Festival of World Cultures

Immersed in folk, tradition, culture, tribalism, digital arts and the experimental, the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Festival of World Cultures presented a kaleidoscopic programme of concerts & club nights, fairs & markets, performances, street events, workshops and was Ireland’s first Global Carnival.

The Festival was committed to presenting an eclectic mix of world artists that can be experienced by all in a unique and intimate local setting while also offering a ‘passport to the world’ programme of events, many of which were free to all. Staged throughout the historic port town of Dún Laoghaire, the DLR Festival of World Cultures was an annual international arts festival celebrating cultural diversity.

New this year, are an exciting range of themed events, which include the highly anticipated Feast Americana that offers a banquet of live music and food in celebration of the quintessential American country fair. The new tranquil Health and Harmony fair offers a chance to reclaim control of your well-being, while Salon Culture offers traditional adornment techniques and an opportunity to get festival fresh!

A definite highlight will be the spectacular audio-visual show Hotel Kiev, a night time visual montage projected onto the façade of the Royal Marine Hotel. Created by Dún Laoghaire artist Ciaran McClelland the show features a live soundtrack by the compelling Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha, who last year received a standing ovation on the main stage.

The Festival would not be complete without perennial favourites the Global Village, in association with Oxfam Ireland, the World Dance Plaza and the vibrant Mela festival in celebration of South Asian Arts. Now in its 9th year, the Festival attracts over 250,000 people making it Ireland’s largest intercultural celebration. With a diverse world music line-up, food fairs, art exhibitions, workshops and cultural demonstrations as well as a Festival newspaper and nightly Festival Club where Irish artists jam with world musicians, this family-friendly celebration is a round-trip ticket to a world of culture. And, with over 90% of the events free of charge, the Festival is the top value-for-money event on the summer calendar, appealing to all the senses as well as to the wallet.