May hosts a whole range of activities and events around the country, check out our list below of just a few things going on around town! We've added more events going on around the country and not just Dublin for May so if you're roadtripping Ireland or a local wanting to get out of the city check out the blog!
Markets
Markets are making a comeback! Since the pandemic is easing and restrictions have been lifted more and more markets are either opening up or resuming their usual services. Below are just a few we recommend:
Herbert Park Market
Located at Herbert Park in Ballsbridge this market opens up every Sunday from 11am - 4pm. Hosting a variety of different stalls specialising in local made souvenirs, arts & craft and much more. The market is also a great farmers market if you're looking to shop locally and sustainably.
Howth Market
Situated in the fishing village of Howth this market opens up every weekend on Saturday & Sunday from 9am - 6pm. It has a huge amount of stalls from local food & drink, fish straight from the local fisheries & artisan souvenirs. You may as well check out the rest of Howth whilst you're there. Take a hike, stroll through the harbour and discover fantastic scenery and some Viking history. Howth is a great place to visit and an unmissable stop on a tour of Ireland.
Outdoor activities
Hopefully the sunshine will make an appearance over Ireland in May (with any luck). Get yourself out of the hustle and bustle of the city and check out some of these great outdoor activities for both locals and visitors.
Bray
The picturesque coastal town of Bray situated in County Wicklow is a local favourite for when the sun is out. Check out Bray head or head down into town and try the local coffee shops, independent stores and much more.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxed in Bray visit the Festina Lente Gardens, the admission is free but we encourage visitors to leave a donation.
Howth
The fishing village of Howth is definitely one of our all time favourite places to visit during Spring or Summer. When the weather is nice Howth is gleaming with some amazing views of the sea and cliffs. Grab that famous Instagram shot of The Bailey Lighthouse and take a walk through the harbour, check out some of Howth's very tasty sustainably sourced local fish, and of course not forgetting the markets as we mentioned earlier.
We also recommend taking a tour of Howth whilst you're there, support local businesses and book with a local tour guide! Our recommendation for Howth is Hidden Howth Experiences hosted by the incredibly talented Mark McHale and his little buddy Missy.
Mark offers a few different ways of experiencing Howth but all with a very unique flair, you're in safe hands touring Howth with Mark. Hidden Howth Experiences are rated highly on Tripadvisor boasting an impressive 120+ 5* reviews and whopping 3000+ reviews on Airbnb Experiences.
You can take a hike with pints, tour the ancient village or take a craft beer & seafood trail. You can book for either tour (or all) directly through his website.
Having a guided tour of Howth is essential as it offers many unique and hidden treasures that can sometimes be missed by visitors.
Keep up to date with Mike and his adventure through Howth by checking out his website and following his Instagram.
Check out Hidden Howth Experiences
Entertainment
If you're looking for some easy and laidback entertainment in the city then look no further as Dublin's theatres & pubs have you covered!
Smock Alley Theatre
A visit to the theatre is essential when visiting anywhere. Support local art & performance groups and try to help build the arts scene back up by going to see something performed in a local theatre, shopping at local galleries and bookstores and visiting local film institutes. The arts sector was one of the most negatively impacted industries after the pandemic so now more than ever is an important time to go grab a bit of culture and watch some very talented people do what they're best at.
Catch of the day
We highly recommend checking out Catch of the Day - based on a true story this is the first time this play comes to Dublin.
"Ireland, 1966. Joe Welch, a skipper, sails into Dingle Bay with a very unusual catch…
What follows is a ridiculous series of events involving Eamon De Valera, Queen Elizabeth and a whole lot of nuns. An unbelievable true story, Catch of The Day, is a raucous, ‘side-splittingly funny’ (The Irish Post *****) and little bit-political play with live trad-inspired music, all set in a Dingle pub.
Following It’s award nominated Edinburgh Fringe run, critically acclaimed sell out UK Tour Catch of The Day, visits Dublin for the first time."
