Special Events in Dublin

January
New Year's Eve / Day celebrations.
Salmon and Sea Trout Season - January-September

February
Five Nations Rugby Tournament - February to April, Ireland plays against England, Wales, Scotland and France.

March
Mid-March
Celtic Flame a national festival of contemporary and traditional music, song and dance.

March 17
St. Patrick's Day Festival celebrations and a parade.

Mid-March
Temple Bar Fleadh
three-day festival honoring St. Patrick.

Late March
Feis Ceoil classical musical festival.

April
Early April
Colours Boat Race a rowing race along the River Liffey.

3rd week of April
Dublin Film Festival

May
May 1
May Day Parade
Late May-early June
Laytown Beach Races horse races on the beach, north of Dublin.

June
16 June
Bloomsday Events, readings, re-enactments and performances, commemorating the day in 1904 in which James Joyce's Ulysses is set. For information, contact the James Joyce Centre, 35 N. Great George's St. Phone 878-8547.

August,
Early August:
Dublin Horse Show.
Both a premier sporting and social event, this event features approximately 1,500 horses in 90 showing and jumping competitions. Live music, fashion shows, Irish crafts and a masquerade ball accompany the equestrian competitions. Royal Dublin Society Showgrounds, Ballsbridge. For information: 668-0866

Throughout August
Diversions Temple Bar
Summerlong festival of free outdoor films and music, theater, opera and dance performances. Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, 18 Eustace St. For information: 677-2255.

September
Early-Mid September
All-Ireland Hurling Final
Hurling is a fast-paced sport that is similar to lacrosse. Getting tickets may be difficult as it is popular. For information: contact the Gaelic Athletic Association at 836-3222.

Mid-Late September
All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final Gaelic football is its own sport and is neither soccer nor U.S. football. For information: contact the Gaelic Athletic Association at 836-3222.

Late September - early October
Annual Dublin Theatre Festival
Featuring more than 150 performances of international and Irish theater, the event is considered one of the best festivals for new writers. For information: 677-8439.

Late September - early October
Dublin Fringe Festival.
A showcase for offbeat, quality theatrical and multidisciplinary performances. For information: 677-8511

October
Late October:
Samhain (Halloween) Parade.
Costumed dancers parade through the city center. For information: 855-7154.

End of October
Dublin City Marathon
The Annual Marathon attracts many international competitors and thousands of spectators. The racecourse runs from Nassau Street to Marion Square West. For information: 623-2250.

Early October
Annual Dublin Theatre Festival
Features more than 150 performances of international and Irish theater. this annual event is considered one of the best festivals for new writing. Various venues. For information: 677-8439.

December
Mid -December
National Crafts Fair of Ireland. A variety of Irish crafts are offered for sale. Main Hall, Royal Dublin Society Showgrounds, Ballsbridge. For Information: 670-2186 or 285-9294.

Late December
The Annual Christmas National Hunt Festival competitions at the Leopardstown Racecourse, Leopardstown Road, Foxrock. For Information: 289-3607