Dublin Fringe Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Dublin Fringe Festival, established in 1995, is Ireland’s leading multidisciplinary arts festival, running from September 6–21, 2025, across Dublin. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this curated event showcases contemporary, provocative, and playful works by Irish and international artists. Attracting over 20,000 attendees annually, it transforms Dublin into a vibrant canvas for theatre, dance, comedy, immersive installations, and music.

The festival supports emerging artists through its year-round FRINGE LAB, offering resources, professional development, and a platform for artistic risk-taking. Known for its bold programming, it challenges conventions and fosters discovery, making it a vital part of Dublin’s cultural landscape.

Event Highlights

• Multidisciplinary Performances: Form-busting theatre, electric dance, comedy, and immersive installations across Dublin’s venues.
• FRINGE LAB: Year-round artist support hub for workshops, residencies, and skill development.
• Pay What You Can (PWYC): Affordable ticketing for select shows on September 17, 2025, with tiers for low-income, standard, and supporter options.
• City as Canvas: Performances in non-traditional spaces like streets, pop-up venues, and historic sites.
• Community Engagement: Free events, talks, and workshops to engage new and returning audiences.
• 30th Anniversary: Special programming celebrating three decades of artistic innovation.

Categories

• Music & Arts: Includes dance, immersive installations, and live music performances.
• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Irish storytelling and experimental works rooted in local culture.
• Comedy & Theatre: Features provocative plays, stand-up comedy, and interactive performances.

City

• Dublin, Ireland: Performances are held across Temple Bar, Dublin city centre, and surrounding areas, with the festival office at the Sycamore Building, Temple Bar.

Main Address

• Sycamore Building, Sycamore Street, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland: Festival office and key venue for performances and events.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 6–21, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday).
• Duration: 16 days.

Venue / Location

The festival spans multiple venues across Dublin, from traditional theatres to pop-up and street locations.

• Key Venues:
  • Sycamore Building: Sycamore Street, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (festival hub, performances, FRINGE LAB events).
  • Project Arts Centre: 39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (theatre, dance).
  • Smock Alley Theatre: 6–7 Exchange Street Lower, Temple Bar, Dublin 8 (historic venue for plays, comedy).
  • The Abbey Theatre: 26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (select performances).
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 (experimental shows).
  • Street & Pop-Up Venues: Various locations in Temple Bar and Dublin city centre (e.g., Meeting House Square, Dame Street).
• Note: Venue list expands closer to the festival; check fringefest.com for full details.

Contact Information

• Email: info@fringefest.com
• Phone: +353 1 670 6106
• Website: www.fringefest.com
• Social Media: Follow @dublinfringe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates.
• Office Address: Sycamore Building, Sycamore Street, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets available via fringefest.com or venue box offices (e.g., Project Arts Centre, Smock Alley). PWYC tickets for select shows on September 17, 2025, are bookable online.
• 2025 Pricing (Estimated in USD):
  • Base Ticket Price: ~€15 EUR (~$17.55 USD) per show, based on Visit Dublin’s 2024 average.
  • Pay What You Can (PWYC): Tiered pricing (e.g., low-income ~€5/$5.85 USD, standard ~€15/$17.55 USD, supporter ~€25/$29.25 USD) for shows after 7:00 PM on September 17.
  • Concession Tickets: ~€10–€12 EUR (~$11.70–$14.04 USD) for students, seniors, and the unemployed, available at box offices with a valid ID.
  • Multi-Show Passes: ~€50–€80 EUR (~$58.50–$93.60 USD) for bundles, depending on shows selected.
• Notes:
  • Prices vary by production and venue; some shows may exceed €15.
  • PWYC enhances accessibility; book early for limited spots.
  • Free events (e.g., talks, street performances) require no tickets but may need registration.
  • Confirm pricing and availability on fringefest.com by August 2025.

Cultural Significance

The Dublin Fringe Festival is a cornerstone of Ireland’s cultural scene, celebrating 30 years of bold, innovative art in 2025. It amplifies emerging Irish and international artists, fostering creativity through experimental theatre, dance, and comedy. The festival’s use of Dublin as a canvas—staging performances in streets, historic venues, and pop-ups—creates immersive experiences that reflect contemporary issues and Irish identity. Its FRINGE LAB supports artists year-round, nurturing talent and pushing artistic boundaries. With accessible pricing like PWYC and free events, it welcomes diverse audiences, making art a shared, transformative experience in Dublin’s vibrant cultural hub.

