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

Irish Winter might be dark and drizzly, but things are finally looking up. It’s soon acceptable to eat pancakes for dinner (check out our simple Shrove Tuesday recipe), love is in the air, and Dublin celebrates its only female patron saint, Saint Brigid. Plus, Spring is nearly here — and as one of Europe’s greenest cities, Dublin is the perfect place to be.

So, when you’re not studying English next to a stack of maple-y goodness, here’s what you can do this February in Dublin as an international student:

☘️CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT: Saint Brigid’s Day in Dublin

You might notice some changes to O’Connell Street this month. The GPO’s usually grey façade will light up with dazzling projections from local female artists — celebrating Brigid, referring to both the Celtic Goddess and the Irish patron saint. But why?

February 1st marks Imbolc, also known as Saint Brigid’s Day. Originally a Celtic festival welcoming the beginning of Spring, Dublin has transformed the tradition into a city-wide celebration of women past and present.

There are more than 120 events happening around the city from January 30th to February 2nd. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Check out performances from Irish female artists
• Make a flower crown at Imbolc Craft Fair
• Watch the Sunday Parade
• Learn about Saints, Goddesses, and Queens at the Chester Beatty Museum

WHAT’S ON

• Free Entry to the James Joyce Centre, February 2nd – Just across the road from our English Centre, the Joyce Centre is throwing a free birthday bash for the literary legend — including, yes, cake.
• International Film Festival, Feb 19th to March 1st – Join hundreds of film buffs for 11 days of world premieres, exclusive Q&As, and screenings of some of the best Irish and international cinema.
• Dublin Bowie Festival, Feb 24th to March 1st – Love David Bowie? Enjoy tribute bands, exhibitions, and even live performances from his collaborators.
• Scene and Heard Festival, February 12th to 28th – Discover exciting performances from emerging artists, from puppetry and poetry to theatre and live music.
• Lunar New Year Events – Celebrate the Year of the Horse with events across the city, including free Asian art tours at Collins Barracks, lion dance performances at Asia Market, and even stand-up comedy.
• LGBTQ+ History Events – February is also LGBTQ+ History Month! Discover the history of LGBTQ+ icons on a Queer Dublin Walking Tour, or take an LGBTQIA+ tour of Collins Barracks for free.
• Carnaval at the Button Factory, February 8th – Embrace the joys of Carnaval in Dublin’s Temple Bar, with DJs, dance shows, and lots of energy.
• Borderline Festival, February 19th to 21st – See cutting-edge bands and artists from around the world in this three-day festival in one of Dublin’s most iconic venues, The Workman’s.
• Dublin Card Show, 28th February – Card collectors gather in the heart of Dublin to buy, sell, and trade everything from Pokémon cards to sports memorabilia.
• Dublin Mind Body Experience, Feb 27th to March 1st – Get your spirituality fix with free entry to 160 talks, workshops, and classes — covering everything from yoga practice to drum circles.

Study and Explore in Dublin with an English Course Abroad

Want to improve your English this year? Study with Twin in the heart of Dublin. With flexible, tailored English tuition, a focus on real communication, and a packed social programme, you’ll make rapid progress while immersing yourself in Irish culture.

Study English in London, Eastbourne, or Dublin — and turn your 2026 into the ultimate adventure.