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Dublin
Special Events
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Special Events

Dublin

Temple Bar Trad Festival of Irish Music and Culture
January
Dublin's main celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is celebrated in the pubs, cultural centres and streets of Temple Bar with five days and nights of live music concerts, pub sessions, children's events and workshops.
Website: www.templebartrad.com

Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
February
A celebration of the best in contemporary world cinema with over 100 film premieres during 10 days.
Various venues throughout the city
Website: www.dubliniff.com

Six Nations Rugby Tournament
February-April
Ireland takes on England, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy in a series of games.
Croke Park (home games only)
Website: www.rbs6nations.com

St Patrick's Day Parade
March
Ireland's largest street party consists of parades, fireworks, family carnivals, street performances and ceilidh dancing throughout the city in honour of the patron saint of Ireland.
Website: www.stpatricksday.ie

Colours Boat Race
April
A spectacular rowing race on the River Liffey between Trinity College and University College Dublin.
River Liffey

Heineken Green Energy Music Festival
May/June
A lively programme of outdoor rock concerts by well-known artists at Dublin Castle and smaller indoor gigs featuring lesser-known bands over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Various venues throughout the city

Bloomsday Festival
June
A walk around the city (starting at the James Joyce Centre, 35 North Great George's Street) in celebration of the life of James Joyce, as part of the annual Dublin Writers' Festival.
Various venues throughout the city
Website: www.jamesjoyce.ie, www.dublinwritersfestival.com

Dublin Horse Show
August
The highlight of the Irish equestrian year, with show-jumping and dressage.
Royal Dublin Society
Website: www.dublinhorseshow.com  

The Liffey Swim
September
Since 1920, spectators turn out to watch swimmers race in the River Liffey from Rory O'More Bridge to the Custom House.
River Liffey

All-Ireland Hurling Final and All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final
September
Two of Ireland's main sporting events, celebrating the traditional sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling - the Irish national game.
Croke Park
Website: www.crokepark.ie

Dublin Theatre Festival
September-October
An impressive programme of stage productions celebrating Irish and world theatre, dance and comedy. It coincides with the Dublin Fringe Festival.
Various theatres and cultural centres
Website: www.dublintheatrefestival.com

Samhain Halloween Festival
October
One of the city's few genuinely Celtic traditions, with parties and celebrations climaxing in fireworks and a thrilling night-time procession of witches, devils, druids and dragons.
Venues throughout the city
 
Leopardstown Races
December
One of the annual horse-racing highlights of Dublin's prestigious racecourse, attracting riders from around Europe.
Leopardstown Racecourse
Website: www.leopardstown.com

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