Head over to Smock Alleys website to get your tickets and remember to support local theatres on your travels! #savethearts
Catch of the day will be on from 2nd - 7th May
Live Music
The Cobblestone pub was recently under threat of demolition but the people of Dublin banded together to save the pub so now more than ever they need the support. The Cobblestone isn't just an icon of Smithfield Square but a very famous and well liked pub with the locals. There's trad bands, a great partial outdoor area, fantastic service and prices that won't leave your pocket empty at the end of the night.
Darkey Kelly's is another that we would recommend for live music, the atmosphere and just for the general craic! They have live music most nights a week and they keep their schedule updated on their Facebook page so you know what nights not to miss out.
Festivals
Festivals are back in full swing! Since we've been locked inside for 2 years everyone is having the right idea and giving all communities the opportunity to host their skills and talents throughout the country. There are a huge amount of festivals in Ireland right throughout 2022 here's 2 we've chosen for May.
Bealtaine Festival
"Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age. The festival is run by Age & Opportunity, the leading national development organisation working to enable the best possible quality of life for us all as we age.
Age & Opportunity Arts provides opportunities for older people to be more creative more often, to create meaningful participation and representation for all older people in cultural and creative life and to demonstrate and celebrate how our creative potential can improve with age. "
Head to their website here for a full list of events, here's a few we would recommend:
An Architectural Outdoor Guided Walking Tour of Kilkenny Castle
Hosted right through May click here to check the times and book your tickets. The events is free but booking is highly recommended
If you're heading to Tipperary check out the National Archives exploring the Treaty of 1921
International Literature Festival Dublin
From the 19th - 29th May Dublin City will host the International Literature Festival. For the 11 days there will be a Literature Village set up in Merrion Square Park which will host in person events. Click here to check out the full programme of events, there will be a range of activities going on throughout the city and some online too! Check out the below for just a few we recommend.
Noontide: Culinary Antic with the GastroGays
"The dynamic duo that is GastroGays are set to release their debut cookbook, Hot Fat, the essential guide you need for the delicious art of deep-frying. The book tosses aside our prejudices when it comes to fried food, showcasing a divine selection of savoury and sweet recipes, as well as throwing a spotlight on authentic producers, and offering domestic chefs some handy tips. Join us for a culinary conversation that will tickle your tastebuds – and revolutionise your cooking!"
Oscar Wilde House Tour
"Join ILF on a tour of the house of one of Ireland’s most famous literary voices!
Oscar Wilde’s childhood home in the heart of Dublin city is as eccentric and intriguing a place as you would expect, given the reputation of its creative and scandalous inhabitants! Your tour will be led by the Oscar Wilde House creative director, Martin Burns. An exploration of the house is also an exploration of the history of the Wilde family – and they do not disappoint!"
Yoga with the space between
"Come back to nature in Merrion Square and join The Space Between for a creative exploration of inner and outer experience, in an open level class of movement, breath, and relaxation suitable for all abilities. The Space Between is a purpose-built, dog-friendly Yoga & Event Space just off Merrion Square, excitedly exploring a shift towards conscious living, through engagement with a wide range of practitioners, artists, talks, events and experiences."
All events, times places & prices are here check out the full programme and we would highly recommend booking tickets online
Walking Tours
We of course cannot forget ourselves. We're hosting our usual Free Walking Tour of Dublin everyday at 10am, 11am & 2pm. Now rated Number 1 on Tripadvisor!
Join our Dark Dublin Tour and explore the much more gruesome side of Dublin, venture through the back alleys and cobbled streets of the fair city and discover some dark history you've probably never heard before!
We're also super excited to launch our new product this May, taking locals & visitors through certain culinary and beverage delights of Dublin... more information to come in just a few weeks.
Check out our full range of tours here on our website and remember to give us a like on Facebook and a follow on Instagram! Subscribe to the website to keep up to date with all things Dublin, Ireland and new products.
Thanks for reading! To ask about anything we mentioned or to contact us further please email info@unearthedtours.com.