Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown opens its doors for Open House Dublin 2026

Free tours, talks, family activities and practical advice on creating more sustainable homes will celebrate the architecture, heritage and communities of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown from 10 - 18 October.
 
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will take centre stage as part of Open House Dublin 2026, with a diverse programme of free events inviting people to discover the buildings, neighbourhoods, heritage and communities that make the county a unique place to live. Ireland’s largest architecture festival takes place from 10 - 18 October, with more than 200 free events across Dublin. 

This year’s theme, Dublin is Living, celebrates the people, places, communities, cultures, architecture and design shaping Dublin’s past, present and future. The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown programme gets underway on Saturday 10 October with events exploring how our homes and neighbourhoods can respond to changing needs.

At County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, from 11am - 2pm, ‘Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community’ will offer three practical sessions for anyone interested in saving energy and upgrading their home. A panel of energy experts and exhibition stands will provide information on Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments, the new SEAI grants, finance and One-Stop-Shop supports. 

Visitors can also learn practical ways to reduce energy bills and all about solar panels and smart meters. Discover how community co-operation powers cleaner energy at the 'Empowering Communities to Work Together' session. Find out about Better Retrofit Together using community-led energy upgrade Buying Clubs.
 
Also on Saturday, a walking tour will mark Loughlinstown’s 50th birthday, exploring the area’s landscape and housing design. On Sunday 11 October, the popular Architrek series will offer family walking tours in Dún Laoghaire, encouraging children and adults to discover local architecture together. 

On Monday 12 October, dlr LexIcon will host an Open Table conversation led by Dr. Lorcan Sirr, inviting communities to share their experiences and discuss what it means to live, thrive and belong in Dublin today. From Friday 16 October, Sleepertown will provide a self-directed mobile sound-art experience in Dún Laoghaire, while Loughlinstown hosts a two-day Community Development through Arts and Heritage Think-In on 16 and 17 October.
 
A packed programme on Saturday 17 October includes discussions on the future of Shanganagh Castle, opportunities for Dún Laoghaire Harbour, and the cost of vacancy and dereliction. 

Visitors can also explore Carnegie Library Dún Laoghaire, George’s Place and Wash House, St Laurence’s Park and Stillorgan Library, the Obelisk on Killiney Hill, Eurofound in Loughlinstown and Project Barbershop in Dún Laoghaire. The local programme concludes on Sunday 18 October with a tour of the Eblana Club.

“Good architecture enriches everyday life. Open House Dublin offers a unique opportunity to discover how thoughtful design and placemaking contribute to vibrant, sustainable and connected communities” Andrée Dargan, County Architect Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

All Open House Dublin events are free, although advance booking is required for many www.OpenHouseDublin.com
 
Local events include:

Saturday 10 October - Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community
Information Sessions and exhibition with energy experts including SEAI announcing new grants Energy Upgrades at Home and in the Community - Open House Dublin 2026

Saturday 10 October – Junior and Family Event
Walking Tour Loughlinstown - Flag Loughlinstown for its 50th Birthday! - Open House Dublin 2026

Sunday 11 October – Junior and Family Event 
Walking Tour Dún Laoghaire - Family Walking Tour – Architrek: Dun Laoghaire - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Monday 12 October – Open Table Event 
dlr LexIcon - Open Table: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Friday 16 October to 30 November - Audio Tour
Self directed mobile sound art programme - SLEEPERTOWN | Dún Laoghaire - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Friday 16 October and Saturday 17 October – Talk and Conversations Workshop 
Community Development through Arts and Heritage Think-In - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Saturday 17 October – Talks and Conversations
Shanganagh Castle: Discovering its Antiquities, Reimagining its Future - Open House Dublin 2026

Dún Laoghaire Harbour – Current Uses and New Opportunities - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Saturday 17 October – Building Tour and Talk
Talk and Tour of Carnegie Library – Revitalisation through Reuse - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Saturday 17 October – Building Tour and Exhibition
Reimagining George’s Place and Wash House – Wash House Tour and Exhibition - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Saturday 17 October – Building Tours
Tour of St. Laurence’s Park, Stillorgan Library and Apartment Development - Open House Dublin 2026

Loughlinstown - Eurofound – The European Foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions - Open House Dublin 2026

Dún Laoghaire - Project Barbershop - Open House Dublin 2026
 
Sunday 18 October – Building Tour
Dún Laoghaire - Eblana Club - Open House Dublin 2026