May is a particularly exciting time in Dublin, with several international festivals taking place in the city this month. There are plenty of amazing things to do this May in Dublin.
A new zipline has just opened, providing incredible views and spring has sprung, bringing with it lambs and beautiful flowers. Check out this list of amazing May activities in Dublin for some inspiration.
1. Experience Dublin Dance Festival
Every May, dance comes to Dublin in a big way, with the annual Dublin Dance Festival. This year it will run from May 16-28 and dance groups from across the world will be performing at different locations across the city.
The cost of tickets depends on the performance you’re looking to watch but they range from around €10 to €40 and there are some world-class dance groups like Schauspielhaus Zürich Dance Ensemble performing. You can grab tickets on the website.
2. Enjoy A Night At The Opera
On May 13, the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral will host a programme of incredible opera and operetta performances by the highly acclaimed London Concertante. Watch these talented professionals by the light of hundreds of tiny candles, making the experience even more enchanting.
A Night At The Opera will be an evening affair, from 8 pm – 10 pm and you can expect to hear the likes of Puccini – “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot, Verdi – “La donna e mobile” from Rigoletto and Mozart – Marriage of Figaro overture. Make sure you don’t miss this incredible experience, perfect for date night.
3. Immerse yourself in the International Literature Festival
Between May 19-28, the International Literature Festival comes to Dublin, with plenty of activities for all the family. It’s completely interactive, with tons of poetry and book readings like Osaro: Poetry Oracle in which Osaro, an Irish-Nigerian activist will give a spoken word performance. Tickets cost just €5 so this is definitely one to check out.
It’s not just poetry readings that you can look forward to at the festival. There will be a pop-up paint party in Merrion Square Park on May 20, costing €20 and a walking tour exploring the life of novelist and playwright Brendan Behan on the same day, which you can participate in for €15.
It’s definitely worth taking a look at the website. Even if you’re not a book lover yourself, you will be by the end of the literature festival! Then, make sure to head to one of Dublin’s lovely libraries or second-hand bookshops.
4. Explore International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
Sticking with the theme of international festivals, another is coming to Dublin this month: the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. What’s more, this year it’s celebrating its 20th birthday!
The festival celebrates the colossal contribution that LGBTQ performers, artists and audiences have brought to theatre. It’s the largest event of its kind in the world and it’s right here in Dublin!
A range of genres and perspectives are explored and celebrated at the festival. You can enjoy a good old gay romcom with Getting Over Hugh, see the story of one man’s struggle with Homobesity unfold and see some Irish-language theatre: Grindr, Saghdar agus Cher.
The programme this year is extensive and incredible so check it out. You can also buy tickets for any of the events on the website. It’s absolutely one of the best things to do this April in Dublin.
5. Soar through the mountains on a new zipline
A brand new zipline has opened in Tidbradden Wood, just in time for spring. The 500-metre-long zip wire runs through the forest and the mountains, providing the most exhilarating experience as you glide through this incredible landscape.
You can also enjoy the treetop challenge if you’re so inclined and with the weather (hopefully) warming up soon, feeling the fresh countryside breeze as you whiz through gorgeous rural Dublin will be amazing. Anyone over the age of twelve can ride the new zipwire.
6. Candlelight: Hip-Hop’s Greatest Hits
On May 13, the beautiful O’Reilly Theatre will be illuminated by the glow of hundreds of candles as, at 7 pm, a talented pianist performs hip-hop’s greatest hits. This Candlelight Concert will take you right back to the ’90s.
You can expect to hear the likes of ‘Killing Me Softly’ by the Fugees, ‘Where Is The Love’ by The Black Eyed Peas and ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ by Coolio in a completely new way. The venue is wheelchair accessible and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
7. See newborn lambs
May is the perfect time to get out into nature and breathe some of that lovely fresh spring air. Plus, while you’re out and about enjoying the countryside you can spot little lambs running around the fields near Dublin.
A visit to the Airfield Estate in the Spring will bring a smile to any animal lover’s face as there you get the opportunity to have a real hands-on experience with the animals. You can visit the grounds for €12 per person and you can book tickets on the website.
8. Get lost in art at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
The opening dates for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience have been extended and at €17.90 per person you can’t afford to miss it. This 3D experience brings to life the works of Van Gogh, with stunning visuals projected all over the walls, floor and ceiling.
You can literally step into works like ‘Sunflowers’ and ‘Starry Night’, complete with a rivetting VR experience. This exhibition has already sold so many tickets in Dublin, and in cities across the world with incredible feedback from visitors.
9. Vintage Tea Trips
We all know that spring doesn’t guarantee dry weather. In fact, quite the opposite is true but on a vintage tea trip, you don’t have to worry about getting wet.
As the bus you’re on drives around Dublin’s beautiful landmarks, you can enjoy a very traditional Irish afternoon tea for €47.50 each. The afternoon teas can also be made vegetarian or vegan, too!
May is going to be a fantastic month – probably one of the most exciting months of the year. The weather should start to improve and we can begin to enjoy more of the outdoors, with plenty of culture heaped in too.