Bram Stoker Festival – Dublin – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Bram Stoker Festival, organized by Dublin City Council and produced by Schweppe Curtis Nunn Ltd., celebrates the legacy of Dublin-born author Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula. Running from October 31 to November 3, 2025, over Halloween weekend, it transforms Dublin into a gothic playground with events inspired by Stoker’s life, the Victorian era, and supernatural themes.

Launched in 2012, the festival attracts over 30,000 attendees annually, blending film, music, theatre, and family-friendly activities like Stokerland. From cathedral performances to street parades, it celebrates Dublin’s cultural vibrancy and Stoker’s global literary impact, making it one of Ireland’s largest arts festivals.

Event Highlights

• Gothic Programming: Film screenings with live scores (Kwaidan), choral performances (Songs of the Spirits), and gothic theatre.
• Stokerland: Family-friendly zone with discos, workshops, and face-painting.
• Macnas Parade: Spectacular street procession with gothic-themed floats (TBD for 2025).
• Free Events: Storytelling, parades, and outdoor spectacles in Dublin squares.
• Accessibility: Detailed venue accessibility info, relaxed and ISL-interpreted performances.
• Literary Focus: Talks and exhibits on Stoker’s life, featuring Dacre Stoker, his great-grandnephew.

Categories

• Music & Arts: Includes live-scored films, choral performances, and visual art exhibits.
• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates Stoker’s Irish heritage and Victorian gothic themes.
• Comedy & Theatre: Features gothic plays, storytelling, and comedic performances.
• Family-Friendly: Offers Stokerland and children’s activities.

City

• Dublin, Ireland: Events span Dublin city centre, Temple Bar, and cultural venues, creating a city-wide gothic celebration.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Dublin city centre, with key events at National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland: Central hub for major performances like Kwaidan and Songs of the Spirits.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 31–November 3, 2025 (Friday–Monday, Halloween weekend).
• Duration: 4 days.

Venue / Location

The festival unfolds across Dublin’s cultural landmarks, streets, and pop-up spaces.

• Key Venues:
  • National Concert Hall: Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2 (Kwaidan film screening, live score).
  • St. Ann’s Church: 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 (Songs of the Spirits musical performance).
  • Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (outdoor spectacles, talks).
  • Meeting House Square: Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (Stokerland, free family events).
  • Smock Alley Theatre: 6–7 Exchange Street Lower, Dublin 8 (gothic theatre).
  • The Ark: 11A Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (children’s events).
• Note: Full venue list and Macnas Parade details announced in September 2025; check bramstokerfestival.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@bramstokerfestival.com (general); info@takeyourseats.ie (ticketing); volunteer@bramstokerfestival.com (volunteering); corinna@bramstokerfestival.com (business/traders).
• Phone: +353 1 518 0599 (ticketing via Take Your Seats).
• Website: www.bramstokerfestival.com
• Social Media: Follow @bramstokerfest on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates.
• Key Contacts: Maria Schweppe (Co-Director, maria@bramstokerfestival.com), Tom Lawlor (Co-Director, tom@bramstokerfestival.com), Joe Murphy (Producer, joe@bramstokerfestival.com).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets via bramstokerfestival.com (individual event pages) or Take Your Seats (+353 1 518 0599, info@takeyourseats.ie). On-door sales at venues (card preferred, cash accepted with exact change).
• 2025 Pricing (Based on Early-Listed Events in USD):
  • Kwaidan (Film + Live Score): €22–€34 EUR (~$24.64–$38.08 USD), National Concert Hall.
  • Songs of the Spirits (Music Show): €15 EUR (~$16.80 USD, incl. €1 booking fee), St. Ann’s Church.
  • Free Events: Stokerland, Macnas Parade (TBD), storytelling, and street spectacles.
  • Estimated Other Events: Theatre and talks ~€10–€25 EUR (~$11.20–$28 USD), based on 2024 trends.
• Notes:
  • Full program and pricing announced in September 2025; book early for high-demand events.
  • Booking fee (~€1, $1.12 USD) applies via Take Your Seats; no refunds/exchanges.
  • Waiting lists may be available for sold-out shows; check event pages.
  • Free events require no tickets but may need registration.

