What’s On in Dublin: August 2026 | A Guide for International Students

Summer might be winding down, but Dublin definitely isn’t. With Ireland’s annual National Heritage Week, the Dublin Horse Show, and festivals galore, there’s something for everyone this month – from history buffs to crisp enthusiasts (although, aren’t we all?).

Already explored Howth and Malahide? Take a day trip to Dalkey, often called the ‘Amalfi Coast of Ireland’ thanks to its sparkling blue sea and celebrity sightings. Plus, August brings the town’s annual Lobster Festival, a lively celebration of fresh seafood and live music.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Dublin in August 🐝

🏰 CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT: National Heritage Week

Taking place from the 15th to the 23rd of August, National Heritage Week celebrates the Ireland’s fascinating history and culture with hundreds of events across the country. In Dublin, you’ll find plenty of events – many of them free – popping up across the capital, from guided walking tours and workshops to museum talks and behind-the-scenes experiences. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover what makes Dublin, Dublin.

Check out some of Dublin’s upcoming events:

• Art and Architecture of Christ Church Tour, Aug 15th – A free behind-the-scenes tour of one of Dublin’s most striking cathedrals. Make sure to book ahead!
• Behind the Scenes Tour of the Little Museum, Aug 20th – The city’s most charming museum is giving unprecedented access to its archive material.
• Charcoal Sketching Evening at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Aug 18th – Flex your creativity in the inspiring interiors of Ireland’s national cathedral.
• Medieval Dublin Walk beginning at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Aug 15th – Explore Dublin’s medieval streets with historian and curator Adrian Le Harivel.

🏛️ WHAT’S ON

• Bray Air Display at Bray Seafront, Aug 1st – Head to Bray to watch spectacular aerial displays and entertainment along the promenade. Make a day of it by exploring the seaside town or walk along the beautiful Bray Head.
• Dublin Horse Show at RDS, Aug 5th to 9th – One of Ireland’s biggest equestrian events is back with world-class show jumping and equestrian competitions, plus live entertainment, food, and shopping.
• Opera in the Open at Wood Quay, Aug 6th to 27th – Add a little culture to your lunch break this August with free lunchtime performances of the world’s best-loved operas.Taking place every Thursday at 1pm.
• Howth Roots and Blues Festival, Aug 7th to 9th – Escape to Howth for a weekend of live music, with musicians performing at a variety of venues across the village. Don’t forget to grab a fish and chips by the sea!
• Wine and Cheese Festival at The Bernard Shaw, Aug 7th to 9th – It’s wine and cheese samples, live music, and something called The Raclette Hut. What more is there to say?
• Crisp Festival at The Bernard Shaw, Aug 28th to 30th – Celebrate the mighty crisp (yes crisp, not potato chip) with challenges, live music, and of course, the king of carb-on-carb cuisine, crisp sandwiches.
• Dublin Comic Con Summer Edition at The Convention Centre, Aug 8th to 9th – Calling all superheroes, gamers, and anime fans! Don your best costume and head to Dublin Comic Con this summer for two days of cosplay, collectables, and celebrity guests.
• Liberties Fun Run at Royal Hospital, Aug 12th – Lace up your trainers and discover one of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods on this community fun run.
• Big Grill BBQ & Food Festival at Herbert Park, Aug 13th to 16th – There’s nothing like a summer BBQ, and this four-day festival brings together top Irish and international chefs, cooking workshops, street food, and live music for the ultimate BBQ experience.
• International Dublin Writers’ Festival at Trinity College, Aug 14th to 16th – Meet acclaimed authors, attend talks, and celebrate Dublin’s rich literary heritage at Oscar Wilde’s former college.
• Free Yoga in the City at Meeting House Square, until Aug 25th – Need a break from studying? Find your zen at a free outdoor yoga session in the heart of Temple Bar every Tuesday.

🎤 CONCERTS & SHOWS

• The Prodigy at Royal Hospital Kilmainham – Aug 20th
• The Weeknd + Playboi Carti at Croke Park – Aug 22nd and 23rd
• Bon Jovi at Croke Park – Aug 30th
• Bailey Zimmerman at 3Olympia – Aug 31st

🎭 DUBLIN THEATRE

• Mirandolina at the Abbey Theatre, until Sept – Performed in Italian with English subtitles, Mirandolina is inspired by an 18th-century Italian heroine.
• The Brightening Air at Gate Theatre, July 17th to Aug 30th – An award-winning new play with IT Crowd star Chris O’Dowd.
• Ulster American at the Abbey Theatre, Aug 12th to 22nd – David Ireland’s dark comedy follows an Oscar-award-winning actor, a playwright, and a director as rehearsals spiral into chaos.
• Swan Lake – Ballet De Santiago at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Aug 18th to 23rd – Experience Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and one of the world’s most beloved ballets.
• Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes at MoLI, until 30th Aug – This witty one-man show celebrates the legacy of Oscar Wilde at the Museum of Literature Ireland.
• Mean Girls at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Aug 25th to Sept 5th – Get in, loser – we’re going to the theatre! Based on the cult movie, it’s everything you’d expect from a Mean Girls musical: iconic, funny, and fetch.

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Study English in London, Eastbourne, or Dublin — and make 2026 your year of adventure.