Latest Events in Dublin(September Updated)

Get ready for a thrilling four-day, four-night adventure as Dublin transforms into a dazzling Gothic extravaganza this October bank holiday weekend. At one of Dublin’s biggest festivals, the mundane fades into the background, and the extraordinary takes center stage. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a night owl, or a thrill-seeking adventurer, there’s something for everyone, from Goth enthusiasts to families.

The Dublin History Festival will be held from September 26 to October 11, 2026. Now in its fourteenth year, the festival has gained renown for its unique perspective on history and its importance in our daily lives, attracting numerous bestselling Irish and international historians to Dublin each autumn for a series of high-level historical lectures and debates.

This exhibition delves into John Minihan's more than sixty-year photographic career, tracing his experience as a photojournalist for the Daily Mail from the age of 16. This experience led him to Samuel Beckett, ultimately prompting him to leave media work and dedicate himself to a more personal creative pursuit. From the beginning of his career, Minihan focused on photographing "things that might be overlooked" and yearned to uncover the poetry in everyday life, which formed the core of his photographic practice.

The Story of Us: Census 1926 is a landmark exhibition marking this historic release of census records. It explores the world reflected in the census and reveals what life was like in 1926: in towns and cities, across rural communities and islands, from crowded urban tenements to the mansions of the aristocracy. Using contemporary documents and photographs, audio‑visual displays, and — at its heart — the census returns themselves, the exhibition presents a vivid portrait of Ireland a century ago. Visitors will encounter stories of work and daily life, language and culture, sport and entertainment, religion, gender, and the social realities of a newly independent state. The exhibition forms part of a major public programme presented by the National Archives, with events in Ireland, the UK and the United States.

Founded in 2017 by Matthew Melis and The Comics Lab, part of the Stray Lines comic book group, DCAF aims to showcase the work of local comic book creators and celebrate the diverse appeal of Irish comic book art. For years, Ireland's small-scale comic book publishing industry has flourished, but Irish comic book creators often have to travel the world to participate in comic book festivals to exhibit their work. The Dublin Comic Book Festival (DCAF) is a series of quarterly comic book art events held in Dublin, Ireland. The 2026 event will take place on April 19, July 12, October 18, and November 29.

Dublin by Dusk is a brand-new citywide event that brings Dublin's nightlife to life on the last Thursday of every month (starting May 28th). This event blends culture, dining, retail, and experiential activities, with venues across the city extending their hours and offering special events and added-value experiences. From the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland to the National Museum of Ireland, as well as venues like Trinity College Dublin and Bewley's Grafton Street Café, the event showcases the vibrant diversity of Dublin. The event includes exhibitions, extended hours, and more social and creative activities such as pottery painting, live music, and immersive experiences like dark painting under UV light. Numerous businesses and cultural partners have already expressed strong interest, and Dublin by Dusk is expected to attract a large number of participants, injecting new energy into the city as night falls.

To celebrate Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, the National Gallery of Ireland is presenting a special exhibition showcasing approximately fifty exquisite works on paper by European artists. The exhibition encompasses drawings, prints, watercolors, and photographs by European artists from the 15th century to the present day. It explores the diverse themes and styles that have shaped European art over the centuries, reflecting the evolution of artistic taste and techniques, and demonstrating the gallery's strength in collecting various art forms.

The Dublin Festival, Ireland's most influential international theatre event, will run from September 24 to October 11, 2026, across approximately 15 venues throughout Dublin for an 18-day theatrical extravaganza. It will feature 26 productions centered around four themes: "Troublemakers," "Irish Icons," "The Matriarchy," and "It's Complicated." The festival will present a diverse range of high-quality productions, including international and Irish premieres, world premieres, contemporary plays, international theatre, contemporary dance, ballet, opera, and interdisciplinary productions. Highlights include the world premiere of *Radio Bette* (in collaboration with The Goat Exchange in New York), starring Oscar nominee Ruth Negga; *A Moon for the Misbegotten* from the Druid Theatre Company; *Testament*, a collaboration between the Irish National Opera, composer Tarik O'Regan, and poet Colm Tóibín; and *Cyclone* from ANU Productions. The festival will also feature discussions on themes such as "Body Horror," "Policy that Performs," ​​and "On Bodies & Borders," as well as a walking tour of "Dublin's Ancient Theatre History," showcasing the innovative vitality and international competitiveness of Irish theatre and aiming to present the best of Irish theatre to the world.