55 Years. 65 Events. 7 Days.
The Liberties Festival returns from Monday July 21 to Sunday July 27, celebrating the vibrant heart of Dublin 8 with a packed programme of free and ticketed events — now available to book on takeyourseats.ie!
From spoken word and music premieres to community walks, workshops, and local brews, this year’s festival is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Liberties.
Festival Highlights
Holding Space
A scent poem and sensory experience by artist Erin Quinn, created through community workshops.
📍 Bridgefoot Street Park, July 22–24
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immersive art, scent installation, Erin Quinn
Talking Shop
Pop-up conversations with local businesses, in partnership with Dublin Inquirer and the Night-Time Economy Advisor.
📍 Various locations, July 23–25
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local business talks, Dublin Inquirer, night-time economy
Festival Launch: Sheila O’Flanagan & Seán O’Connor
In conversation with Festival Director Michael McDermott.
📍 St Catherine’s Church, July 21, 7pm
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author talk, Liberties stories, Sheila O’Flanagan
Says She: Jan Brierton & Martina Keegan
Poetry and spoken word evening themed “Do You Remember the First Time”.
📍 St Catherine’s Church, July 22, 7pm
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spoken word, community poetry, Jan Brierton
Music in St Audoen’s: The Singing Hollow
World premiere organ composition by Sebastian Adams.
📍 St Audoen’s Church, July 23, 6.30pm
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organ music, Sebastian Adams, medieval church concert
Pat Curran: Untold Lives – People and Places of Dublin
A powerful exhibition exploring social justice through art.
đź“Ť The Bank on Thomas Street, July 24, 6.30pm
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Dublin art, Pat Curran, social justice exhibition
A Matter of Time Vol. 2
Photography, printmaking, and sound installation exploring labour and locality.
📍 Tailor’s Hall, July 24, 7pm
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Dublin 8 art, sound installation, local culture
Community & Culture
The Liberties Festival Brew: A limited edition Batch Bread Red Nitro Ale crafted by Guinness Open Gate Brewery, available in 15 Dublin 8 pubs until August 31.
Open Call Events: Including The Sound of the Liberties sound walk and All My Friends Are in Australia theatre premiere.
Returning Favourites: Blue Rinse Ball, Liberties Fun Run, Sunrise Yoga, Church Bingo, and more.
Free Events: Walks, workshops, tours, screenings, and open mic nights across the Liberties.
Festival Director Michael McDermott says:
“This year’s programme is about rediscovering connections and celebrating the essence of community.”
Tickets are now available at takeyourseats.ie. Many events are free, with suggested donations supporting future programming.
Festival Supporters
The Liberties Festival is proudly supported by its core funders: Dublin City Council and Diageo Ireland.
Additional supporters include:
OPW, Staycity, Ballymore, Heritage Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, Donore Credit Union, HSSCU (Health Services Staffs Credit Union), Aloft, IMMA, Lucky’s, The Liberty Belle, Cut Price Jewellers, Tom Kennedy’s.
Participating pubs serving Batch Bread Red:
The Lark Inn, Lucky’s, Harkins, Tom Kennedy’s, The Liberty Belle, Thomas House, Swift, The Christchurch Inn, Dudley’s, Molly’s, Aloft, The Fourth Corner, Peadar Browns, Hyatt Hotel, Guinness Open Gate Brewery.
Media Partners:
Dublin Inquirer and RTÉ Supporting the Arts
