The 12 best annual events in Dublin

Where? Cinemas throughout Dublin
When? February/March

Cinephiles can escape the cold at the city’s annual international film festival. Dublin’s best filmmakers and screenwriters submit their own work to this event, and there’s a decent programme of writer’s workshops and meet-and-greets. Tickets are known to sell out fast.

Where? Parnell Square and venues across Dublin
When? March

What would a visit to Dublin in March be without a St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Provided you don’t mind bumping shoulders in crowds, there’s no sea of green livelier than the city-wide St. Patrick’s Festival. Bag a spot in Parnell Square to catch the two-hour parade, beginning at noon, and expect to see faces of all ages Irish stepdancing on floats and in the street.

Where? Convention Centre Dublin
When? March

This beer and bites event attracts thousands of gourmets and craft beer aficionados each year for a memorable weekend showcasing Ireland’s best brews, food and live music. There are more than 400 craft beers, ciders and spirits available.

Where? Various venues around Dublin
When? May

Local and international literary talent put down their pens to discuss all things writing at this week-long festival in May. An impressive list of big-name writers facilitate workshops, masterclasses and debates, and literary walking tours and street theatre events abound.

Where? 27 Sandyford Office Park, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18
When? June

See the city a different way by entering one of the biggest annual mini marathons worldwide. Despite the event’s name, you don’t have to be female to run or walk the six-mile charity course. When you reach the finish line, treat your hungry belly to roast lamb or butternut tortellini at Hugo’s Restaurant.

Where? Ballinlough Castle, Westmeath [buses available from Dublin]
When? June

Set in the sprawling grounds of the magnificent Ballinlough Castle, this spellbinding weekend of live music, spiritual workshops and woodland spa pop-ups will enthrall with its good-vibes-only philosophy. If you’ve ever pictured yourself dancing to disco followed by a relaxing soak in a wood-fired hot tub while the smell of grilled vegetables wafts past, throw on your out-of-office reply and get a ticket to this fairytale festival.

Where? Various venues around Dublin
When? July

Like a city-wide science museum, this one-of-a-kind festival draws 50,000 visitors each year to its immersive technology-themed exhibits and events. Enjoy pop-up installations, performance art and theatre by day, and secret tours and guided evening bicycle rides by night.

Where? Various venues around Dublin
When? September

For one night only, Dublin keeps its cultural doors open for an array of free late-night events. More than 200 museums, art galleries, libraries, theatres and other venues put on special tours and workshops. Start between Trinity College and Merrion Square; the National Library of Ireland, National Gallery, Natural History Museum and the Museum of Archaeology are all nestled in this area.

Where? Waterford [Train, bus and ferry service available from Dublin]
When? September

In Ireland, farm-to-table isn’t just a trend; it’s a tradition that started in pagan times when the Irish would hold autumn festivals in celebration of the season’s harvest. Everyone still comes together to share dishes at communal tables, and each autumn, you can join in the fun. From cooking demonstrations by acclaimed chefs to farmer’s markets and seminars, this festival offers an excellent taster of Ireland’s culinary heritage.

Where? Various venues around Dublin
When? October

October isn’t only a spooky time of year in the United States; the Irish celebrate all things gothic at the end of the month at the growing Bram Stoker Festival. Named after the author of horror novel ‘Dracula’, the festival stretches across four days and hosts readings that bring his most haunting works to life, alongside theatrical ghost tours and other performances.

Where? Porterhouse Central, 45 Nassau Street
When? December

There’s no better way to keep warm than with a pint of Guinness – or several. On this knowledge-expanding pub crawl, held every weekend in December, you’ll learn intimate details about the city’s history from where it all began – inside the stone walls of some of Dublin’s oldest pubs, once frequented by James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. The rowdy drinking tour is sure to put any Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.

Where? National Concert Hall
When? December

The beautiful National Concert Hall of Dublin is made more spectacular with joyful Christmas carols the night before Christmas Eve. Featuring the Mozart Festival Chorus and Orchestra, singers and musicians are decked out in elaborate period costumes that hark back to eighteenth-century Dublin. The evening show sells out quickly, so don’t put off buying your ticket.