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

While you still can’t quite escape from Dublin’s famous ‘four seasons in a day’, there are increasingly more summer spells than winter chills.

And perfect timing, too, because Ireland’s festival season is kicking off with Forbidden Fruit, Dublin’s first city-centre festival, alongside a packed lineup of major events, including the International Literature Fest and, for the self-care crowd, WellFest 2026.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Dublin this month 🌷

🐙CULTURAL SPOTLIGHT: A Day Trip to Howth

Pronounced “hoh-th”, not “how-th”, this quaint seaside town is one of the best (and easiest) day trips from Dublin on warmer days.

With pretty cliff walks, turquoise water, and some of Ireland’s best seafood, it’s hard to believe that Howth is only a 30-minute train ride from Dublin’s city centre.

This month, Howth also celebrates its annual Maritime and Seafood Festival, bringing live music, activities, and plenty to eat along the scenic harbour.

To make a day of it, start with a brisk hike along Howth’s cliffside coastal trail, and if you’re feeling brave, cool off with a dip in Balscadden Bay’s ice-cold waters. Then browse the local market for some crafty souvenirs before heading to the harbour for a feast fresh from the ocean.

Feeling hungry? Try:

• Legendary seafood chowder at Octopussy Tapas
• Buttery lobster rolls at King Sitric
• Fresh oysters at The Pier House
• Traditional fish and chips at Beschoff’s

🏛️WHAT’S ON

• Forbidden Fruit Festival at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, May 30th to 31st – Dublin’s first festival returns with headliners Nia Archives, Kettama, and Joy Crookes. It’s the perfect start to summer.
• Dublin Dance Festival, until May 16th – Celebrate dance with special performances across the city, from ballet to club nights at Bewley’s.
• The BIG Indie Tribute Festival at Opium Live, May 15th – Tired of electronic club nights? The UK’s biggest indie music night lands in Dublin for a full evening of iconic indie classics, from Sam Fender to Arctic Monkeys.
• Aisling Bea: Older than Jesus at Vicar Street, May 3rd – Irish comedian and actress Aisling Bea returns home for an award-winning stand-up performance.
• Lunula Exhibition at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, until May 3rd – Lucy Stein’s trippy painting exhibition explores Irish folklore, feminism, and goddess culture. Visit for free before it closes!
• WellFest 2026 at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, May 9th to 10th – Detox from your music festival weekends with a trip toEurope’s largest health, fitness, and wellness festival, with talks from Olympic legends, outdoor yoga, and healthy plant-based foods.
• Wilde Stages Theatre Festival, May 4th to 17th – Named after Dublin’s queer literary icon, Oscar Wilde, Wilde Stages celebrates LGBTQ+ artists with an exciting programme of affordable theatre.
• Summer Calligraphy at the National Museum of Ireland, May 21st – Head to the National Museum for a lesson in beautiful lettering.
• International Literature Festival Dublin at Merrion Square Park, May 15th to May 24th – Dublin’s big annual literature festival graces Merrion Square Park with talks, performances, and readings from famous authors far and wide.
• Street Feast 2026, May 23rd to 24th – Meet your neighbours during this nationwide initiative encouraging communities to sit down and share a meal.
• Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival 2026, May 22nd to 24th – It’s the perfect excuse to visit Howth, a charming seaside village known for its seafood and cliff views.
• Tipple with Art at the National Gallery, May 28th – Embrace your inner artist and learn how to paint famous works at the National Gallery while enjoying a glass of prosecco. Very civilised.
• Bord Bia Bloom 2026 at Phoenix Park, May 28th to June 1st – Ireland’s festival of gardening, food, and sustainable living takes over Phoenix Park’s beautiful gardens.

🎤CONCERTS

Major artists coming to the city this month:

• Chance Peñaat 3Olympia Theatre – May 11th
• Tame Impala at 3Arena – May 13th
• Zayn at 3Arena – May 14th
• KRAFTWERK at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – May 17th
• Doja Cat at 3Arena – May 19th
• Snow Patrol at St Anne’s Park – May 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.
• Do You Come from Gomorrah? at the Abbey Theatre, April 10th to May 9th – A thought-provoking drama about identity and belonging in 1970s Ulster.
• Derren Brown: Only Human at The Gaiety Theatre, May 12th to 16th – Derren Brown is back with more psychological tricks and clever illusions.
• Norma at The Gaiety Theatre, May 24th to 30th – A tragic opera classic of love and sacrifice.

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