September
Sat 10 - Sun 25: Absolut Dublin Fringe Festival, Various Locations.
One of the most hotly anticipated festivals of Dublin’s cultural calendar, the city will come alive for 16 days and nights with performance art, music, theatre and entertainment. The Festival is renowned for pushing boundaries and challenging perspectives, so keep posted on all the action at
www.fringefest.com.
Sun 18: GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Final. Croke Park Stadium, St. Joseph Ave, D3.
It's Dublin v Kerry as the counties battle it out for the country's highest sporting honour. The match kicks off at 15:30 and will grace the TV screens of pretty much every pub in town. For full details go to
www.gaa.ie.
Thur 22: Arthur's Day, Various Locations.
After the success of 2009's 250th anniversary Guinness celebrations, Arthur’s Day has now become an annual event. Join the crowds at their favourite pubs by raising a glass to Sir Arthur Guinness, founder of the Black Stuff, at precisely 17:59 (1759 being the year he founded the famous brewing company). Music gigs in pubs and venues across the city are now sold out, but that doesn't stop you from enjoying the day at a friendly Dublin hostelry. To Arthur! Find out more at
www.guinness.com.
Thur 22 Sept - Sun 10 Oct: Oktoberfest, Georges Dock, IFSC.
Get stuck into some traditional German food, drink, music and entertainment at this Munich-inspired event. For more info visit
www.oktoberfest-dublin.com.
Fri 23: Dublin Culture Night, Various Locations.
For one night only, venues and attractions open their doors for this fab free event. Join the fun, festive atmosphere as Dubliners and tourists make the most of the city’s culture spots. Hundreds of activities, including concerts, performances, tours and workshops, will keep you entertained as night descends. For a list of venues and activities visit
www.culturenight.ie.
October
Thur 29 Sept - Sun 16 Oct: Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival, Various Locations.
Presenting the best in national and international theatre, this prestigious event encompasses the city’s best cultural venues. For details visit
www.dublintheatrefestival.com.
Thur 6 - Sun 9: Open House, Various Locations.
Take a look beyond the hall door of some of the city’s most historic buildings and get an insight into the architectural planning involved in creating Dublin’s landmarks. Talks, lectures, tours, debates and a dedicated programme for kids will open the issue of architectural importance to a brand new audience. Irish Architecture Foundation, 8 Merrion Square, D2,
www.architecturefoundation.ie.
Fri 21 - Sun 30: Dublin Puppet Festival, Various Locations, city centre, Bray and Dun Laoghaire.International performances and some of the best Irish puppeteers entertain the crowds at this 20th anniversary event. Scan the line-up and grab your ticket at
www.puppetfest.ie.
Mon 31: National Lottery Dublin Marathon, Dublin City Centre.
Now in its 31st year, this feat of athleticism will take runners, joggers and walkers through the historic streets of the capital. Traffic restrictions will be in place so even if you’re not participating it’s probably easier to negotiate the city on foot during the eight-hour run. And if you see participants scuttling by, be sure to lend some encouragement. To find out more visit
www.dublinmarathon.ie.
November
Fri 4 - Sun 6: Art Fair 2011, RDS Main Hall.
Showcasing over one hundred artists and galleries from Ireland and abroad, this annual event features a dazzling array of painting, sculpture, photography and prints. For more info and to book tickets visit
www.rds.ie/artfair.
Sun 13: Dublin Toy and Train Fair, Clontarf Castle, Castle Avenue, Clontarf, D3.
Fall in love again with all your old favourites as hundreds of vintage toy store goodies are brough together by over forty local and international dealers. Visit
www.dun-laoghaire.com/dir/toyfair.
Fri 25 - Sun 27: Taste of Christmas, The Convention Centre Dublin, North Wall Quay, D1.
Enjoy festive food samples from the city’s best restaurants and see cooking demonstrations that might inspire your Christmas feast. There’s even some Christmas and beauty fashion, so you’ll be fully prepared. For more info visit
www.tasteofchristmas.ie.