Open House Dublin – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Open House Dublin, Ireland’s largest architecture festival, is organized by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and takes place from 11–19 October 2025 across Dublin city and county. Launched in 2005, it has grown from a weekend event to a nine-day celebration, attracting tens of thousands in 2024 with over 200 free events. Part of the Open House Worldwide and Open House Europe networks, the 2025 festival, themed “Future Heritage,” offers building tours, talks, workshops, exhibitions, and a dedicated Open House Junior weekend for families. It promotes inclusivity with sensory and ISL tours, emphasizing equitable access to Dublin’s built environment.

Event Highlights

• Open House Junior Weekend: Family-friendly workshops and tours, 11–12 October, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, venues like the Chester Beatty Library, free.
• Building Tours: Guided visits to landmarks (e.g., MoLI, Trinity College Library), 18–19 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, free, some pre-booked.
• Open Studios: Behind-the-scenes architect studio tours, 18–19 October, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, free, pre-booked.
• Talks and Discussions: Open Table series on housing and sustainability, 13–17 October, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM, Charlemont Walk Info Hub, free.
• Exhibitions: Displays on Dublin’s architecture, 11–19 October, DLR LexIcon, free.
• Special Tours: Sensory and ISL tours at National Gallery of Ireland, 18–19 October, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, free, pre-booked.

City

• Dublin, Ireland: Ireland’s capital, renowned for its Georgian architecture, cultural landmarks like Trinity College, and a vibrant arts scene.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland: UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin, D02 NH79 (tours, tactile tours).
  • Trinity College Library: College Green, Dublin, D02 PN40 (building tours).
  • National Gallery of Ireland: Merrion Square West, Dublin, D02 K303 (sensory tours).
  • dlr LexIcon: Haigh Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 H283 (exhibitions).
  • Charlemont Walk Info Hub: Charlemont Walk, Dublin, D02 (talks, exhibitions).
• Administrative Contact: Irish Architecture Foundation, 15 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1, D01 EA02 (inquiries only).
• Note: Additional venues (e.g., Dún Laoghaire Baths, Swords Castle) TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Date & Duration

• Dates: 11–19 October 2025 (Saturday–Sunday).
• Duration: 9 days.
• Opening Times (Estimated):
  • Open House Junior: 11–12 October, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
  • Talks: 13–17 October, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM.
  • Main Weekend (Tours, Studios, Exhibitions): 18–19 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Note: Times speculative except for confirmed dates; full schedule TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Venue / Location

• MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland: Literary museum, accessible, tactile tours.
• Trinity College Library: Historic library, accessible, with guided tours.
• National Gallery of Ireland: Art gallery, accessible, sensory/ISL tours.
• dlr LexIcon: Modern library, accessible, exhibitions.
• Charlemont Walk Info Hub: Festival hub, accessible, talks/exhibitions.
• Additional Venues: Dún Laoghaire Baths (Windsor Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, A96 H2PP), Swords Castle (Bridge Street, Swords, K67 X439), Samuel Beckett Community Centre (School Rd, Saggart, D24 V04D), speculative.
• Note: Full venue list TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@architecturefoundation.ie (general inquiries); bookings@architecturefoundation.ie (ticketing); karenlee.walpole@architecturefoundation.ie (accessibility, festivals).
• Phone: +353 1 874 7200 (general); +353 1 874 7203 (bookings); +353 87 465 2252 (accessibility).
• Website: www.openhousedublin.com
• Social Media: Follow @OpenHouseDublin on Facebook, Instagram, X.
• Ticketing: Pre-booking for select events via www.openhousedublin.com (opens 19 September 2025). Use MY OHD to save favorites (account required). Contact bookings@architecturefoundation.ie for group bookings or accessibility.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: All events free; some require pre-booking via www.openhousedublin.com (opens 19 September 2025, 9:00 AM). Register/log in to MY OHD to save favorites (not booking). Click the ‘Book’ button on event listings. No-show fee (~$2 USD) for cancellations less than 48 hours in advance. Contact bookings@architecturefoundation.ie for accessibility or group bookings.
• 2025 Pricing:
  • All Events: Free (per web results and IAF policy).
  • No-Show Fee: ~$2 USD for select events if not cancelled 48 hours in advance.
  • Concession/Student/Kids: Not applicable, as all events are free.
• Additional Notes:
  • Free access aligns with IAF’s inclusivity mission, per the provided data and web results.
  • Full programme TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Categories

• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Dublin’s architectural heritage.
• Events & Festivals: Nine-day festival with free tours, talks, and workshops.
• Education & Learning: Educational talks and Open House Junior for families.

