It’s spooky season and time to embrace crisp autumn air, golden leaves underfoot, and the gentle shift into the darker season. Falling on the last Monday of October, this weekend is the perfect mix of lively celebration and laid-back local charm, especially in a city like Dublin.
It’s also the Halloween weekend, and Ireland, being the birthplace of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that inspired modern Halloween, knows how to celebrate. Dublin comes alive with spooky walking tours, haunted history, themed pub nights, and glowing pumpkins in windows. Cultural venues host ghost story readings, film screenings, and eerie exhibitions, while the streets buzz with costumes and creativity.
For travelers, it’s a great time to experience the city’s vibrant spirit. Many attractions stay open across the weekend, and the extra day off gives you time to explore at your own pace.
Christmas Day in Ireland is a quiet, heartfelt celebration, one rooted in tradition, warmth, and family. While much of the country closes its doors for the day, the atmosphere becomes something truly special. Streets that are usually bustling fall calm, church bells ring out across the city, and a stillness settles that’s both peaceful and magical. In Dublin, the air is crisp, the lights still twinkle from windows and lamp posts, and the city feels like it’s taken a deep, contented breath.
Most locals spend the day at home, gathered around the table for a hearty Christmas dinner of roast turkey, glazed ham, and all the traditional trimmings. But outside those homes, a few special traditions carry on. One of the most beloved is the Christmas Day Swim, where brave souls, often dressed in Santa hats, leap into the freezing Irish Sea at places like the Forty Foot in Sandycove. It’s a mix of madness and magic, watched and cheered on by crowds wrapped in scarves and smiles.
Though many places are closed, the city still has plenty to offer. A walk through Phoenix Park or along the River Liffey on Christmas morning reveals a side of Dublin few tourists see, peaceful, reflective, and full of quiet charm. At our hostel, the kettle is always on, the welcome is always warm, and whether you’re spending the day exploring or simply relaxing indoors, you’ll find a little Christmas spirit waiting for you here.
St. Stephen’s Day & Lá an Dreoilín (Wren Day)
The day after Christmas, known as St. Stephen’s Day, is a public holiday across Ireland and offers a unique glimpse into Irish tradition. Here in Dublin and beyond, it’s a time for family visits, lively meetups, and even a few festive swims for charity (yes, people really dive into the sea in December!). In parts of the country, especially in the southwest, you might still come across the ancient tradition of Lá an Dreoilín, or Wren Day. Historically, “wren boys” would dress in colorful clothes and straw costumes, parading through towns with music and singing, collecting coins for community events. While the actual bird is no longer part of the celebration, the spirit of the day lives on through music, storytelling, and community cheer. It’s a great time to experience authentic Irish culture if you’re staying with us over the holidays as Sandymount, Dublin still keeps the tradition alive.
Jason Mraz is coming to Dublin and it is going to be a night filled with good vibes, great music, and that unmistakable magic only he can bring. Known for his smooth vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and effortless charm, Jason has a way of turning any venue into a space that feels personal and full of joy. From the timeless energy of “I’m Yours” to the heartfelt beauty of “I Won’t Give Up,” his songs have become the soundtrack to love, life, and everything in between.
A Jason Mraz show is more than just a performance. It is a celebration. Expect soulful melodies, big singalongs, and moments that will leave you smiling long after the final note. He knows how to create an atmosphere that feels both laid-back and electric, where every person in the room feels connected through music. If you are looking for a night that lifts your spirit and fills your heart, this is it.
Gregory Alan Isakov is heading to Dublin, and it promises to be one of those rare nights where music feels like poetry come to life. His voice carries a quiet intensity, the kind that wraps around you like a warm evening breeze and lingers long after the final chord fades. Known for his haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, Gregory creates songs that feel like they were written just for you, full of longing, beauty, and quiet strength.
A Gregory Alan Isakov show is not about flash or spectacle. It is about atmosphere, connection, and the kind of emotional depth that stops time. With every note, he invites the audience into a world that feels both intimate and expansive, grounded in storytelling and filled with raw, honest emotion. Dublin is in for a night of music that soothes the soul and stirs something deep within.
