What to Do in Dublin August 2025: Events, Concerts & Insider Tips

Dublin transforms into Ireland’s entertainment capital every August, and 2025 promises to be extraordinary. From the prestigious RDS Dublin Horse Show to the legendary Oasis reunion concerts, Ireland’s vibrant capital offers world-class events, cultural celebrations, and unforgettable experiences throughout the month.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended Irish holiday, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Dublin’s August 2025 events, where to stay, and how to make the most of your visit.

RDS Dublin Horse Show

August 6-10, 2025 | RDS Showgrounds, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

The RDS Dublin Horse Show celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, making it Ireland’s most prestigious equestrian event. As the country’s only 5-star international equestrian competition, it showcases world-class showjumping, Ladies Day fashion and traditional Irish hospitality.

Event Highlights by Day

Wednesday, August 6: Opening ceremonies and preliminary competitions
Thursday, August 7: International showjumping qualifiers
Friday, August 8: Ladies Day – fashion and style focus
Saturday, August 9: Main jumping competitions
Sunday, August 10: Championship finals and closing ceremonies

Recommended Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel

Why Choose The Davenport:

• Prime Dublin 2 location
• 5-minute walk to Pearse DART station
• Elegant Georgian architecture matching the event’s sophistication
• Traditional Irish breakfast to start your Horse Show day

Address: Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2
Distance to RDS: 20 minutes by DART, 8 minutes by taxi

Getting to RDS Dublin Horse Show

From The Davenport:

• DART Train: Pearse Station to Sandymount (19 mins total)
• Bus Routes: 4, 7, 7A to RDS Ballsbridge (14 mins total)
• Taxi: 8-10 minutes from hotel (€9-13)
• Walking: 30 minutes from Merrion Square

Parking: Limited on-site parking available (pre-booking recommended)

Oasis Reunion Concert

August 16th and 17th, 2025 | Croke Park, Dublin 3

After years of speculation and sibling rivalry, Liam and Noel Gallagher have reunited Oasis for this exclusive tour. Dublin’s two nights at Croke Park represent some of the most anticipated concerts in recent history.

Recommended Accommodation: The Green Hotel

Why Choose The Green Hotel:

• Central Dublin location
• Excellent public transport connections
• Modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere
• Pen & Player cocktail bar – perfect for pre-concert drinks

Getting to Croke Park

From The Green Hotel:

• Bus Routes: 14, 15, 16, 40, 122 direct to Croke Park
• Taxi: 20 minutes (€14-21)

Big Grill Festival

August 14th-17th, 2025 | Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

The Big Grill Festival turns Herbert Park into Dublin’s top food and drink event, bringing together world-class chefs, live-fire cooking, Irish food heroes, local craft beers, cocktails, and a fun, family-friendly vibe—all in one of the city’s most iconic park settings.

Recommended Accommodation: The Alex Hotel

Why Choose The Alex Hotel:

• Contemporary design in Dublin’s cultural quarter
• Walking distance to Herbert Park
• Award-winning restaurant on-site
• Sustainable hospitality practices

Getting to Herbert Park:

From The Alex Hotel:

• Bus Routes: 4, 7, 7A, E1, E2, 11B, 39A to Herbert Park
• DART: from Pearse Station to Lansdowne Road station
• Taxi: 9 minutes from city center (€12-15)
• Cycling: Dublin Bikes stations nearby

College Football & Pep Rallies

August 22nd-23rd, 2025 | K-State vs Iowa State | Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4

Dublin continues its tradition of hosting major American sporting events, bringing the full pageantry of college athletics to Irish soil.

What’s On:
Pep Rally – August 22: Marching bands, cheerleaders, and team spirit
Game Day – August 23: A full American football experience at Aviva Stadium

Recommended Accommodation: The Mont Hotel

Why Choose The Mont Hotel:

• Boutique luxury in Dublin city centre

• Easy access to Aviva Stadium

• Enjoy pre-game drinks at The Sin Bin Bar, the vibrant Irish sports bar

• Personalised concierge service for a seamless stay

Getting to Aviva Stadium from The Mont Hotel:

• DART: Pearse Station to Lansdowne Road Station – approx. 10 minutes

• Bus: Routes 4, 7, 8, 18, 45, 46A, and 84 to Lansdowne Road

• Taxi: Approx. 7 minutes (€9–13)

• Walking: Around 27 minutes from the hotel

Additional August Events to Consider

Candlelight Concerts

Experience Dublin’s historic venues in a new light with intimate candlelit performances at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The Mansion House, Newman University Church, and Dublin Castle. These concerts feature classical masterpieces, contemporary hits, Irish traditional music, and movie soundtracks in atmospheric settings.

Street Arts and Markets

Merrion Square hosts street food and artisan crafts every Thursday, while the Open Air Art Gallery runs every Sunday featuring over 200 artists in this free year-round outdoor exhibition. Temple Bar offers weekend markets with Saturday food markets featuring local producers and Sunday book markets with vintage finds.

Cultural Attractions

Guinness Storehouse offers visitors the chance to learn about Ireland’s most famous export while enjoying panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar and participating in interactive exhibits and tastings.

National Gallery of Ireland provides free admission to its world-class art collection featuring Irish and European masterpieces, with special exhibitions running throughout August.

Irish Whiskey Museum conducts guided tours and tastings where visitors can learn about Irish whiskey history and participate in blending experience workshops.

Day Trips from Dublin City Centre

North Coast Destinations

Howth (30 minutes by DART)

• Cliff walks with stunning sea views
• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Howth Castle and gardens
• Regular transport back to Dublin

Malahide (25 minutes by DART)

• Historic Malahide Castle
• Beautiful gardens and parklands
• Charming village atmosphere
• Easy day trip option

Skerries (45 minutes by train)

• Traditional Irish fishing village
• Beautiful beaches and coastal walks
• Local pubs and restaurants
• Windmill and historic sites

South Coast Destinations

Dun Laoghaire (20 minutes by DART)

• Victorian seaside town
• East Pier walk with harbor views
• Weekend markets and festivals
• Ferry connections to Wales

Blackrock (15 minutes by DART)

• Weekend markets and shopping
• Coastal walks and parks
• Local dining scene
• Easy access to Dublin

Bray (45 minutes by DART)

• Seaside resort town
• Bray Head cliff walk
• Promenade and beach
• Family-friendly attractions

Planning Your Dublin August Adventure

Transportation Tips

• Dublin’s public transport system includes buses, DART trains, and trams (Luas)
• Many events are within walking distance of city center hotels
• Book transportation in advance for major events
• Consider purchasing a Leap Card for convenient public transport access

Weather Considerations

August in Dublin typically offers mild temperatures (15-20°C) with occasional rain. Pack layers and waterproof clothing to ensure comfort during outdoor events.

Ready to experience Dublin in August 2025?

Book your accommodation with O’Callaghan Collection hotels to ensure you’re perfectly positioned to experience all that Dublin has to offer. With their prime locations, exceptional service, and local expertise, these hotels provide the ideal base for your Dublin adventure.

Start planning your August Dublin experience today – this is one month you won’t want to miss in Ireland’s vibrant capital.