In this post, you’ll find all the best events and things to see and do in May. We have a Top 10 list of things to do updated for 2023.
We also have a post summarizing the weather in Dublin in May.
TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN MAY
Below are our favorite 10 events and activities to do this May. For more ideas, take a look at our post about things to do in Dublin at any time of year!
And be sure to take a look at our other popular Dublin posts:
1) Attend a Concert
Dublin is a city that loves music. Great artists and bands are playing year-round, and this May, the city is full of amazing concerts by big-name artists on tour.
Find all the May concerts in the city here.
- Tom Meighan | May 12th
- The Chats | May 16th, 17th
Find more concerts in Dublin here.
If you’re looking for more fun ways to spend an evening, check out our post on things to do at night.
2) See a Comedy Show
Who doesn’t love to laugh? This month there will be at least one fantastic comedy show in Dublin!
Some of the best comedians will be performing in Dublin this month. See a list of comedy shows this month.
3) Sightseeing Tours
You can take advantage of hop-on-hop-off bus tours as transportation directly to the popular sights, with commentary from audio guides (in multiple languages) along the way.
For something more unique, why not try a Vintage Tea Trip? A vintage double-decker bus serves a full afternoon tea while driving through town!
Traditional, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are available.
If you want to get out on a nice day, you can find plenty of pay-what-you-like walking tours or paid hikes around nearby Howth.
Or keep to your own schedule with a self-guided tour.
These tours are all great for kids, as well! If you’re looking for more family-friendly fun, check out our full post.
4) Visit the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
During Ireland's great famine, the Jeanie Johnston ship made 16 trips to North America. That is a lot of time at sea!
While not the original ship, this replica will help you understand a little bit about what it was like for the Irish people fleeing the famine.
Emigrating away from their home was a difficult journey.
But it will be easier to appreciate the struggles after going through this hands-on museum to give you an interesting way to learn about history.
Note: Entry to this museum is on some tourist passes!
5) See More with a City Pass
If you’re planning on visiting a lot of popular attractions while you’re in Dublin, you could save some money with a Dublin city pass.
The biggest pass offered in this city is an all-inclusive pass which includes entry to the most popular attractions in Dublin for a set number of days.
Depending on the pass and options you purchase, you could save up to 40% on general retail prices.
Some of the passes include entry to Distilleries, museums, the Dublin Zoo, and exciting tours.
There is also a travel pass which makes utilizing public transportation easy and includes some other perks.
To see how much money a pass could save you, please read our post covering Dublin tourist passes.
6) RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour
Note: This event is not happening in May 2023.
One of the most popular, long-running reality TV competitions around is RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Some of your favorite competitors from the TV show will be with the touring stage production, along with talented dancers and singers.
Each of the queens will get their own performance numbers, along with a fabulous group finale.
- Location: 3Arena Dublin
- Find tickets here.
7) Attend the Life Festival
The Belvedere House and Gardens host the annual Life Festival, the largest electronic music festival in the country.
Early lineup announcements list Camelphat, Nina Kraviz, Sonny Fodera, The Blessed Madonna, and more.
You’ll find street performers like jugglers, firebreathers, and magicians, as well as hands-on arts and crafts, yoga workshops, and massages available for purchase.
If you’re really into the festival experience, you can even find VIP camping upgrades.
- Dates: May 26th - 28th, 2023
- Location: Belvedere House and Gardens
- Find tickets here.
8) International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
The largest LGBTQ-related theatre festival in the world just happens to be located in Dublin! The 20th annual festival will be held May 1st - 14th, 2023
This festival was started to celebrate and affirm the contribution of gay people to theatre and make their contributions to the community more visible.
You'll see works from gay writers or themes and other contributions by gay people.
In addition to festival performances, there will also be a Festival Club night - every night!
You can meet and mingle with the performers, volunteers, and other audience members.
- Dates: May 1st - 14th, 2023
- Location: Various Venues in Dublin
- Find more information and tickets here.
9) Take a Food Tour
When people think of traditional Irish food, they think of Irish stew, boxty, soda bread, cabbage and bacon dishes, and other hearty plates good for a cold evening.
But there’s more to Dublin’s cuisine than that.
If you want some help finding the best food in this city, you can take the Dublin Secret Food Tour.
This outing includes 6 stops and a variety of great dishes including - of course - Irish stew as well as whiskey, cheese, ice cream, and more!
You won’t want to miss learning more about Irish culture through the best local foods you can find.
The expert guides also do a great job incorporating local history into their stories about how these dishes evolved in Dublin.
10) Go to a Dublin Distillery
There are several notable distilleries in Dublin where you can learn how some of the best alcoholic beverages in the world are produced.
Here are some of the most historic locations you might want to visit:
You might also want to consider visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum!
NOTE: Admission to some of these locations is typically included with at least one Dublin tourist pass.
RESCHEDULED: Bloom Expo at Phoenix Park
The Bloom Expo is based on the successful Chelsea Flower and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and features impressive displays of gardening, design, and horticulture.
Ireland’s largest flower show runs June 1st - June 5th, 2023, from 9:00 am - 18:00 (6:00 pm) every day in Phoenix Park.
Besides the gardening displays, there will be food for purchase, live entertainment, and family-friendly arts and learning activities.
- Dates: June 1st - 5th, 2023
- Location: Phoenix Park
- Prices: Adult tickets €30, and children 16 and under go FREE
- Find more information here.
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- Where to Store Your Luggage
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Free Dublin Walking Tours
- Weather in Dublin in May and June
