What’s On in Dublin - July

Summer is here, festival season is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time for a well-earned study break. From soaking up Howth’s cliffside views or learning the art of beekeeping, July in Dublin has something for everyone.

Here are the best things to do this month in Dublin – alongside some cultural titbits (a small and interesting bit of gossip or facts) to help you get the most out of your English adventures.

Top Free Highlights in July

The Liberties Festival (21st-27th July)

The Liberties is hosting a seven-day festival celebrating culture, creativity, and diversity. They’re yet to announce this year’s event schedule, but if it’s anything like 2024, expect a lively mix of local history, music, art, and even beekeeping for beginners. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about Irish culture and connect with locals in one of Dublin’s most historic neighbourhoods – for free!

Howth Day Trip

OK, not technically free. But a trip to this beautiful coastal village will only cost you a 6 euro return trip on the DART – and wow, is it worth it. Howth is a 30-minute journey from our English Centre and is the perfect escape from the city in the summer months. Swim in the emerald-blue waters, hike along the dramatic cliffs, and grab a fresh lobster roll or fish & chips at the pier before heading back, refreshed and renewed.

Cultural Spotlight: The Liberties

There is so much more to The Liberties, Dublin’s oldest quarter, than the Guinness Storehouse (although that’s definitely worth a visit for everything you need to know about “The Black Stuff”).

Nicknamed ‘Dublin’s Coolest Neighbourhood’, the area manages to merge old and new with style. Come here for indie cafés like Two Pups Coffee and The Fumbally, or wander the hallowed grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191.

But why The Liberties? Well, the name dates to the 12th-13th centuries, when areas outside Dublin’s city walls were granted special privileges or ‘liberties’ by the Crown – and so The Liberties was born.

These areas were exempt from certain city taxes and laws, making them semi-independent, buzzing with merchants, weavers, brewers, and plenty of shady activity. Today, while gentrification is underway, The Liberties remains a treasured symbol of working-class Dublin.

Did You Know?

Famous Irish trad songs Dublin in the Rare Auld Times and The Auld Triangle come from The Liberties.

Things To Do in Dublin This July

GAZE International LGBT Film Festival (29th July – 4th August)

GAZE is Ireland’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, founded in 1992 to support and promote queer storytelling. From powerful documentaries to arthouse film (including Elliot Page’s new movie, Close to You!), there’s lots to watch on the big screen.

Plus, most films will be shown at the Lighthouse Cinema, which won an award for Coolest Cinema in the World.

The Little Museum of Dublin

After closing for major renovations, the Little Museum of Dublin is officially reopened. Book one of their famous 29-minute guided tours for a ‘performance you’ll never forget’ and an insight into their curated curiosities, from James Joyce’s death mask to a bottle of unopened lemonade fallen from a WWI mail boat. Book your spot online.

Kayak on the Liffey

Summer is the best time to take to the water, and City Kayaking lets you paddle right through Dublin’s iconic river Liffey. Glide under Ha’Penny and O’Connell bridge and see some of the city’s most famous sites – or book a music tour for live Irish trad right on the water.

An Artist's Presence - National Gallery of Ireland (Until 14th September)

This free exhibition, spanning the eighteenth to the twenty-first century, explores the connections between artists and their work.

Music & Festivals

Longitude Festival (5th-6th July)

With hip-hop and EDM legends David Guetta and 50 Cent headlining, Longitude promises epic summer vibes and dancefloor energy.

Billie Eilish at 3Arena (2th and 27th July)

Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft tour is coming to Dublin’s 3Arena for two days this month. Bonus: Camila Cabello is also playing the same venue on July 9th.

Trinity Summer Series (29th June-6th July)

Situated in the heart of Trinity College’s historic campus, the Trinity Summer Series is a special opportunity to watch world-class artists in Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university. Check the lineup here.

The Chop Sueys and Hard Bizkit at The Workman’s (5th July)

Metalheads, this one’s for you. For 18 euros, System of a Down and Limp Bizkit tribute acts are playing at The Workman’s this Saturday. The Workman’s is an iconic Dublin venue with a well-earned place in the city’s vibrant music scene.

Dún Laoghaire Summerfest (4th – 13th July)

Dún Laoghaire is always a great place to visit, boasting a Victorian pier, water sports galore, and the iconic traditional Irish bath, Forty Foot, but it’s also home to the Dún Laoghaire Summerfest this July. Over a two-week period, 70 acts will be playing at various venues around the area.

Theatre & Shows in Dublin

Dublin’s theatre scene is a real gem: iconic theatres and deep literary history without the prices of the West End. Most tickets range from €15 - €50, so you can enjoy top-tier performances without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on in June:

Little Shop of Horrors (25th July-9th August)

This larger-than-life musical brings comedy, horror, and rock ‘n’ roll to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Riverdance - The New Generation (Until 7th September)

The iconic show is back, blending traditional Irish step dancing with contemporary music and choreography for its 30th anniversary tour.

Static (20th June-18th July)

A thoughtful and moving production about connection, isolation, and the noise in our heads – playing at the Abbey.

Taylor Tomlinson - Comedy (13th July)

Watch some critically acclaimed comedy from US comedian Taylor Tomlinson, who has been making waves with her smart, sharp humour and refreshing honesty.

July's Study Spot

Books Upstairs

What better place to hit the books than surrounded by... well, more books?

Books Upstairs is Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop, and it’s stacked high with leaning towers of literary treasures. Fuel up with a comforting smoked cheddar toastie and a flat white, browse their curated English-language collections, pick up a second-hand gem, or go on a blind date with a book. It’s bright, cosy, and full of inspiration for your next study session.

Ready for July?

With plenty of festivals, sell-out comedy, and new cultural gems, July is bursting with unforgettable experiences (and opportunities to practise your English!). Whether you’re paddling along the River Liffey or catching a live gig at The Workman’s, this month is the perfect time to explore and make the most of the warmer days.

Thinking of studying English abroad? Don’t miss out - take a look at our range of immersive English courses in London, Eastbourne, and Dublin.