A Vibrant 3-Day Summer Celebration That Captures the Essence of Irish Culture in the Heart of Dublin, Ohio

Ignite your Irish spirit at the award-winning 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, Ohio, into a lively and colorful tapestry of Irish traditions, music, dance, and cuisine.

The Festival provides a unique opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Ireland, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie against the backdrop of Dublin’s picturesque surroundings.  With concerts, Irish dance, shopping and more, there is truly something for everyone.

When: The 2024 Dublin Irish Festival will take place Aug. 2-4

• Friday | 4 p.m.-midnight
• Saturday | 11 a.m.-midnight
• *Sunday | 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

*Festival gates open on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday Services.

Where: Coffman Park, 5600 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio

Experiences:

• Performances: The park comes alive with the rhythmic beats of Irish music, echoing the spirit of the Emerald Isle. Visitors are 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: 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: 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

Sustainability and Caring Locally:

• Since 2007, the Festival has had a goal of increasing sustainability initiatives, such as composting waste and recycling. From 2018 to 2023, the percentage of waste diverted from landfill increased from 23% to 41.3%. The goal is to divert 80% – 90% from landfill by 2030.
• One Festival priority is to support local grassroots organizations through the Sharing o’ the Green program, which allows them to work at special assignments to generate funds for their causes – with an approximate average of raising $120K annually.
• Dublin Food Pantry became the designated beneficiary in 2010, and to date the Festival has donated a total of 185,568 pounds of food and $125,792.14 in cash.
• The success of the Festival depends on more than 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 year-round committee members. Each year, leadership, family, youth and adult awards are given to select volunteer winners, as well as $2,500 scholarships to two graduating Dublin City School high school students.

Recent Awards:

• # 3 in the 2023 USA Today 10Best awards for Best Cultural Festival
• Best Suburban Festival in the CityScene 2023 Best of the ‘Bus awards
• Best Event in Dublin in the 2023 Visit Dublin Ohio Awards
• 9 Pinnacle Awards at the 66th Annual International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) Convention