Your Guide to Dublin Events in October 2026
Some of the biggest Dublin events taking place in October 2026 include Open House Dublin, Ireland Fashion Week, the Dublin Festival of History, Bram Stoker Festival and the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Here are some of the events and festivals worth adding to your Dublin itinerary.
Dublin Festival of History
26 September – 11 October 2026
If you're interested in Dublin's past, the Dublin Festival of History is a great event to have on your radar at the beginning of October. Running from 26 September to 11 October, the festival brings historians, authors and speakers to venues around Dublin for talks, discussions and events exploring Irish and international history.
The festival is free to attend, although advance booking is required for individual events. It also makes a great excuse to explore some of Dublin's historic landmarks, from Dublin Castle and Trinity College to Christ Church Cathedral and the GPO.
DoDublin tip: See more of Dublin's historic centre from the top deck of the DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off bus, with stops close to many of the city's major landmarks and attractions. The tour has 25 stops across Dublin, making it easy to hop off and explore before continuing your sightseeing.
Ireland Fashion Week
7–12 October 2026
Dublin gets a fashionable makeover in October as Ireland Fashion Week returns from 7 to 12 October. The 2026 event features Irish designers, fashion shows and showcases across various Dublin locations, with 75 designers scheduled to take part across eight shows and showcases.
Dublin's city centre is also home to independent boutiques, vintage shops, department stores and design-led businesses, making it easy to turn a visit into a full day of exploring.
Open House Dublin
10–18 October 2026
Ever wondered what some of Dublin's most interesting buildings look like from the inside? Open House Dublin gives visitors the opportunity to explore architecture and urban spaces across Dublin city and county, with guided tours and events taking place from 10 to 18 October.
This festival is free. Organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation, it celebrates the architecture, design and people that have helped shape Dublin. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to discover a side of Dublin that isn't always included on the standard sightseeing itinerary.
Music in the Mountains
9–11 October 2026
Fancy getting out of the city centre? Music in the Mountains Festival takes place from 9 to 11 October, bringing live music and traditional culture to venues around the Dublin Mountains.
The 2026 festival is set to feature performances across several venues, including Taylors Three Rock, Johnnie Fox's, The Blue Light and The Merry Ploughboy. It's a good option if you're looking to combine an event with a different side of Dublin — one that swaps busy city streets for mountain views and traditional Irish hospitality.
Dublin's Halloween season begins
By the second half of October, Dublin starts to embrace one of its favourite seasons: Halloween. There are events taking place across Dublin throughout the month, including family-friendly activities, spooky trails and Halloween festivals.
One option just outside the city centre is The Haunted Trail: Malahide Samhain Festival, taking place at Malahide Castle & Gardens from 17–31 October. Visitors can experience a Halloween-themed trail alongside storytelling, live Celtic music and seasonal entertainment. For families looking for something a little different, Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House & Farm in County Dublin runs throughout October, with thousands of illuminated pumpkins and outdoor displays.
So, if you're visiting Dublin with children or simply love Halloween, October is a great time to venture beyond the city centre.
Bram Stoker Festival
23–26 October 2026
As Halloween approaches, Dublin's calendar gets considerably darker. The Bram Stoker Festival runs from 23 to 26 October and celebrates the legacy of Dublin-born writer Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.
The festival takes inspiration from Stoker, Victorian Dublin, Gothic culture and the supernatural, with events taking place across the city. Previous programmes have included theatre, film, outdoor spectacles, family events, storytelling, music and more, making it one to watch for visitors looking for unusual things to do in Dublin around Halloween.
Irish Life Dublin Marathon
25 October 2026
One of the biggest events on Dublin's sporting calendar takes place on Sunday 25 October, when thousands of runners take to the streets for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. The marathon begins on Leeson Street Lower and takes runners through Dublin's streets, with spectators lining the route to support participants.
Even if you're not running, the marathon creates a unique atmosphere throughout the city. If you're visiting that weekend, be sure to allow extra time for getting around and check local transport and road-closure information before setting off.
PTSB Ideal Home Show
16–18 October 2026
For something completely different, the PTSB Ideal Home Show takes place at the RDS from 16 to 18 October. The event brings more than 230 exhibitors together, with interiors, home improvement, design, renovation and lifestyle displays, alongside talks, advice and live demonstrations.
It's particularly suited to anyone interested in interiors, architecture, design or home renovation.
Why visit Dublin in October?
October combines many of the things that make Dublin an appealing autumn destination. The city has a busy cultural calendar, Halloween is beginning to take over, and there are events covering everything from architecture and history to fashion, sport, music and theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin in October
What are the best events in Dublin in October 2026?
Some of the major events taking place in Dublin in October 2026 include Open House Dublin, Ireland Fashion Week, the Dublin Festival of History, Bram Stoker Festival and the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. There are also numerous concerts, theatre productions, family events, exhibitions and smaller festivals throughout the month.
Is October a good time to visit Dublin?
Yes. October offers a busy events calendar, autumn scenery and Halloween celebrations, while giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore Dublin's museums, attractions, historic sites and neighbourhoods.
What can I do in Dublin in October if it rains?
Dublin has plenty of indoor options, including museums, galleries, historic buildings, theatres, distilleries and cultural attractions. October's event calendar also includes indoor festivals, talks, exhibitions and performances.
How many days do I need in Dublin?
A weekend is enough to experience many of Dublin's main attractions, while three or more days gives you more time to explore beyond the city centre.
What is the easiest way to see Dublin's main attractions?
A Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing tour is one convenient option for seeing many of Dublin's main attractions. Tickets are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, making them suitable for everything from a quick city break to a longer Dublin stay.
