7 unmissable things to do in Dublin this summer

The Fair City’s weather may play hard to get, but come rain or shine this city sure knows how to have a good time. From beats to BBQ and everything in between, Dublin's summer scene is waiting to show you what it's got. Whether you’re already booked or looking for a reason to visit, these unmissable activities in Dublin, Ireland will make your trip one to remember.

Dance your face off at Forbidden Fruit (31st May-1st June)

Kicking off the bank holiday with more buzz than a bee convention, Forbidden Fruit transforms the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham into a playground of sonic delights. Think world-class DJs and live acts serving up everything from electronica to hip-hop, all against the backdrop of a seventeenth-century architectural showstopper.

There’s plenty to look forward to, including sets from Jamie xx, Underworld, Peggy Gou, Caribou, Mall Grab, Glass Beams, Effy, with more to be announced. Between sets, sprawl out on the grass under ancient chestnut trees or explore the food village, where Dublin's best street food vendors compete for your attention.

Geek out at the Bloomsday Festival (11th-16th June 2025)

Ever wanted to time travel? Experience the next-best thing as Dublin transforms into a living, breathing version of James Joyce's Ulysses for the Bloomsday Festival, Dublin's annual love letter to the city’s most famous literary troublemaker.

Watch – or join, if you dare – literary nerds donning their best Edwardian get-ups and retracing Leopold Bloom's famous walk through the city. Join walking tours led by Joyce stans who know more about Bloom's Dublin than their own family tree. Catch dramatic readings in historic pubs. It's like Comic Con for literature lovers.

And don’t fret: you needn’t have read 'Ulysses' (let's be honest, who has?) to have a good time.

Treat your taste buds at Taste of Dublin Festival (12th-15th June)

Imagine Dublin's best restaurants threw a party in Merrion Square – that's Taste of Dublin in a nutshell. For four flavour-packed days, this Georgian garden becomes a food lover's paradise, full of top chefs flexing their culinary muscles.

Think of it as speed dating for your stomach. Sample signature dishes without committing to a full meal (or having to book months in advance). Watch cooking demos where top chefs spill their kitchen secrets. Or roll up your sleeves for hands-on masterclasses where you can pretend you're on a cooking show (minus the pressure of Paul Hollywood’s icy stare).

Our advice? Come hungry, and wear your stretchy pants.

Paint the town rainbow at Dublin Pride (28th June 2025)

Come June, Dublin turns technicolor for Pride Month – expect everything from drag brunches to queer film festivals, poetry slams to late-night parties. This year’s celebration is extra special because it’s the 10-year anniversary of Ireland becoming the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by vote.

The climax happens on Saturday 28th June, starting with the Dublin Pride Parade. Join thousands of revellers watching floats, dancers and members of the community strut their stuff from O’Connell Street to Merrion Square, turning Dublin into one massive, joyful street party. Then continue the merriment at Pride Village full-day festival. The best news? It’s totally free and you don’t need a ticket.

Get your festival fix at Longitude (5th-6th July)

From intimate woodland gigs to massive main-stage moments, Longitude is a three-day day-festival (no camping – you can breathe a sigh of relief) bringing hip-hop beats and electronic treats to Dublin's southside. This is where the city’s cool kids come to see and be seen… Just remember to pack your wellies along with your festival fits. 

This year, David Guetta is headlining the Saturday night, joined by Belters Only, AJ Tracey, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Sunday’s headliner is none other than 50 Cent, joined by Sonny Fodera, blk. and Hannah Laing. Keep an eye on the lineup, where loads more artists will be announced in the lead-up.

Turn up the heat at The Big Grill Festival (14th-17th August)

For some of the smokiest flavours this side of Texas, head to Herbert Park for Europe’s biggest barbecue and craft beer festival. This is your chance to try dishes you’d normally have to travel the world for – and to taste what happens when top chefs and pitmasters get creative with fire and smoke.

Learn the art of flame-cooking at workshops from well-known chefs. Debate the merits of different woods with BBQ geeks. Join a chilli-eating challenge. Or simply follow your nose from stall to stall. Expect local craft breweries, cocktail bars, dining experiences, live music and DJs. Don’t worry, veggies: there's plenty of plant-based magic happening too.

Go weird and wonderful at Dublin Fringe Festival (6th-21st September 2025)

Summer goes out with a creative bang at the agenda-setting Dublin Fringe Festival, which this year celebrates its thirtieth birthday. For two weeks the city becomes a canvas for the bold, brilliant, and downright bizarre… This is your chance to witness Ireland's new and emerging artists doing things that'd make traditional theater clutch its pearls.

Pop-up performances hijack unexpected spaces – from rooftop poetry slams to underground dance pieces, experimental theatre in ancient buildings to street corner surprises. It's like someone gave the city's creative community a triple espresso and said "go wild"... Trust us, you want to be there for the results.

Looking for more activities in Dublin, Ireland? Check out how friend of Locke Tosin Cullen spent 72 hours in the city.

Now you know the best things to do in Dublin city this summer. But where to stay?

Zanzibar Locke is a boutique aparthotel right around the corner from Ha'penny Bridge (a great photo spot). Or there’s Beckett Locke over by North Docks – another stylish home from home within easy reach of Dublin attractions.