Cultural Significance

The Bram Stoker Festival is a vibrant celebration of Dublin’s literary heritage, honoring Bram Stoker’s Dracula and his gothic legacy. It transforms Dublin into a supernatural stage, blending Victorian aesthetics with modern performances in cathedrals, theatres, and streets. The festival’s inclusive programming—free events, Stokerland, and accessible performances—engages diverse audiences, from families to gothic enthusiasts. By showcasing Stoker’s life through talks by Dacre Stoker and events rooted in Dublin’s history, it reinforces the city’s cultural identity. Its economic impact, drawing 30,000 visitors, boosts local businesses during Halloween weekend.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Bars at National Concert Hall and Smock Alley offer Guinness, Irish whiskey (~$5–$8 USD), and snacks (popcorn, sandwiches, ~$3–$6 USD).
• Stokerland: Food stalls at Meeting House Square with family-friendly options (e.g., hot dogs, vegan wraps, ~$8–$12 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Old Storehouse: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (Irish pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from Smock Alley).
  • Cornucopia: 19 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 (vegan/vegetarian, $12–$20 USD, near St. Ann’s Church).
  • Café en Seine: 40 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 (modern Irish, $15–$25 USD, near National Concert Hall).
• Alcohol Policy: Venue bars only; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Stokerland at Meeting House Square offers free discos, face-painting, and workshops; suitable for all ages.
  • Other events (e.g., storytelling at Dublin Castle) are family-friendly; check age guidance on bramstokerfestival.com.
  • Under-18s require adult supervision for ticketed evening events.
• Accessibility:
  • National Concert Hall, St. Ann’s Church, and Smock Alley are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • The Ark and Dublin Castle have partial access; contact info@takeyourseats.ie for accommodations.
  • Relaxed performances and ISL interpretation for select shows; details announced September 2025.
  • Accessibility info on event pages includes ticketing, arrival, entry, bathrooms, and seating details, per 2024 consultant Louise Bruton’s work.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km, 20-minute drive from city centre).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus routes 11, 16 to Dawson Street (5-minute walk to National Concert Hall) or Dame Street (near Dublin Castle).
  • Luas (Tram): Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green (5-minute walk to St. Ann’s Church).
  • DART: Tara Street Station (5-minute walk to Smock Alley).
  • Dublin Bikes: Stations near Temple Bar and Earlsfort Terrace; use dublinbikes.ie.
• By Car: Parking at Q-Park Stephen’s Green (near National Concert Hall, ~€3.50/hour, $3.92 USD) or Temple Bar (near Smock Alley, ~€3/hour, $3.36 USD).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or Uber from DUB (~$20–$30 USD).

Program Details (Based on Early 2025 Listings and Historical Trends)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Kwaidan (Film + Live Score): Irish premiere, National Concert Hall, October 31–November 3, €24–$38 USD (€22–€34 EUR), gothic Japanese tales with live music.
  • Songs of the Spirits — East Meets West: St. Ann’s Church, October 31–November 3, ~$17 USD (€15 EUR incl. fee), choral performance blending Eastern and Western traditions.
• Expected 2025 Events:
  • Stokerland: Meeting House Square, free, family-friendly with discos, face-painting, and workshops.
  • Macnas Parade: Dublin city centre (TBD, likely November 1), free gothic street spectacle.
  • Gothic Theatre: Smock Alley or The Ark, ~$11.20–$28 USD (€10–€25 EUR), based on 2024 plays like Dracula Untold.
  • Literary Talks: Dublin Castle, free or ~$11.20 USD, with Dacre Stoker on Bram’s journals.
  • Storytelling: Free sessions at Meeting House Square, exploring Irish gothic folklore.
• Note: Full program announced September 2025; sign up for newsletter at bramstokerfestival.com.

Past Notable Performances

• Film: Nosferatu with live score (2023), Dracula (1922 silent, 2022).
• Theatre: Dracula Untold (2024, Smock Alley), Carmilla (2023, The Ark).
• Music: Gothic choral performances at Christ Church Cathedral (2022).
• Spectacles: Macnas Parade with Danse Macabre theme (2023).
  These highlight the festival’s gothic and Stoker-inspired focus.

Educational Impact

• Literary Talks: Free sessions at Dublin Castle with Dacre Stoker, exploring Bram’s journals and Dracula’s impact.
• Workshops: Stokerland offers free children’s storytelling and art workshops, fostering creativity.
• School Outreach: Programs for Dublin schools, promoting Gothic literature and theatre.
• Accessibility Education: Venue accessibility details, guided by consultant Louise Bruton, enhance inclusive event planning.

Cultural Activities

• Macnas Parade: Free street spectacle, likely November 1, with gothic floats and performers (TBD).
• Stokerland: Free family zone at Meeting House Square, October 31–November 3, with discos and crafts.
• Storytelling: Free gothic tales at Dublin Castle or Meeting House Square, daily.
• Literary Exhibits: Free displays on Stoker’s life at the National Concert Hall, October 31–November 3.
• Workshops: Theatre and writing sessions at Smock Alley, ~$11.20–$16.80 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets for Kwaidan and Songs of the Spirits sell out; book via bramstokerfestival.com in September 2025.
• Weather Prep: October/November in Dublin (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Trinity College (5-minute walk from Smock Alley) or Guinness Storehouse (15-minute walk from Dublin Castle).
• Public Transport: Use a Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART.
• Festival Info: Check bramstokerfestival.com for digital schedules (no dedicated app).

Local Attractions

• Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (festival venue, $8 USD entry for tours).
• Trinity College Dublin: College Green, Dublin 2 (5-minute walk, Book of Kells, $20 USD).
• Guinness Storehouse: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8 (15-minute walk, $25 USD).
• Temple Bar Cultural Quarter: Near Smock Alley, vibrant with pubs and galleries.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8 (10-minute walk, $10 USD).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Clarence Hotel: 6–8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 ($150–$250 USD/night).
  • The Morrison: Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 ($120–$200 USD/night).
• Hostels: Kinlay House Dublin (2–12 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Temple Bar or Dublin 2 ($80–$200 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for Halloween peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at National Concert Hall and Dublin Castle; nearest hospital is St. James’s Hospital (James’s Street, Dublin 8, 10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at ticketed venues; Garda presence for parades.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor events.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues and tents for outdoor events; bring sturdy shoes.