Coastival returns to Dún Laoghaire

Coastival brings art, history, games, culture, sailing, family fun, music and more to the shore in Dún Laoghaire from June 29th to July 7th.

Soak up ‘Atmosphere’ with balloons kites and flight, discover ‘Room to Explore’ artworks for tots, have a picnic with Ollie the Octopus, watch some synchronised sailing at ‘The Grand Parade of Classic Sail’ or catch a classic family favourite outdoor movie with a picnic by the sea.

“Following a hugely successful first year, Coastival is back to celebrate Dún Laoghaire with a variety of events and activities. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Dún Laoghaire between June 29th and July 7th.” said An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Denis O’Callaghan, Du?n Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Coastival unleashes a wave of excitement and family fun commencing on the weekend of 29 June in Dún Laoghaire. Look to the skies for Atmosphere a seaside event themed around Balloons, Kites and Flight on Newtownsmith, Dún Laoghaire on Sunday 30th June. The Kite Zone features stunt kites, large static kites and tournaments hosted by Francois and the Pure Magic team. There will be kite flying competitions and a chance to make your own kite in the “make and do” area.

Also, on Sunday 30th June from noon, you can catch some “synchronised sailing” at The Grand Classic Parade of Sail which has never previously been practised in Dún Laoghaire. The yachts and dinghies will gather in tight groups to sail past the Bandstand on the East Pier where Hal Sisk will give a commentary for pier walkers and spectators. The craft will then sail out the harbour towards the Martello Tower at Sandymount.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council looking forward to the event said:

“It is great to see Coastival return to the town after the excitement it generated in 2023. New events this year include the grand classic sail parade and the Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park. We hope locals and tourists alike visit in great numbers and avail of the entertainment and hospitality that Dún Laoghaire has to offer.”

Throughout Coastival, a series of historic and nature walks will take place with fantastic guides to bring us back in time to the construction of the harbour and rich history of our maritime county capital, its innovative infrastructure, Hotels, Victorian heritage, and seafront memorials.

There will be lots of fun activities for little ones also:

Room to Explore is an Art Exhibition for 0-5 year olds’, including artworks by artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes and Órla Kelly and it will be open at the Gallery on Level 3 of dlr LexIcon from May 18th to August 11th.

On Saturday July 6th from 11am the Coastival Family Fun Day is on at dlr LexIcon with puppet shows, music, games, arts & craft workshops and the dlr Scéal Trail story walk.

Join drama facilitator Joanna Parkes for ‘Ollie the Octopus’ Picnic Party’ an interactive creative play experience for children aged 2 to 5 and their caregivers throughout the weekend at dlr LexIcon.

On Sunday July 7th  the Festival closes with an action-packed day including Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park – a celebration of community music and dance from Dún Laoghaire and around the world!  Emergency Services Open Day in association with Childline will take place on Sunday 7th July at St. Michael’s Pier and Outdoor Movies on the Green will bring the sparkle of the silver screen with an eclectic mix of all-time family favourites at 2pm, 4.15pm and 7pm on the Green at Irish Lights