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Whiskey, Music, and More: Your Guide to Dublin Irish Festival 2024

💸 This post was sponsored by the Dublin Irish Festival. But rest assured, all thoughts and opinions are our own. 👍

Get ready to unleash your inner Celt at the Dublin Irish Festival. Since 1988, the first weekend in August has been reserved for what is now the world’s largest three-day Irish celebration.

This annual event transforms the city of Dublin into a lively and colorful tapestry of Irish traditions, music, dance, and cuisine. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this festival is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Ireland, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie against the picturesque backdrop of Dublin.

Before we dive into all of the details of the fest, let’s highlight some of the things that visitors are most looking forward to at the year’s festivities.

Whiskey Tastings: A Sip of Luxury

Whiskey lovers, this one’s for you! The festival’s whiskey tastings are a must-try, offering an incredible selection of premium spirits. Highlighting this year’s event is the Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais, a $5,000 bottle that will blow your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newbie, these tastings are a perfect way to explore the rich flavors of fine Irish whiskey. Check out more details here.

Laugh Out Loud with “Moby Dick’s Gone Missing”

For a bit of theatrical fun, don’t miss “Moby Dick’s Gone Missing,” a hilarious play by Sean Cooney. Set in a small fishing town in County Cork, this story unfolds with comedic chaos when the whale for the production goes missing. Perfect for a light-hearted break, the play runs about 45 minutes and is showing at the Dublin Community Recreation Center. Here are the times:

  • Friday, 8/2: 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8/3: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, 8/4: 2 p.m.
  • Remember, you’ll need to register to catch this quirky show!

    Music to Your Ears: Exciting Acts

    dublin irish festival bagpiper
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    The Dublin Irish Festival is known for its killer music lineup, and this year is no exception. Fans are thrilled for the return of The High Kings, a festival favorite. But let’s talk about the fresh faces making their debut this year.

    Ally the Piper is shaking things up with her modern take on the Great Highland Bagpipe. After winning at the 2012 World Pipe Band Championships, she shifted her focus to making bagpipe music that appeals to today’s audiences. Ally’s performances are not just music; they’re an experience. You can learn more about Ally the Piper here.

    O’Jizo is bringing some international flavor as the first band from Japan to grace the festival. This trio blends traditional Irish tunes with their unique style, featuring instruments like the Irish wooden flute and tin whistle, alongside the piano accordion, bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. Their journey into Irish music began with the magic of Tokyo Disneyland and Hollywood movies, and they’ve been hooked ever since. You can learn more about O’Jizo here.

    Stay Connected: Download the Festival App

    First time at the festival? Make sure to download the Dublin Irish Festival App. It’s packed with all the info you need to navigate the event, from schedules to maps, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.

    Festival Details

    dublin irish festival family
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    When: August 2-4, 2024

  • Friday: 4 p.m. – midnight
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (gates open at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday Services)
  • Where: Coffman Park, 5600 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio
  • Experiences

    dublin irish festival sports
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    Performances: Visitors will be treated to a kaleidoscope of performances, featuring Irish dance troupes, traditional musicians and rock bands across 7 music stages. The 60 acts and more than 800 performers include national and international entertainers, local and regional artists, dance schools, and pipe and drum bands.

    Food: The air is filled with the enticing aroma of Irish delicacies, inviting attendees to taste authentic Celtic cuisine ranging from hearty stews to delectable pastries.  The Celtic Caterer will present Irish cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend.

    Beverages: From Irish beer to lemonade, the Festival offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Savor the rich complexity of fine whiskey at exclusive tasting events, where connoisseurs and novices alike will indulge in a curated selection of premium spirits. Hydration Stations are set up throughout the festival to refill water bottles.

    Shopping: 90+ vendors from across the globe showcase their unique craftsmanship and creativity with handmade jewelry, home décor and fine art. From clothing to crystals, the festival is the perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.

    Culture: Visitors can discover the richness of Celtic culture with literary and historical presentations and hands-on workshops at one of the three cultural stages. Re-enactments of Ireland’s early days, an up-close look at Celtic canines from some of the Midwest’s top breeders, sheep herding demonstrations and plays in the Abbey Theater round out the offerings. The authors and genealogy tents are also popular attractions.

    Sports, Competitions and Games: On Thursday, Aug. 1 in historic Dublin, everyone can join in the Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Dash, followed by a party and concert for the participants and spectators. From the stone throw to stone carry, attendees can enjoy the International Highland Games Federation Stones of Strength Championship, as well as the Kids Highland Games and the amateur Highland Games Competition.  Learn about the game of darts in a seminar or compete in games at the dart tent.

    Family Enjoyment: Families can enjoy crafts, contests, performances and dance instruction in the Wendy’s Wee Folk Area. The Pot O’ Gold Playland features more than 20 inflatables and activities. Families can get into athletics and competitions together at the Kids Highland Games, the Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Dash, as well as the Irish Contest for all age groups that include the greenest eyes, reddest hair, and most freckles.

    A calming, sensory-friendly “Take-A-Break” space is available and includes sensory activities and equipment. For extra safety and to quickly locate separated parents and their children, caregivers can visit the Identi-Kid tent to obtain a free wristband that will display a child’s name, age and parent’s phone number. The Festival also offers first-aid, nursing and baby-changing stations.

    Defenders Den: The covered rest area offers complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and veteran resource information to active and retired military members, veterans of all military branches, first responders and up to 3 accompanying family members.

    Sunday Services: Between 9:30 – 11 a.m., attend one of the seven different Sunday church services, including Catholic Masses in English and Irish, a Druid service, an Episcopal service and a non-denominational service. Guests receive free admission to the Festival with a donation of non-perishable food item or monetary donation to the Dublin Food Pantry.

    Admission

    dublin irish festival irish dancers
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    Tickets are sold online, and select tickets are sold at the Dublin Community Recreation Center and the Festival gates.

    General tickets: One-day tickets are valid for admission Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Weekend passes and group tickets are also available. Kids 11 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

    Family Tickets: For children aged 2 – 11, tickets for one day of unlimited play in the Pot O’ Gold Playland includes more than 20 inflatables, games and activities. Online only, family packages with savings are available for two one-day admission tickets and two Pot O’ Gold Playland wristbands.

    Free Tickets: On Sunday, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Dublin Food Pantry, and will receive free admission between 9:30 – 11 a.m. All IGS Energy 5K participants will receive one free admission. Visitors can also take advantage of a Visit Dublin Ohio hotel package that includes free tickets to the Festival. All Festival volunteers also receive a free ticket to the Festival.

    VIP Club Membership: For guests who want an exclusive experience, such as covered areas/tents, premium views, parking passes, access to private restrooms and bars, meals and beverages, the VIP Club Membership packages include Ultimate Music +, Ultimate Music Experience, Emerald Club, Dub Club and Celtic Rock Club.

    Transportation

    dublin irish festival vendors
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    There are a lot of options to get to the Festival easily and safely, including:

  • Drive and park in large nearby lots with free shuttle service
  • Take advantage of an expanded zone for e-scooters
  • Ride and use the bike parking program where volunteers help park bikes
  • Dublin residents 55+ and with disabilities can schedule rides to/from the Festival with Dublin Connector
  • Use Lyft code IRISHFEST24 to get up to $10 off a ride to/from the Festival
  • Join the Fun

    dublin irish festival music performances
    Photo by Robb McCormick Photography / City of Dublin.

    So, mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Dublin Irish Festival. From the incredible whiskey tastings to the amazing new musical acts, there’s something for everyone. See you there—Sláinte!