Dublin City Council Sensoria returns this weekend to Merrion Square Park.
Following on from a hugely successful 2024 inaugural event, there will be two full days of fun, laughter & learning through a thoughtfully curated, neurodivergent friendly programme suitable for all ages. This much anticipated, free, ticketed event will take place over three sessions each day, with each session running for 2 hours. Sessions will begin at 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm.
Guests of all ages are invited to select their preferred day and time slot and reserve tickets to the family friendly, capacity-controlled event taking place on April 26th & 27th. Visitors can expect an immersive event, catering to all age ranges and tailored to a whole range of comfort levels and interests. There’s something for everyone at ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’, providing a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to come along and enjoy the day together.
Speaking about the event, Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said: “We are delighted with the return of ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’ for 2025. This year, we have been able to expand the offering to two full days with three sessions each day, meaning we can entertain and delight even more neurodivergent families than ever before! Having worked closely with all of our stakeholders to build on last years’ success – we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone along.”
At the Main Stage, settle in and prepare to be amazed by the Strong Women Science Show and the awe-inspiring Magic Show or check out a selection of exciting and uplifting music and dance performances from acclaimed artists of the Neurodiverse Community including Artist Moss Russell, Musician Patrick Stefan and Singer Songwriter Aengus Devine. Make sure to stop by the Aerial Stage for the Tumble Circus Cabaret Circus too.
Over in the Movement Tent, why not get involved in a Yoga or Dance class with DCC Sports Inclusion Officers or for something really different, join Fruity & Dishy for an extra special juggling and plate spinning class! Creative minds are sure to enjoy the Arts & Craft area, designed to get your artistic flow going in the natural surrounds of the park, while Neurospectacular! presented by Dublin City Hugh Lane Gallery will provide a space to create via workshops throughout Saturday’s event. On Sunday, guests can join in the fun at a fun, interactive, and creative workshop designed to help children recognise, understand, and express their emotions using the beloved story The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas!
For some quieter time, why not wander into the reading zone, featuring the Dublin City Council Library Bus plus plenty of space to enjoy a good read with books for all ages and abilities including some specially selected dyslexia friendly reads.
Brand new for 2025 is the Aromatherapy Tent which is sure to be a huge hit with all ages. Explore the different benefits of essential oils and learn all about how aromatherapy can help with physical and emotional wellbeing, before creating a scent of your very own to take home as a souvenir of your fantastic day at ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’.
In consideration of the diverse needs of event attendees, ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’ will also feature multiple areas for relaxation and self-regulation including a sensory garden, both adult & child friendly regulation spaces, ideal for anybody who may need to take some time away from the festivities as well as a sensory tent and large soft play area, perfect for burning off any extra energy. Both The Sensory Tent & Soft Play areas will be managed by on site OT’s throughout each day. Back once again for the 2025 festivities, The Big Dig is also sure to be super popular with all budding archaeologists too!
Once again, the Neurodiversity Information Village will be on site providing vital resources and information from AsIAm, Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland, Dyslexia Ireland & Autism Assistance Dogs, so make sure to stop by for a chat with their teams.
Don’t be surprised if you meet some very colourful characters as you wander through the park too – there’ll be some fairy and pirate guests as well as a juggler and stilt walker ready to keep you entertained as you decide what you wish to experience next!
Using learnings from the 2024 event, ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’ has been produced in consultation with a selection of experts and stakeholders including AsIam, Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland & Dyslexia Ireland. This years’ event aims to champion neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in a safe and open environment.
Speaking about the event, Emma Weld-Moore, Neurodiversity Ireland said: “Neurodiversity Ireland is thrilled to support ‘Dublin City Council Sensoria’ 2025 – a joyful, welcoming festival for neurodivergent people and their families. When events are designed with everyone in mind, true inclusion happens.”
“We are delighted to be supporting Sensoria again this year which will be particularly special as it falls during World Autism Month. This event recognised the often-invisible barriers which can prevent Autistic people and our families from having the same chance to access meaningful social, cultural and leisure activities. The feedback from community members on last year’s event has been extremely positive and we are excited to build on that progress this year.” says Adam Harris, CEO, AsIAm
“A big thanks to Dublin City Council and everyone involved for bringing together such a wonderful weekend for those with ADHD and wider the Neurodiversity community” said Ken Kilbride, CEO, ADHD Ireland
“We’re delighted to be part of Dublin City Council Sensoria. It’s a fantastic opportunity for neurodiverse individuals to come together and celebrate their experiences. While everyone with dyslexia is unique, many share common challenges with reading, writing, and spelling. That’s why we’re especially pleased that the Dublin City Library Bus will be attending, offering dyslexia-friendly books and demonstrating assistive technology to help people explore and enjoy stories in ways that work best for them.” Dyslexia Ireland