Five Lamps Arts Festival 2026

Now in its 19th year, the Five Lamps Arts Festival is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. For nine days in April, Dublin’s North East Inner City transforms into a hub of creativity, with over 40 performances spread across venues, streets, and community spaces.

What to Expect

The 2026 festival explores the theme of Belonging, and the programme reflects that in the best possible way. You’ll find theatre, exhibitions, live music, film screenings, hip-hop battles, and imaginative children’s events. It’s the kind of festival where you can stumble into something brilliant you’d never have found otherwise.

Founded in 2007 by Roisin Lonergan, a former teacher from Marino College, the festival has grown from a small community initiative into a genuine cultural highlight. What makes it special is that it’s rooted in the local area. The work is locally relevant but artistically ambitious. You get world-class performances in community halls and pop-up venues, and the energy of the neighbourhood runs through everything.

Highlights include walking tours (there’s a Marilyn Monroe walking tour of Dublin on April 18th), theatre performances, visual art exhibitions, and plenty of events designed for families and young people. Many events are free or low cost.

Good to Know

• Runs April 11-19, 2026
• Over 40 events across the nine days
• Many events are free, others are affordable
• Full programme available on the Five Lamps Arts website and Eventbrite
• Family-friendly events throughout
• Based around Dublin’s North East Inner City, with the main hub at 86 Amiens Street

Getting There

The festival hub at 86 Amiens Street is a short walk from Connolly Station (DART and mainline rail). The Luas Red Line Connolly stop is right there. Dublin Bus routes 20, 27, 42, and many others serve the area. Events are spread across the neighbourhood, so comfortable shoes are recommended for festival-hopping between venues.