Coastival unleashes a wave of excitement and family fun in Dún Laoghaire from Saturday June 29th to Sunday July 7th with art, history, games, culture, sailing, family fun, music and more landing on-shore.
On Sunday June 30th look to the skies for Atmosphere; a seaside event themed around Balloons, Kites and Flight in Newtownsmith, Dún Laoghaire.
A special ‘Kite Zone’, features stunt kites, large static kites and tournaments hosted by Francois and the Pure Magic team with kite flying competitions and a chance to make your own kite in the ‘make and do’ area.
In addition, a dedicated Kid’s Zone features Bouncy Castles and face painters, while The Sensory Express Bus will bring a sensory room on wheels to Atmosphere for neurodivergent young people. The bus is fully equipped with the latest sensory products available and is wheelchair accessible. It includes bubble tubes, waterwalls, colour changing ball pool, massage pads, sensory grass flooring, UV area and tactile features.
There’s also a Chill Zone featuring Volleyball skills, beach games, strolling characters and lots of fun for all the family. Entry to Atmosphere is free of charge with no booking or ticket required.
Participants can also enjoy a wide range of events on the water including Cruises with Dublin Bay Cruises, The ‘Stronger By The Sea’ Fitness Programme, ‘Dance and Dip, Roller Rebel Skating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding and ‘Yoga by the Sea’ in association with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership.
A special treat is the spectacle of “synchronised sailing” which makes for a sight for sore eyes at The Grand Classic Parade of Sail which has never previously been practised in Dún Laoghaire. Yachts and dinghies will gather in tight groups to sail past the Bandstand on the East Pier where Hal Sisk will provide a commentary for pier walkers and spectators. The fleet will then sail out of the harbour towards the Martello Tower at Sandymount.
There are also plenty of fun activities for little ones with the Room to Explore Art Exhibition for 0-5 year olds’ at the Gallery on Level 3 of dlr LexIcon running until August 11th.
Also taking place at dlr LexIcon on Saturday July 6th is The Coastival Family Fun Day which kicks off from 11am with a day packed with puppet shows, music, games, arts and craft workshops and the dlr Scéal Trail story walk. As a special treat join drama facilitator Joanna Parkes for ‘Ollie the Octopus’ Picnic Party’.
The Festival closes on On Sunday July 7th with an action-packed programme including Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park – a celebration of community music and dance from Dún Laoghaire and around the world. Also taking place is the Emergency Services Open Day in association with Childline at St. Michael’s Pier, while Outdoor Movies on the Green will bring the sparkle of the silver screen with an eclectic mix of all-time family favourites at 2pm, 4.15pm and 7pm on the Green at Irish Lights.
Coastival is organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The festival runs from Saturday June 29th to Sunday July 7th and full details of all events can be found here.
