Food festivals in Dublin worth planning a trip around, by month.

Festivals through the year

Taste of Dublin ★ 4.4

JuneMid-June, 4 daysTicket neededsouth-city-centre

Taste of Dublin on Merrion Square in Dublin, an annual June multi-cuisine open-air festival with chef demos, twenty Dublin restaurants and producer marketplace.

Focus: Multi-cuisine outdoor festival on Merrion Square

Tip: Standard entry from EUR 19.50; the Häagen-Dazs VIP Suite at EUR 52.50. Thursday afternoon is the calmest session.

Merrion Square, Dublin 2

Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival ★ 4.5

MayLate May, 3 days (Friday evening plus Saturday and Sunday)howth-suburb

Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival at Howth Harbour in Co Dublin, an annual free entry seafood festival with chef demos, oyster bar and boat tours, now in a late-May summer slot.

Focus: Irish seafood with chef demos and boat tours

Tip: Free entry; chef demos run on the West Pier stage. DART from Connolly Station; arrive 11:00 to beat the lunch queue.

West Pier and Harbour Road, Howth, Co Dublin

Dublin Coffee Festival ★ 4.3

AprilEarly April, 3 days (Friday evening plus weekend)Ticket neededranelagh-ballsbridge

Dublin Coffee Festival at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, an annual April weekend of specialty coffee with brewing competitions, latte art, workshops and roaster stalls.

Focus: Specialty coffee, brewing competitions, latte art

Tip: Weekend pass is the value; Friday evening adds an Industry session. The brewing competition runs Saturday.

RDS, Dublin 4

Whiskey Live Dublin ★ 4.4

JuneEarly June, 2 daysTicket neededranelagh-ballsbridge

Whiskey Live Dublin at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Ireland's premier whiskey festival, two days of distillery stands, masterclasses and rare-bottle pours in early June.

Focus: Irish whiskey tastings, masterclasses, distillery showcases

Tip: General admission and masterclass packages available; book masterclasses early as they sell out first.

RDS, Dublin 4

Bloomsday Festival ★ 4.4

JuneMid-June, single day on 16 Junesouth-city-centre

Bloomsday Festival on 16 June in Dublin, the annual James Joyce Ulysses literary festival, with Edwardian breakfasts and the Gorgonzola sandwich at Davy Byrnes pub.

Focus: Joycean Edwardian breakfast and Gorgonzola sandwich pubs

Tip: Davy Byrnes serves the canonical Gorgonzola sandwich and Burgundy at lunch. James Joyce Centre runs the breakfast; book a week ahead.

James Joyce Centre, 35 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1

Food Festivals in Dublin, FAQ

When is the best time to eat in Dublin?

Peak food season in Dublin is year-round.

What time do people eat in Dublin?

Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.

How does tipping work in Dublin?

service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.

What is the one dish to try in Dublin?

Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Dublin rewards trust.

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