Coastival returns to Dún Laoghaire this July with a nine-day celebration of maritime heritage, culture, and community spirit. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul, has announced details of the programme, which runs from July 4th to 12th, featuring family days, storytelling, arts events, water-based activities, live entertainment, and spectacular kite displays.
The festival gets underway on Saturday, July 4th, with the ever-popular Emergency Services Day at St Michael’s Pier.
Families will have the opportunity to meet the personnel who help keep our communities safe and get up close to an impressive range of emergency vehicles, boats and specialist equipment. A favourite with visitors of all ages, the event offers a fascinating insight into the work of Ireland's emergency response services. Visitors can enjoy the DLR Streets Busking Festival, film screenings, walking tours, cruises, arts events and a wide range of inclusive sports and recreation activities on land and sea.
Festival Launch — Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Saul joins Gerry Conroy of Dublin Kite Festival at the launch of Coastival 2026, which runs from July 4 to 12 with maritime, cultural and family events across Dún Laoghaire
On Saturday, July 11th, families are invited to the Coastival Family Fun Day at the DLR LexIcon Library.
Hosted by DLR Libraries, the day will feature storytelling, creative workshops, performances and family-friendly activities designed to spark imagination, encourage creativity and celebrate community.
The festival culminates on Sunday, July 12th, with Atmosphere Family Day at Newtownsmith. The highlight of the afternoon will be a spectacular kite display, transforming the skies above Dún Laoghaire into a colourful celebration of flight and creativity. Visitors can also enjoy kite-making workshops, magic shows, circus performances, giant games, beach volleyball, inflatables, face painting and live entertainment throughout the day.
As part of the council's commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Coastival Family Day will also feature a dedicated Sensory Bus, providing a welcoming and supportive space for neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.
Cllr Saul said the festival is “a wonderful celebration of Dún Laoghaire, bringing together our maritime heritage and the dynamic cultural life that continues to thrive here today”.
For full event details and updates, visit the coastival website or follow Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on social media.
