Hooray, Hooray, here comes May! As the mercury inches its way upwards just in time for the arrival of Irish Summer Time, there’s lots going on across the city this Bank Holiday weekend. From photography, to poetry, music and Mexican food and drink, here are some great picks to help you make the most of your long weekend.
Dublin Street Photography Festival
Hot on the heels of last year’s successful inaugural launch, The Dublin Street Photography Festival (DSPF) returns for a second outing as it celebrates the wonderful world of street photography. Featuring a programme jam packed with talks, workshops, photo-walks, and exhibitions, a talk and exhibition by renowned photographer Martin Parr is just one of the eye-watering prospects to be enjoyed this year.
Other notable speakers include Melissa O’Shaughnessy, Johan Jelbo, and Richard Bram, while workshops led by Betty Goh, Rammy Narula, and Dougie Wallace offer hands-on learning.
There are also guided photo-walks by international collectives exploring Dublin’s streets and an outdoor exhibition featuring top global photographers and competition finalists which runs throughout May. With both free and ticketed events taking place over the weekend, this one’s an absolute must for the city’s photography enthusiasts.
May 2nd – 4th | Charlemont Square, Dublin 2
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May Day
Poetry Day Ireland 2025 takes place on Thursday, May 1st, celebrating poetry under the theme May Day – a reflection on renewal, solidarity, and collective strength. Inspired by Bealtaine and International Workers’ Day, it invites everyone to engage with poetry in meaningful ways, whether attending an event, hosting a reading, or sharing poetry online using #PoetryDayIRL
It all kicks off with a sunrise swim at The Cove in Greystones, followed by readings on the beach while later that evening poetry lovers are invited to head to The Whale Theatre in Greystones for a night of poetry and song to celebrate May Day.
Meanwhile Anantara The Marker will celebrate National Poetry Day on May 1st with live readings as guests enjoy a delicious afternoon tea there, with a special keepsake print of Kathy Hutchinson’s poem to bring home as a memento of the day.
Dubliners are also encouraged to tune in to the Poetry Day Ireland episode of Eat the Storms at some stage over the long weekend, as the poetry podcast hosts its annual celebration, featuring 32 poets. Each poet will be reading a single poem, representing each county on the island of Ireland.
Hosted and produced by Damien B Donnelly, The May Storm podcast episode airs on Poetry Day, May 1st from 8am. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts.
Cinco de Mayo
Spade Enterprise Centre opens its doors this Saturday for a festive day of Mexican culture, food, and community to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some of the best local Mexican businesses in Dublin.
Revellers can expect colourful crafts by Elso Casa, and fun-filled workshops facilitated by Fondita Mestiza, with limited spaces available to book online.
There’s also a fabulous array of food on offer, including delicious tacos by El Milagro, Salsas by Garnacha, Torillas, chillis and more by Balam Tortilleria alongside a delicious selection of Mexican sweets and snacks by Musho Picoso.
The organisers’ message is simple – “Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and come ready to explore the flavours and traditions of Mexico right here in Dublin!” Andale!
Saturday, May 3rd | 11am – 4pm | Spade Enterprise Center, Dublin 7
Alternating Current 2025 – Exploring the City Through Sound
Dublin Digital Radio’s Alternating Current (AC) Festival returns bringing a lovely selection of experimental music, sound art, and multimedia performances to various venues across Dublin. This year’s theme, ‘Urban Scores,’ explores our relationship with the city through sound and listening.
The lineup features Mel Keane, Ian Nyquist, Landless, JWY, Mohammad Syfkhan, Wastefellow, Louise Gaffney, Lara Gallagher and more, alongside a site-specific commission by Cian McCarthy at Flux.
The festival blends live performances, AV installations, workshops, and panel discussions, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience at the intersection of music and urban life. Tune in across the city at venues including Flux Studios, Pepper Canister Church and The Complex.
Thursday May 1st – Sunday May 4th | Various venues throughout the city
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Bray Jazz Festival
For those who fancy venturing further afield, the well-established Bray Jazz Festival returns to the seaside town of Bray this May Bank Holiday weekend. As it continues to draw some of the finest international and homegrown jazz musicians, this year’s lineup is an absolute belter.
Festival goers can look forward to performances from four-time Billboard Musician of the Year Vijay Iyer, Mercury Prize nominee Nubya Garcia, and Finnish trumpeter Vernari Pohjola. There are also lots of opportunities to see rising stars such as Amy Gadiaga and Nabou Claerhout in action too over the weekend.
Fans of Irish Jazz are sure to relish innovative sets from local legends including Zaska, Christine Tobin, and Grammy-winning pianist Francesco Turrisi, while the festival’s popular Fringe Programme sees local pubs, cafés, and restaurants hosting a myriad of free gigs, making jazz accessible to the wider community.
The vibrant festive atmosphere sees concerts taking place across multiple venues in Bray, with headline performances hosted by places including The Mermaid Arts Centre, Whale Theatre, and Bray Town Hall, while the iconic Harbour Bar provides an intimate setting for late-night jazz sessions.
Well worth a trip on the DART over the weekend.
May 2nd – 4th | Various venues around Bray
Feature Image: Melissa O’Shaughnessy, 57th Street, New York, 2017
