Families looking for free activities in Dublin this St. Patrick’s weekend will have plenty to choose from, as Dublin City Council has unveiled a packed programme for the St. Patrick’s Festival Family Village, a completely free event running from 14–16 March 2026 at Wood Quay Amphitheatre.
The Family Village will form part of the wider St. Patrick’s Festival, offering three days of free entertainment, workshops and live performances aimed at younger children and their families. Organisers say the space is designed as a welcoming hub where children, parents and grandparents can enjoy creative activities together while celebrating Irish culture in the heart of the capital.
Across the weekend, families will be able to take part in a wide variety of hands-on experiences and performances — all without paying an entry fee. From arts and crafts to imaginative play zones and interactive shows, the programme aims to provide accessible entertainment for families spending the holiday weekend in Dublin city centre.
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One of the standout attractions is The Big Dig Workshop – A Viking House Excavation, where children can take part in an archaeological-style adventure inspired by the city’s Viking history. Young explorers will be able to dig, discover and learn about the past through playful, educational activities.
Creative workshops also feature heavily in the programme. The Children’s Willow Fish Workshop, taking place on Sunday, invites kids to create nature-inspired crafts using willow, encouraging hands-on creativity while learning about natural materials.
Meanwhile, the popular Get Shamrocked face-painting station will once again return to the Village, giving children the chance to get into the festive spirit with glitter and colourful designs.
The Family Village will also feature a series of playful interactive installations designed to keep children moving and engaged throughout the day. Among them is Bee-ology, a nature-inspired performance by Bumble Movement Arts that explores the world of pollinators through movement and storytelling.
Young visitors can also explore Bricí Spraoi’s Imagination Playground, a large-scale building system made from oversized blocks designed to encourage child-led free play and creative problem solving. Other attractions include The Wiggle Wagon, Juggle Boards, and live entertainment from Juggler Brendan, adding a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Live performances will also take place across the site, with artists and groups including SEANEM, Little Top Stars Bubbles, North:South, The Cold Call and Break an Egg delivering shows aimed at entertaining both children and adults. The performances are designed to be interactive and engaging, creating an environment where audiences of all ages can take part.
Importantly, organisers stress that every activity in the Family Village is free of charge, making it an accessible option for families during what is often a busy and expensive holiday weekend. While most activities do not require registration, some workshops may have limited capacity, so early arrival is advised.
The Family Village forms part of the broader St. Patrick’s Festival programme running across Dublin from 14–17 March, which includes street theatre, park events, concerts and cultural experiences leading up to the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, 17 March.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said the Family Village represents the festival at its most community-focused.
“As Lord Mayor, I am proud that the Dublin City Council St Patrick’s Festival Family Village at Wood Quay is where the Festival comes alive for families, kids buzzing, grandparents laughing, and Dubliners and visitors making new memories together. It is Dublin at its best, an active city in motion, a living city full of family life, and an engaged city where everyone belongs.”
Tony Smithers, Head of Events and Filming at Dublin City Council, described the Village as a central part of the festival experience for families.
“The Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Family Village is the beating heart of this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival – a place where imagination, creativity and community come together across three vibrant days. The Family Village has been designed as an immersive world of play, performance and hands on discovery for younger children and their families.”
He added that the Village complements another popular event returning to the festival calendar this year.
“As part of the wider Festival experience, the Family Village stands as a welcome addition to this year’s much loved Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt, enriching the programme with even more opportunities for families to engage, explore and celebrate together.”
The Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt will take place on Saturday, 14 March, inviting teams to explore Dublin’s streets and landmarks through a series of clues and challenges before finishing at the Family Village before 4pm.
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Participants will then be entered into a raffle with prizes including parade hospitality tickets with grandstand seating, as well as One4all and Decathlon vouchers. Additional spot prizes will also be awarded for categories such as Best Team Name and Best Costumes.
Festival organisers say the Family Village reflects the theme of “Roots” for St. Patrick’s Festival 2026, highlighting the connections between generations and communities through shared experiences.
Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival, said the initiative celebrates those connections.
“The Dublin City Council St. Patrick’s Festival Family Village finds itself at the heart of St. Patrick’s Festival, a place where generations come together to share time, creativity and joy. A shining example of our 2026 theme of Roots, it celebrates the connections between children, parents, grandparents and communities, creating a space where traditions are passed on, new memories are made and everyone feels welcome as part of the wider Festival.”
For families planning their St. Patrick’s weekend in Dublin, the Family Village at Wood Quay offers an easy and affordable way to take part in the celebrations — with three full days of free entertainment, workshops and performances designed specifically for younger audiences.
