Get Ready to Dive into Summer Fun at Coastival in Dún Laoghaire this July!

• Atmosphere – Balloons, Kites and Flight
• Family Fun Day at dlr LexIcon
• Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta
• Grand Classic Parade
• Local History Tours
• Emergency Services Day and more!

Sync your summer to the rhythm of the sea at Coastival bringing art, history, games, culture, sailing, family fun, music and more to Dún Laoghaire from 5-13 July. Soak up Atmosphere with balloons, kites and flight; marvel at the skill of the sailors in the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta Ireland's largest sailing event or meet the heroes and explore their fleets up close at the family favourite Emergency Services Open Day event.

Coastival, organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council unleashes a wave of excitement and family fun commencing on Saturday 5 July in Dún Laoghaire. Coastival opens this year on Saturday 5 July with the very popular and colourful Family Fun Day at dlr LexIcon from 11am to 4pm with puppet shows, music, games, arts & craft workshops and more.   At 5pm, hop on the Dalkey Island/Killiney Cruise from the East Pier with Dublin Bay Cruises and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastline of south Dublin. You may even be joined by a playful dolphin or two out celebrating Coastival!

Look to the skies on Sunday 6 July for Atmosphere; our seaside event themed around Balloons, Kites and Flight on Newtownsmith, Dún Laoghaire.  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. After the Kites check out the Kid's Zone featuring Bouncy Castles and Face painters. The Sensory Express Bus will bring a sensory room on wheels for neurodivergent young people. Relax in the Chill Zone featuring Volleyball skills, beach games and strolling characters.

Also, on Sunday 6 July from noon, you can catch some "synchronised sailing" at The Grand Classic Parade of Sail. 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. 

Throughout Coastival, explore local history with a series of walks and tours and go back in time to celebrate the heritage of our maritime county capital, its innovative infrastructure, hotels, and Victorian architecture.  Coastival will also feature tours of The Oratory in Dún Laoghaire, a hidden gem of Celtic revival art.  A bold and brilliant walking tour of Dún Laoghaire’s Street Art scene featuring the work of the dlr ANSEO Project will feature the historic events, the people and the ideas behind the mural artworks.

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta from Thursday 10 July to Sunday 13 July will see Dublin Bay from Howth to Dalkey Island host six separate courses for no less than 36 competing classes of boats in what has now become the country's biggest sailing event, with an average of 1,600 sailors competing.  The four-day event is set to welcome boats ranging from small 14-foot dinghies up to ocean-going 50-footers, with individual crew members travelling from all over the world to participate.

The hugely popular Emergency Services Open Day will be the closing event of Coastival at St. Michael's Pier on Sunday 13 July at St. Michael's Pier (Ferry Terminal - Car Park). Children can get up close, meet their heroes and canine heroes and experience the thrill of exploring the impressive fleet of boats, helicopters, fire brigades and more from RNLI, Irish Coast Guard, National Ambulance Service, Customs & Revenue, Irish Defence Forces, Dublin Fire Brigade, An Garda Síochána and Civil Defence. This free family day is open to all!

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“We’ve designed Coastival to be a true community celebration. Whether it’s Atmosphere’s kite displays, the chance to learn more about Dún Laoghaire's history, or the family-friendly Emergency Services Open Day, every event is crafted to inspire connection to our county, our heritage, and each other. We can’t wait to share this special week with you.”

 Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council added:

“Coastival 2025 is a testament to Dún Laoghaire’s vibrant spirit. We’re proud to spotlight both our history and the creative energy driving our town forward. We hope locals and tourists alike visit in great numbers and avail of the entertainment and hospitality that the seaside town has to offer.”

Coastival is organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

All Coastival events can be found here