Sundays in the City: Enjoy Arts, Culture, and Socialising in Dublin this Summer

For many of us, the summer months are a major highlight to look forward to each year. The days are longer (and, fingers crossed, warmer), meaning we can finally swap our cosy nights in for weekends spent out and about.

And where better to do that than Dublin City Centre? The city is set to become even more vibrant and colourful this summer with a series of arts, culture, music, and performance activities lined up for locals and visitors to enjoy on Sundays.

Starting on July 7th and continuing through to August 25th, Sunday afternoons into early evenings will see a celebration of Dublin's rich cultural tapestry, promising a fun experience for all who venture into the city. After a full day of shopping or socialising in town, why not stay a while longer and see what else the city has to offer, starting with…

A feast for the senses

Picture this - you're wandering down South William Street, coffee in hand, and you hear the sounds of a brass band or Samba. You have all the time in the world, no emails to answer, no meetings to attend - it's Sunday, after all. So you stop for a couple of moments, taking in the vibes before continuing on to meet some friends for a catch-up and a delicious early evening dinner in any one of the many excellent restaurants or bars the area has to offer. Now that's what weekends were made for!

Street performers are just one of the many highlights you can expect. Some of Dublin's streets will be dotted with musicians, each bringing something unique to the city and creating an ever-changing soundtrack to your Sunday strolls. And it's not just the south side of the city, as you’ll find pop-up performances on the newly refurbished Liffey Street, Capel Street, North Earl Street by the Portal, and Wolfe Tone Park.

From the New Orleans-style New Brass Kings, to three-piece trad band Sin a deir sí, or the Latin group Havana Club Trio, as well as a fantastic collection of Irish, Bolivian, and Latina dancers, as well as aerial artists, you’ll discover something you’ll not be able to tear yourself away from. The streets will also be filled with the musical stylings of Sam Clifford, Sarah Fitzsimon, Adam Grimes, and loads more.

Visual arts will also play a big part in this summer's festivities. From painting murals to creating vibrant displays, local artists will be adding splashes of colour to Dublin's streets.

There will also be Comedy Club events happening every Sunday in The Stag’s Head (on Dame Court) and Bruxelles (on Harry Street), if you’re looking for some LOLs on the weekend.

So whether you're looking to explore new parts of the city or revisit your favourite haunts, there will always be something new to experience. In terms of the actual acts you will be entertained by throughout the summer, there is a huge variety set to perform.

Culinary delights

Whether you’ve popped into Dublin for some food, some drink, or a mix of both, there is such an impressive amount of places for you to try out. Thankfully, we’re here to help you find exactly what you might be looking for…

If you’re in the mood for some legendarily great Sunday Roasts, then you absolutely can’t go wrong with either Hawksmoor (on College Green) or Fade Street Social (on, yep, you guessed it, Fade Street). Beyond the roasts, you’re guaranteed some great steaks at Fire Bar & Restaurant or an amazing brunch at Café en Seine (both on Dawson Street). You’ve also got fantastic seafood on the menu at Sole Restaurant (on South William Street), or check out the mouth-watering Chinese food at Good World (based on George’s Street).

For any lovers of tasty and well-made cocktails, the top of your must-visit lists should be Drury Buildings (on Drury Street), The Church (on Jervis Street), or 37 Dawson Street (that address should be self-explanatory). If you specifically love Aperol Spritzes, we have it on good authority that some of the best in the city can be found at either Bootleg (on Drury Street) or NoLiTa (on George’s Street).

Last but by no means not least, if you’re on the hunt for a great spot for pints, then look no further than The Boar’s Head (on Capel Street), The Grand Social (on Liffey Street), or Grogan’s (on South William Street).

A summer to remember

As the wonderful days of summer stretch ahead, Dublin's Sunday activities promise to be an unmissable affair. With a mix of music, dance, art, and food, the summer will not only celebrate Dublin's cultural diversity but also a chance to get together as a community and support local talent.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the best that Dublin has to offer. Whether you're enjoying a soulful musical performance on South King Street, marvelling at a newly painted mural on Liffey Street, or sampling a delectable dish on Fade Street, you're going to want to pencil in a Sunday in the city.

For full details of what to experience and where, see DublinTown.ie.