Festival of Nations – Dublin – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Festival of Nations, organized by the Diversity & Multicultural Initiative, is a vibrant celebration of global cultural integration in Dublin, Ireland. Launched in 2016, it transforms Mountjoy Square Park into a multicultural hub, showcasing music, dance, food, and traditions from over 30 countries.

Now in its ninth year, the 2025 edition on 24 August will feature family-friendly activities like the Parade of Nations, cultural stands, and performances, drawing thousands to celebrate diversity in Dublin’s northeast inner city. The festival, supported by Dublin City Council, is free and emphasizes inclusion, with past events featuring Afro-Irish drum performances and Bollywood dance.

Event Highlights

• Parade of Nations: A colorful procession of participants in national dress, 24 August, 12:30 PM, Mountjoy Square Park, free.
• Music & Dance Performances: Shows including Zouk Dance, Alma Boliviana, Bollywood Fusion, Casa Peru, and Mundo Capoeira, 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:30 PM, Mountjoy Square Park, free.
• Cultural Stands: 50+ stalls showcasing crafts, food, and information from various countries, 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, free.
• Workshops: Cultural activities like drum lessons and craft-making, 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, free.
• Face-Painting: Family-friendly activity for kids, 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, free.
• Food Stalls: Global cuisines from vendors, 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, ~$5–$15 USD.

City

• Dublin, Ireland: Held in Mountjoy Square Park, in the northeast inner city, a hub of multiculturalism near Dublin’s historic Georgian district.

Main Event Address

• Mountjoy Square Park: Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1, D01 YX33, Ireland.
• Administrative Contact: Diversity & Multicultural Initiative, c/o Dublin City Centre, Dublin, D01 (inquiries only, exact address TBD).
• Note: All events at Mountjoy Square Park; check www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com for updates.

Date & Duration

• Date: 24 August 2025 (Saturday).
• Duration: 1 day.
• Opening Times: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• Mountjoy Square Park: Open-air park in Dublin 1, hosting all festival activities, including stages, stalls, and workshops.
• Note: Single venue confirmed for 2025; full programme TBD July 2025 at www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com or www.diversitymediacentre.com/irelandsfestivalofnations.

Contact Information

• Email: Not provided; use contact form at www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com or www.diversitymediacentre.com/irelandsfestivalofnations.
• Phone: Not provided; inquiries via website contact form.
• Websites:
  • www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com
  • www.diversitymediacentre.com/irelandsfestivalofnations
• Social Media: Follow @IrelandsFestivalofNations on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IrelandsFestivalofNations).
• Registration: No registration required; all events free and open to the public.

Ticket Information

• How to Attend: All events are free, no tickets or registration required. First-come, first-served for workshops and activities with limited capacity. Contact via www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com for group inquiries or accessibility needs.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.17 USD as of August 2025):
  • All Events: $0 (free, supported by Dublin City Council and Diversity & Multicultural Initiative).
  • Food Stalls: ~$5–$15 USD for optional purchases.
• Additional Notes:
  • Donations are optional at some stalls; access is not dependent on contributions.
  • No resale or ticketing restrictions, as entry is free.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates global cultures and Dublin’s multiculturalism.
• Events & Festivals: One-day festival with diverse activities.
• Food & Drinks: Features international cuisines at food stalls.

Cultural Significance

The Festival of Nations, since 2016, has been a key platform for showcasing Dublin’s multicultural identity, bringing together communities from over 30 countries. Held in Mountjoy Square, described as the “centre of multiculturalism in Ireland,” it fosters inclusion through free access to music, dance, and cultural displays. Supported by Dublin City Council, it promotes unity and diversity, boosting local engagement and tourism in Dublin’s inner city.

Food & Drinks

• Mountjoy Square Park: Food stalls offering global cuisines (e.g., African, Asian, Latin American), ~$5–$15 USD.
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Winding Stair: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 (Irish, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute drive).
  • Brother Hubbard: 153 Capel Street, Dublin 1 (Mediterranean, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute drive).
  • The Church: Mary Street, Dublin 1 (pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute drive).
  • Yamamori: 71 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2 (Japanese, $15–$30 USD, 10-minute drive).
• Alcohol Policy: Limited alcohol at food stalls (e.g., brewery tastings); no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • All events are suitable for all ages, including face-painting and workshops, free with supervision for kids under 16.
• Accessibility:
  • Mountjoy Square Park is wheelchair-accessible with flat pathways.
  • Contact via www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com for accommodations or ISL-interpreted events (details July 2025).
  • Free access enhances affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km, 15-minute drive to Mountjoy Square).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus Routes 1, 11, or 13 to Parnell Street (5-minute walk to Mountjoy Square).
  • Luas: Green Line to Dominick Stop (10-minute walk).
• By Car: Paid parking at Parnell Square (~$3.50 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or Uber from DUB (~$10–$20 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Parade of Nations: 24 August, 12:30 PM, Mountjoy Square Park, free.
  • Music & Dance Performances: 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:30 PM, featuring Zouk Dance, Bollywood Fusion, etc., free.
  • Cultural Stands: 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, 50+ stalls, free.
  • Face-Painting: 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, free.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Workshops: 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, drum lessons and crafts, free.
  • Food Stalls: 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM, global cuisines, ~$5–$15 USD.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed events; based on 2019 details (e.g., Afro-Irish drum performances). Full schedule TBD July 2025 at www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2019 Highlights: Afro-Irish Drum and Dance, Zouk Dance, Alma Boliviana, Bollywood Fusion, Casa Peru, Mundo Capoeira at Mountjoy Square.
• Past Achievements: Grew from debut in 2016 to attracting thousands by 2019, praised by Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe for showcasing Dublin’s diversity.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Dublin vendors and cultural organizations.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at Mountjoy Square Park; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Free sessions on global cultures (e.g., drumming, crafts), 24 August.
• Cultural Stands: Educational displays on international traditions, free.
• Community Engagement: Promotes inclusion for migrants, refugees, and underrepresented groups, aligning with diversity goals.

Cultural Activities

• Parade of Nations: Free procession, 24 August, 12:30 PM.
• Music & Dance: Free performances, 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:30 PM.
• Cultural Stands: Free exhibits, 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.
• Workshops: Free cultural activities, 24 August, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.
• Face-Painting: Free for kids, 24 August, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.

Travel Tips

• Plan Ahead: Arrive early for workshops (first-come, first-served). Check www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com in July 2025 for the schedule.
• Weather Prep: August in Dublin (55–65°F) is mild but rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Dublin Castle (10-minute drive, $8 USD) or Trinity College (10-minute drive, $10 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.irelandsfestivalofnations.com (no app).

Local Attractions

• Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (10-minute drive, $8 USD). Historic site.
• Trinity College: College Green, Dublin 2 (10-minute drive, $10 USD). Book of Kells.
• National Museum of Ireland: Kildare Street, Dublin 2 (10-minute drive, free). Cultural exhibits.
• Phoenix Park: Dublin 8 (15-minute drive, free). Europe’s largest urban park.
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 (10-minute drive, $20 USD).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Morrison: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 ($120–$250 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
  • Maldron Hotel Parnell Square: Parnell Square, Dublin 1 ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Abbey Court Hostel, Bachelors Walk ($20–$50 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Airbnb: Dublin apartments ($60–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the August peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Mountjoy Square Park; nearest hospital is Mater Misericordiae (5-minute drive).
• Security: Garda presence; minimal bag checks.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for crowded areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Open-air event; bring umbrellas for rain.