Dublin's Liffey Festival 2026: What to See, How to Get There & More
The River Liffey is taking centre stage this September.
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September from 12pm to 6pm, Dublin's Liffey Festival will bring the river and Docklands to life with plenty happening along the quays. The festival runs from 12pm to 6pm each day.
And if you're heading along, we've got a pretty good way to get there with the DoDublin Docklands Tour Route.
Here's what to see, where to go and how we'd make a day of Liffey Festival.
What to see at Liffey Festival
Liffey Festival takes place across Custom House Quay, George's Dock, Sir John Rogerson's Quay and the River Liffey, so there will be plenty to see and do across the weekend.
Here are some of the highlights to look out for.
The 106th Liffey Swim
One of Dublin's best-known sporting traditions will see swimmers make their way through the heart of Dublin, making this a brilliant event to catch if you're visiting for the weekend.
Tall Ships and boats
The Liffey will be busier than usual, with visiting vessels adding to the festival atmosphere.
The Pelican of London will be among the vessels taking part, alongside other boats and maritime activities. There will also be opportunities to learn more about Dublin's relationship with the river and its maritime history.
Get on the Liffey
Fancy getting on the Liffey is another instead of just watching from the quays? HQ2O Watersports will be taking part in the festival, offering visitors the chance to experience the river for themselves.
HQ2O's Hydrobike experience lets you pedal your way along the River Liffey on a stable, easy-to-use water bike. The experience lasts approximately 40 minutes, requires no previous experience and is suitable for beginners.
Look to the skies
Keep an eye on the sky throughout the weekend for aerial and jet-pack displays over the River Liffey.
Because apparently, Dublin's Docklands wasn't exciting enough already.
Music, stories and family fun
There's more than just what's happening on the water. Expect live music, street theatre, family entertainment, craft activities, fairground attractions and food and drink across the festival area. There will also be storytelling and heritage events exploring the history of the Liffey, Dublin's dock workers, Viking heritage and the biodiversity of the river.
Don't miss the Liffey Festival Flotilla
On Sunday 13 September, local boats, rowing clubs and community vessels will come together at Custom House Quay for the Liffey Festival Flotilla. The boats will travel along the Liffey towards Dublin Port, accompanied by an eight-piece orchestral and vocal performance from Glasshouse Ensemble. It's one to have on your Sunday itinerary.
Getting to Liffey Festival: Make a Day of It with DoDublin
Don't just go to the festival. Make a day of the Docklands. The DoDublin Docklands Tour departs from Parnell Square North and takes you through the Docklands with live commentary, stopping close to some of the area's biggest attractions. The Docklands Tour is included with your Original Hop-On Hop-Off ticket, making it easy to combine Liffey Festival with a full day of Dublin sightseeing.
Start in the city centre
Board the Docklands Tour at Parnell Square North and take in the sights as you make your way towards the river.
Hop off at Stop D: Custom House Quay
You're right in the heart of the Liffey Festival action, with EPIC, the Famine Memorial, the Jeanie Johnston and the Custom House all nearby. On Sunday, Stop D is also the place to be for the Liffey Festival Flotilla. Why not try out the EPIC Museum and City Tour Combo?
Explore the Docklands
When you've had your fill of festival fun, hop back on and continue towards Stop E at the Spencer Hotel, close to the Convention Centre and Samuel Beckett Bridge. Then head to Stop F at Cardiff Lane for Grand Canal Square, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Windmill Lane Recording Studios. Try out the Windmill Lane and 24 Hour City Tour combo while you are there, this studio is home to U2's iconic recordings.
Finish on the Liffey
After seeing the river from the top deck, why not experience it from the water? Head to HQ2O Watersports and get out on the Liffey. You've seen the Liffey from the top deck. Now it's time to get on it.
Make a weekend of it with a 48-hour ticket
Liffey Festival takes place across two days, so why try to squeeze everything into one afternoon? A 48-hour DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off ticket gives you more time to explore Dublin across the weekend, with the flexibility to hop on and off while you discover the city. Spend Saturday exploring the city centre and Docklands before heading to the festival. Then come back on Sunday for the Liffey Festival Flotilla and anything you missed the day before.
Liffey Festival Dublin 2026 FAQ
When is Liffey Festival 2026?
Liffey Festival takes place on 12 and 13 September 2026, from 12pm to 6pm each day.
Where is Liffey Festival?
The festival takes place across Dublin's Docklands, including Custom House Quay, George's Dock, Sir John Rogerson's Quay and the River Liffey.
Is Liffey Festival free?
Yes. Liffey Festival is free to attend, although some activities may require booking or payment.
What can I do at Liffey Festival?
Highlights include the 106th Liffey Swim, Tall Ships, watersports, aerial displays, live music, family activities and the Liffey Festival Flotilla.
Which DoDublin stop is best for Liffey Festival?
Stop D at Custom House Quay is the closest DoDublin Docklands Tour stop to the main festival area.
Can I get on the River Liffey?
Yes. HQ2O Watersports offers Hydrobike experiences on the River Liffey, with no previous experience required.
Can I visit Windmill Lane by DoDublin?
Yes. Stop F at Cardiff Lane is a short walk from Windmill Lane Recording Studios, and DoDublin offers a Windmill Lane + 24 Hour City Tour combo.