Food & Drinks

• Temple Bar Dining: Enjoy Irish pub fare (e.g., fish and chips, shepherd’s pie) at The Temple Bar Pub (47–48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2) or vegan options at Umi Falafel (13 Dame Street).
• Festival Stalls: Pop-up food trucks in Meeting House Square offer global cuisines (e.g., tacos, bao buns) and Irish craft beers.
• Drinks: Guinness, Irish whiskey, and non-alcoholic options like Rockshore Apple at venue bars.
• Nearby Markets: George’s Street Arcade (South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2) for artisanal snacks and coffee, a 5-minute walk from the Sycamore Building.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Select shows are suitable for children (e.g., interactive theatre, storytelling); check fringefest.com for age ratings.
  • Free street performances in Temple Bar engage all ages.
  • Under-16s require adult supervision for evening shows.
• Accessibility:
  • Sycamore Building, Project Arts Centre, and Smock Alley are wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Samuel Beckett Theatre has partial accessibility; contact info@fringefest.com for specific needs.
  • Audio descriptions and Irish Sign Language (ISL) available for select performances; book via fringefest.com.
  • PWYC scheme enhances financial accessibility for low-income attendees.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km from Temple Bar, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus routes 39, 39A, or 145 to Dame Street or Temple Bar (5-minute walk to Sycamore Building).
  • Luas (Tram): Green Line to Jervis or Red Line to Abbey Street, 5–10-minute walk.
  • Train: Tara Street Station (5-minute walk) via DART from Dublin suburbs.
• By Car: Limited parking near Temple Bar; use Q-Park Christ Church (Werburgh Street, Dublin 8, ~€3.50/hour, $4.10 USD).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or Uber from Dublin Airport (~$20–$30 USD).
• Walking: Most venues are within a 10-minute walk from the Sycamore Building in Temple Bar.

Lineup Information (Based on 2024, Expected 2025 Similarities)

• 2025 Program: The curated lineup will feature 70–80 shows, including theatre, dance, comedy, music, and installations, announced by July 2025 on fringefest.com.
• Sample 2024 Performances (indicative for 2025):
  • Theatre: Here’s Your Tune (Project Arts Centre), a folk musical on Irish identity, ~$17.55 USD.
  • Dance: Under Pressure (Smock Alley), a contemporary piece with live music, ~$20.47 USD.
  • Comedy: Stand-up by Irish comedians like Shane Daniel Byrne at Meeting House Square, ~$14.04 USD.
  • Installations: Immersive art in Temple Bar streets, free or PWYC.
• Expected 2025 Highlights: Emerging Irish artists, international acts from Europe and beyond, and anniversary-themed shows celebrating 30 years.
• Note: Check fringefest.com for the full program and artist announcements.

Past Notable Performances

• Theatre: Ladies in Waiting by Aoife McAtamney (2023), Rape Is Real & Everywhere by Jenni Large (2022).
• Dance: Diatoms by Liz Roche (2024), blending science and movement.
• Comedy: Alison Spittle, Emma Doran, and Tony Cantwell (Irish comedians).
• International Acts: Companies from Canada, Australia, and the UK, showcasing global experimental works.
  These reflect the festival’s commitment to bold, boundary-pushing art.

Educational Impact

• FRINGE LAB: Year-round hub offers workshops, residencies, and mentorship for emerging artists, fostering professional development.
• Talks & Panels: Free events at Sycamore Building discuss artform innovation and cultural trends.
• School Engagement: Workshops for Dublin schools promote theatre and storytelling skills.
• Community Outreach: PWYC and free events ensure broad access, encouraging new audiences to engage with the arts.

Cultural Activities

• Street Performances: Free pop-up shows in Meeting House Square and Temple Bar streets, September 6–21.
• Workshops: Theatre, dance, and writing sessions at FRINGE LAB, ~$11.70–$17.55 USD.
• Immersive Installations: Interactive art in public spaces, often free or PWYC.
• Talks: Artist Q&As and industry panels at Sycamore Building, free with registration.
• Book Fair: Festival brochure and curated literature sales at Meeting House Square.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Popular shows and PWYC tickets sell out; book via fringefest.com by August 2025.
• Weather Prep: September in Dublin (55–65°F) is cool and rainy; pack layers and waterproofs.
• Explore Locally: Visit Trinity College (5-minute walk) or Guinness Storehouse (15-minute walk).
• Public Transport: Use Dublin Bus or Luas; buy a Leap Card (~$10 USD for multi-trip savings).
• Festival App: Download the Dublin Fringe app (iOS/Android) for schedules and venue maps.

Local Attractions

• Trinity College Dublin: College Green, Dublin 2 (5-minute walk, home to the Book of Kells).
• Guinness Storehouse: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8 (15-minute walk).
• Dublin Castle: Dame Street, Dublin 2 (5-minute walk from Sycamore Building).
• Temple Bar Cultural Quarter: Vibrant area with galleries and pubs, festival epicentre.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8 (10-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: The Clarence Hotel (6–8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, $150–$250 USD/night); Fleet Hotel (19–20 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, $100–$180 USD/night).
• Hostels: Kinlay House Dublin (2–12 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Temple Bar or Dublin 1 ($80–$200 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for the September peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Sycamore Building and major venues; nearest hospital is St. James’s Hospital (James’s Street, Dublin 8, 15-minute walk).
• Security: Bag checks at venues; safe crowd management in Temple Bar.
• Health Protocols: Sanitiser stations; optional masks for indoor shows.
• Weather Preparedness: Most venues are indoors; outdoor performances have rain contingencies.