first time in Ireland or you’ve been here before.
These shows are running throughout the summer in The Gaiety Theatre, just steps away from Temple Bar.
The Big Grill Festival | 13th-16th August
It wouldn't be summer without a little sizzle! The Big Grill Festival, held at Herbert Park in Ballsbridge, this is Europe's largest live-fire food festival, bringing together international pitmasters, local craft breweries, and an incredible range of food.
As well as eating your way through the stalls, you can catch live-fire demos and workshops on the Bastecamp stage, enjoy live music and entertainment, and even take part in eating competitions!
Aer Lingus College Football Classic | 29th August
If you’re in Dublin at the end of August and fancy something a little different, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic is one you won’t want to miss. On Saturday 29 August 2026, the TCU Horned Frogs take on the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Aviva Stadium, making it Ireland's only major American football game of the year.
Even if you’ve never watched a game before, it’s easy to get caught up in it—the energy, the spectacle, and the sheer scale of it all. It’s the kind of event where you soak it all in, then head for a pint after and keep the night going.
Your City-Centre Base
Whatever event brings you to Dublin, you’ll want to stay somewhere central so you can make the most of every minute. The Auld Dubliner is located right in the heart of Temple Bar — which means you’re walking distance from every single event on this list, surrounded by the best of what Dublin has to offer, and never far from a well-deserved pint at the end of the day.