Get ready, Dublin, because Busted vs McFly is about to blow the roof off, and it is going to be nothing short of legendary. This is the ultimate pop rock face-off fans have been dreaming of, and it is finally happening live. Two of the biggest UK bands of the 2000s are hitting the stage together, bringing all the anthems, all the nostalgia, and more energy than your teenage heart can probably handle. Whether you were Team Busted, Team McFly, or someone who had both bands on repeat, this is your chance to relive every unforgettable moment.
Busted will come in swinging with hits like “Year 3000,” “What I Go to School For,” and “Air Hostess,” bringing their signature blend of cheeky lyrics, pop punk attitude, and full-throttle energy. Then McFly will light up the stage with timeless tracks like “All About You,” “Obviously,” and “5 Colours in Her Hair,” delivering the kind of bright, feel-good sound that made them household names. And when these two forces collide, expect absolute fireworks. Massive singalongs, crowd surfing, surprise collabs, and a party atmosphere from start to finish.
This is not just a concert. It is a full-scale celebration of the songs that soundtracked your youth and the bands that helped shape a generation. From the first guitar riff to the last chorus, Busted vs McFly in Dublin is going to be an all-out blast of fun, nostalgia, and pure pop rock joy.
Counting Crows are returning to Dublin, bringing their unmistakable sound and decades of timeless songwriting to the stage. Known for their poetic lyrics, soulful melodies, and raw, emotional performances, the band has built a loyal fanbase around the world — and for good reason. Songs like “Mr. Jones,” “Round Here,” and “A Long December” have become modern classics, blending introspective storytelling with rich, layered instrumentation.
A Counting Crows live show is more than just a concert. It is a journey through songs that have defined moments, captured memories, and stood the test of time. With Adam Duritz’s distinctive voice at the center, the band brings a depth and authenticity to their performances that makes each show feel personal and unique. Whether you have been following them for years or are just discovering their music, this is a chance to experience one of the most iconic alternative rock bands of the last few decades, live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Get ready, Dublin. Disturbed and Megadeth are joining forces for one massive night of heavy music, and it is going to be nothing short of explosive. Two giants of metal on one stage, bringing decades of iconic tracks, unforgettable performances, and pure unfiltered energy.
Disturbed deliver a powerful mix of aggression, melody, and emotion with anthems like “Down with the Sickness,” “Indestructible,” and “The Sound of Silence.” Every performance hits hard and frontman David Draiman brings a voice and presence that fills the entire venue. Their shows are intense, immersive, and packed with the kind of connection that only comes from a band that gives everything to their fans.
Megadeth bring the fire with their legendary thrash metal sound. Led by the unstoppable Dave Mustaine, they have defined the genre with blistering riffs, technical precision, and timeless tracks like “Symphony of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” and “Holy Wars.” Their live show is a masterclass in speed and skill, and they have never sounded more powerful.
Together, Disturbed and Megadeth will light up Dublin with a night of pure metal mayhem. This is a rare chance to see two of the most influential bands in heavy music on the same stage, delivering everything fans could want and more.
Benson Boone is coming to Dublin and this show is set to be something truly special. With a voice that feels both powerful and deeply personal, Benson has quickly become one of the most exciting new artists in pop music. His songs are packed with raw emotion, honest lyrics, and soaring melodies that stick with you long after the last note fades. Whether you discovered him through viral moments or have been following his journey from the start, there is no denying the impact he is making.
Tracks like “Beautiful Things,” “Ghost Town,” and “In the Stars” have already captured millions of hearts around the world, and seeing them live brings an entirely new level of connection. Benson’s performances are intimate yet electrifying, filled with vulnerability, passion, and a natural ability to make every person in the room feel seen and heard.
Dublin is in for an emotional ride, filled with unforgettable vocals, powerful storytelling, and the kind of atmosphere that turns a concert into a core memory. If you are ready to feel everything all at once, this is your night. Benson Boone live is not just a performance. It is an experience.
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