SAFETY

It's Our 
 Priority

The City of Dublin, one of Ohio’s safest communities, partners with local and federal agencies to create a fun yet secure environment — so you can focus on the lively music, food, culture and camaraderie.

Easy Flow, Smooth Entry

Credentials: All staff, performers, vendors, media and volunteers wear official ID badges.

Bags: Security personnel will perform bag checks with quick, friendly inspections at all entrances to the Festival.

Prohibited items include

  • Alcohol
  • Fireworks of any kind
  • Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, etc.
  • Tents and canopies
  • Glass bottles
  • Hard-sided coolers
  • Soft-sided insulated bags larger than standard 6-pack
  • Peddling or soliciting and the distribution of handbills inside the Festival
  • Pets of any kind except working dogs and registered Celtic Canines
  • Smoking under tents or in a building on Festival grounds

State and federal laws allow individuals to carry firearms in public parks, openly or concealed.

Visible & Ready Security

Drone Support: Dublin Police officers can monitor crowds via drone to help them make informed decisions when responding to emergencies.

On-Ground Presence: Uniformed officers, plainclothes officers, private security and Community Safety Ambassadors patrol throughout the grounds.

Weather Ready

Instant Alerts: In case of severe weather, you’ll receive updates via the Dublin Irish Festival app, stage announcers, and on the City’s and Festival’s social media. Follow the Dublin Irish Festival on Facebook, Instagram and X, as well as the Dublin Police on X

Safe Shelter Zones:

  • Dublin Community Recreation Center (5600 Post Road)
  • Dublin Development Building (5200 Emerald Parkway)
  • Dublin Coffman High School (6780 Coffman Road)
  • Festival Tents (for rain only – not for lighting/wind shelter)

    See Something, SAy Something

    As always, the Dublin Police Department asks residents and visitors to contact the nearest police officer for assistance if they see something suspicious or out of place.

    Family-Friendly Support Stations

    Safe Space Tents: Areas for people in personal crisis to get support. In an emergency, call 911. Tents are located near the North, East, Southwest and Southeast entrances.

    Identi‑Kid Wristbands: Kids receive free wristbands displaying their name, age and parent’s phone number to quickly reunite them with their group in case they are separated. Located at Safe Space Tents.

    Medical & First Aid: Staffed by Washington Township Fire Department at the North, East, and Southwest entrances.

    Sensory-Friendly Tent: Calm spot for everyone’s use that includes sensory activities and equipment. Located inside the Development Building on the east side of the Festival, near Celtic Canines. 

    Getting Here Safely

    Shuttle Bus: Free from Metro Place (555 Metro Place North) and select parking lots.

    Ride-Share Lounge: Convenient pick-up/drop-off behind City Hall (5555 Perimeter Drive)

    Safe Ride Discount Code: Enjoy up to $10 off round-trip Festival rides using Lyft code “DUBLINIRISH25” while supplies last.

    Theft Stops Here: Lock your vehicle, take valuables with you, remember your keys and secure firearms properly.

    Community & Safety Partnerships

    The Dublin Police Department is focused on effectively addressing issues of significant community concern, including ensuring a safe and comfortable Festival. Our security plan is powered by teamwork with:

    • City of Dublin staff
    • Washington Township Fire Department
    • FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force
    • Statewide Terrorism Analysis & Crime Center
    • Franklin County Bomb Squad
    • Volunteer crews, Community Safety Ambassadors, and private teams

    EAT

    Allergen & Dietary Restrictions

    Peanut-Free Options

    • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events
    • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee – Nut-free options (facility carries nuts)
    • Dos Hermanos
    • Graeter’s Ice Cream
    • Kona Ice
    • Matus Enterprises
    • Monster Baby Donuts

    Pescatarian Options

    • Big Bamboo’s Caribbean Grill – Fish & Chips, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Po-Boy, Fish Po-Boy
    • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Wild Caught Salmon Filet, Blue Lump Crab Cake
    • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck
    • The Celtic Pig – Fish and Chips

    Vegetarian Options

    • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Grilled Cheese, Cheese Quesadilla
    • Gosia’s Pierogies – Pierogies
    • Hey Hey – Sauerkraut Balls, Irish Potato Pancakes, Cabbage and Noodles
    • Monster Baby Donuts
    • Old Bag of Nails Pub – Fried Pickles, Mac & Cheese, French Fries
    • RKP Vending – Jumbo Hot Pretzels, French Fries
    • Snow Sisters
    • Squeaky’s Cheese Curds – Fried Cheese Curds
    • Swensons Drive Ins – Salad Boys (veggie patty sandwich)
    • The Irish Baker – Scones, Shortbread, Soda Bread, Brown Breads
    • Tortilla Street Food
    • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Hummus, Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries
    • Whole World – Vegetarian Irish Stew, Caesar Salad

    Vegan Options

    • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Portobello Mushroom
    • Lehman’s Concessions – Dairy-free Smoothies
    • Snow Sisters
    • Tortilla Street Food
    • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc – Falafel, Veggie Platter, Fries

    Gluten-Free Options

    • Brock Masterson’s Catering & Events – Potato Hash, Salmon, Pork Chop, Portobello, Dill Sauce
    • Celtic Pig – Pork & Brisket, Haggis (without gravy)
    • Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck – Bisque, Chowder (corn tortillas available)
    • Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee
    • Dos Hermanos
    • Graeter’s Ice Cream
    • Hey Hey – Pulled Pork, Brisket, Stuffed Cabbage, Irish Potato Pancakes (all GF)
    • Matus Enterprises
    • Lehman’s Concessions – Smoothies
    • RKP Vending
    • Schmidt’s of German Village – Available upon request
    • Snow Sisters
    • Swensons Drive Ins – Available upon request
    • The Almond Shop – All gluten-free except Honey Roasted Cashews and Jalapeño Cheddar Peanuts
    • Tortilla Street Food
    • Virginia Vendor Food Services Inc
    • Whole World – Caesar Salad