Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival begins today, bringing a full weekend of food, music, and family-friendly events to the seaside village of Howth, Dublin from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May 2026.
The free festival, which runs daily from 12pm to 6pm, celebrates the area’s long-standing maritime heritage and its strong fishing community, with organisers promising a packed programme of entertainment across the harbour.
Visitors can expect a mix of seafood tastings, live music, craft stalls, and interactive attractions spread throughout the village, with organisers describing the event as a celebration of both local culture and coastal life.
View this post on Instagram
A key attraction is the Seafood Village & Live DJ area, where festival-goers can sample fresh local seafood while enjoying music on the harbourfront. Multiple craft traders will also be set up across the site, showcasing handmade goods from local artisans.
Family entertainment is a major focus of this year’s event, with a dedicated Family Funzone featuring inflatables, games, and activities designed for children. A circus tent will host family-friendly performances, while a nearby kite workshop will allow visitors to make and fly their own kites, though a fee applies.
For quieter moments, organisers have included a mobile library and a dedicated sensory-friendly quiet space, supported by the Howth Sutton Autism Community, offering a calm environment for those who may need a break from the crowds.
The festival also features educational and heritage-focused events, including a sea life display from the Howth Sea Angling Club, showcasing live aquariums of fish and shellfish caught locally in the days leading up to the event. All marine life will be returned to the sea after the festival. The club will also host an angling exhibition, children’s face painting, and talks from guest speakers covering topics such as recreational fishing and sustainability.
View this post on Instagram
Live music will feature across multiple areas, including performances near the marina and a central entertainment zone, alongside food courts and pop-up street food vendors offering a wide range of options.
Getting to the festival is being encouraged via public transport, with the DART station located directly beside the main entrance, along with bicycle parking and additional parking available at Deerpark.
Howth Maritime Festival provides free Parking at Deer Park Golf Club from 11.30-6pm this Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May
Organisers are encouraging sustainable travel and have also set up an information tent on-site for maps, first aid, and general assistance throughout the weekend.
With its mix of food, music, and coastal atmosphere, the Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival is expected to draw large crowds over the three-day event, offering a showcase of one of Dublin’s most popular seaside destinations.
