Festivals and Annual Events

Feb 12-21 Venue: Dublin City Centre What began two years ago (2008), the Chinese New Year Festival has become extremely popular among the locals. The 2010 Festival will celebrate the year of the Tiger and aims to promote integration and strengthen Ireland’s multicultural society. The festival will showcase cultural parades and dances, exhibitions, art and music. The highlight of the event is the Chinese Carnival, on the 14th of the month, to commemorate Chinese New Year Day as well as Valentine’s Day. Entry is free for all. For more information, check out www.dublin.ie/cny

Feb 15-21 Aiming to promote culture and heritage, the festival includes Russian storytelling, photographic exhibits, musical performances and food stalls selling authentic Russian cuisine. Entry is free. For more information, check out http://www.dublincity.ie/russianfestival

Feb 18-28, 2010 Venue: Various city centre cinemas Film screenings, glitz, glamour, interviews with celebrities and panel discussions, the film festival takes place over the course of eleven days.

March 6-8, 2010 The Irish, known for having contributed some of the most important works in classical and contemporary literature and art, choose to celebrate by holding the Dublin Book Festival on the 6th, 7th and the 8th of March. Held at the historic City Hall, the event is packed with readings, interviews, talks, debates, book launches and workshops for all ages, and featuring over 100 Irish writers and publishers. Also available at the festival are books for sale. For more information, www.dublinbookfestival.com

March 22-28 With over 50 restaurants participating in the Dine in Dublin week, this is truly a culinary and gastronomic adventure. Discounted rates of E25 to E30 per person covers a three-course meal (including tea or coffee) at any of the restaurants on the list. Some of the hotels also offer customers 10% off on the lowest quoted rates on their rooms. For more information on the types of cuisines on the menu, http://www.dineindublin.ie/

March 25-28 The Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Poetry Now Festival 2010 is a celebrated literary event, currently in its 15th year, which plays host to poets of various nationalities and different languages. For more information, http://www.poetrynow.ie

Easter is a religious festival celebrated by marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and follows the dates according the Christian liturgical calendar. A public holiday between the 2nd and the 4th of April, Easter will bring together families for meals and celebration. Children especially enjoy this festival because of the ‘Easter bunny’ and the various gifts and sweets they receive from friends and family.

April 16-18 Irish and Francophone writers from across Ireland gather at the festival to exchange ideas, experiences and to debate. Each year the festival is given a specific theme which writers discuss and debate in an informal setting.

April 21-25 The puppet festival takes a look at the evolution of puppet theatre around the world, as well as latest innovations and ideas that inspired it. Taking place in Dublin for the 17th consecutive year, this year’s Dublin Puppet Festival will be held from 19th – 25th April 2010. The festival brings together performers and artists from all over the world, known for their work in the puppet show business, and is a treat for people of all age groups, especially children.

April 1-30 Each year one book is selected for everyone in the city to read (in the month of April) and discuss. This year’s book is The Picture of Dorian Grey. This project was initiated to encourage everyone to read as well as in recognition of Ireland’s literary heritage. For more information, www.dublinonecityonebook.ie

Being the national festival of arts, Bealtaine celebrates the history of Irish creativity and culture. It showcases undiscovered talent from people of an older age, and provides a platform for art, music, theatre, cinema and literature among others.

Inaugurated in 2002, this year will be the 6th edition of the Dublin Dance Festival, the only festival which showcases contemporary dance forms in the country. Held from the 8th until the 23rd of May this year, at the Dublin City Centre, the festival will be highlighted by world-known German choreographer Raimund Hoghe. Other notable returns to the festival include Jean Butler and Tere O’Connor.

May 14-16 A celebration of Irish music, old and new. Still going strong, the Skerries Music Weekend draws in a large crowd each year.

June 1-6 In keeping with recognizing and celebrating Ireland’s literary heritage, the Dublin Writers Festival features local as well as international writers. For more information on the programme, http://www.dublinwritersfestival.com

June 3-7 For all horticultural enthusiasts and foodies, Bloom is a festival that shouldn’t be missed. The festival includes tips on gardening, outdoor living, cooking tips and so much more! Dublin Bloom in the Park is one of the most popular and most anticipated family events of the year. Ireland’s largest and most outstanding gardening event will this year take place from the 3rd to the 7th of June. From showcasing the most astonishing horticulture abilities of Ireland, to providing plenty of nature treks and educational workshops for children, the event proves to be a most memorable one for all.

June 10-13 June proves to be the perfect month for foodies and fine-diners everywhere, as this festival also serves to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. This four-day celebration of fine dining, food and drink, is set in the picturesque surroundings of Dublin's Iveagh Gardens. Participants in this festival will have the opportunity to sample bite-sized portions made by prestigious chefs from around Dublin. For more information, http://www.tastefestivals.ie

June 18-20 Artists, musicians, dancers, singers, jugglists, and other kinds of performers gather to compete in the championship. http://www.spwc.ie/

July 8-11 Surprises are in store for Dubliners and visitors alike in Temple Bar. For more information on the festival, www.templebar.ie

July 23-25 Over 90% of the festival is free of charge making this one of the most popular festivals in Dublin. With theatre performances, dance and music from across the world, it is truly a festival where different cultures and heritage are celebrated.

August 21-29 It’s that time of the year to celebrate Irish heritage! The National Heritage Week is also a part of the European Heritage Days. Activities during the week include musical performances, street fairs, night-time bat walks, lectures and more. Many of the heritage sites and stately homes are open for tours during the week.. Expeditions and workshops take place all over the countryside, forests, public arenas, historical monuments and government buildings and aims and promoting and educating the thousands of visitors and locals who come to Ireland and Europe.

August 27-29 The first settlers in Dublin were the Vikings and this festival is about exploring the Viking heritage.

September 11-26 Celebrate a free night of culture where museums, art galleries, art studios and cultural centres stay open till late. For more information, www.culturenight.ie

December 3-5 For everyone with a sweet tooth, this is one festival that shouldn’t be missed. From workshops on the different kinds of chocolates to chocolates tastings and outdoor film screenings, this event draws in large crowds.

December 26-29 If you’re into horse-racing, then this is the festival to attend. A four-day event that thrills and is the highlight of the National Hunt Season. Web Site: http://www.leopardstown.com