Cultural Significance

Open House Dublin, in its 20th year, is a cornerstone of Ireland’s cultural calendar, promoting architecture’s role in society. The 2025 theme, “Future Heritage,” shared with Open House Europe, reflects on Dublin’s built environment and inclusivity. With sensory and ISL tours, it ensures access for all, including blind, D/deaf, and marginalized communities, reinforcing Dublin’s status as a culturally vibrant capital.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Snacks and drinks at select venues (e.g., dlr LexIcon, Charlemont Walk Info Hub, ~$5–$15 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Green Hen: 33 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 (French, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk from MoLI).
  • The Old Storehouse: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (Irish pub fare, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from Trinity College Library).
  • Gerry’s Coffee Shop: 8 Montague Street, Dublin 2 (coffee/light bites, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk from National Gallery).
  • The Harbourmaster: IFSC, Dublin 1 (modern dining, $15–$25 USD, 5-minute walk from Charlemont Walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at select venues and nearby bars; no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Open House Junior (11–12 October) offers workshops and tours for kids, free with supervision.
  • Main weekend events suitable for families, some with capacity limits.
• Accessibility:
  • Sensory tours (National Gallery), tactile tours (MoLI, RCSI), and ISL tours for the D/deaf community.
  • All venues (e.g., MoLI, Trinity College Library) are wheelchair-accessible with ramps.
  • Visual interpreting via AIRA; contact karenlee.walpole@architecturefoundation.ie for accommodations.
  • Full accessibility details TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Getting There

• By Air: Dublin Airport (DUB, 10 km, 20-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Dublin Bus to O’Connell Street (5-minute walk to Charlemont Walk).
  • Tram: Luas Green Line to St Stephen’s Green (5-minute walk to MoLI).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Connolly Station (10-minute walk to Trinity College Library).
• By Car: Paid parking at Q-Park Dawson Street (~$3 USD/hour, 5-minute walk to National Gallery).
• Rideshare: Free Now or Uber from DUB (~$15–$25 USD).

Program Details (Estimated for 2025)

• Confirmed Events:
  • Open House Junior: 11–12 October, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Chester Beatty Library, others, free.
  • Main Festival: 18–19 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, various venues, free.
• Hypothetical Events:
  • Building Tours: 18–19 October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, MoLI, Trinity College Library, free, some pre-booked.
  • Open Studios: 18–19 October, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, architect studios, free, pre-booked.
  • Open Table Talks: 13–17 October, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM, Charlemont Walk Info Hub, free.
  • Exhibitions: 11–19 October, dlr LexIcon, free.
  • Sensory/ISL Tours: 18–19 October, National Gallery, MoLI, free, pre-booked.
• Note: Programme speculative except for confirmed dates and format; full details TBD September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Sensory tours at National Gallery, ISL tours at RCSI, Dún Laoghaire Baths tour (AR Public Awards winner), Open House Junior LEGO competition.
• Past Achievements: Expanded from 150+ events in 2023 to 200+ in 2024, with 1.5 million engaged since 2005.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Collaborates with Dublin venues and local authorities.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venues; digital programmes encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.openhousedublin.com.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Open House Junior (11–12 October) includes LEGO competitions, photo collage workshops, free.
• Talks: Open Table series (13–17 October) on housing, sustainability, free.
• Community Engagement: Free events promote architectural education and inclusivity for all communities.

Cultural Activities

• Building Tours: Free guided tours, 18–19 October, MoLI, Trinity College Library.
• Open Studios: Free architect studio visits, 18–19 October.
• Exhibitions: Free displays, 11–19 October, dlr LexIcon.
• Workshops: Free family workshops, 11–12 October, Chester Beatty Library.
• Talks: Free discussions, 13–17 October, Charlemont Walk Info Hub.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Pre-booking opens 19 September 2025 at www.openhousedublin.com; limited spaces for some tours.
• Weather Prep: October in Dublin (45–55°F) is cool and rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit Temple Bar (5-minute walk, free), Dublin Castle (10-minute walk, $10 USD).
• Public Transport: Use a Leap Card for Dublin Bus/Luas (~$10 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.openhousedublin.com (no app).

Local Attractions

• Dublin Castle: Sandford Road, Dublin 2 (10-minute walk, $10 USD). Historic site.
• Temple Bar: Dublin 2 (5-minute walk, free). Cultural quarter.
• Guinness Storehouse: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8 (15-minute walk, $25 USD). Brewery tour.
• Phoenix Park: Dublin 8 (15-minute drive, free). Europe’s largest urban park.
• Christ Church Cathedral: Christchurch Place, Dublin 8 (10-minute walk, $10 USD). Historic cathedral.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Morrison: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1 ($150–$300 USD/night, 5-minute walk to Charlemont Walk).
  • The Shelbourne: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 ($200–$400 USD/night, 5-minute walk to MoLI).
• B&Bs: Harding Hotel, Fishamble Street, Dublin 8 ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk to Trinity College Library).
• Hostels: Abbey Court Hostel, 29 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1 ($20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk to Charlemont Walk).
• Airbnb: Dublin apartments ($50–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the October peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; nearest hospital is St James’s Hospital (15-minute drive).
• Security: Volunteer stewards at events; bag checks at high-traffic venues like the National Gallery.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks indoors.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venues; umbrellas for outdoor tours.