The Dublin Irish Festival gets better year after year. The music, food, homemade wares, Irish dancing, and all of the activities for kids makes this a festival not to be missed. The Dublin Irish Festival is located off of Coffman Road in Dublin and runs from August 2 – 4, 2013. New this year are Highland Games for kids and sheep herding! Instructed by a real Highland Games athlete, your kids can experience a sport where they use sticks and stones…and what kid doesn’t like to play with sticks and stones? (just don’t throw them at the sheep) Seriously, my son will be all over it.
Last year we had a terrific time and could barely get the kids out of the Wee Folk Area. Wee Folk Area is specifically designed for kids with laser tag and bounce houses, story tellers and magicians. Great for kids of all ages and they just needed a wristband to enter. The lines weren’t too long and each bounce house was monitored by a festival worker, so kids were reminded to be safe and not get crazy. We let the kids play for a while and were off for frozen lemonades and to see the Irish hounds. My family 
loves dogs, and we had to pet and baby talk all over each “Celtic Canine.” All of them were of Irish breed and just lovely.
Now, remember the dog days of an Ohio August are HOT! At least last year it was, but the heat should not be a deterrent. Vendors sell water and drinks all over the place, there are lots of shaded areas, and covered stages. Pop a squat and listen to amazing musicians playing traditional and contemporary Irish tunes. If you or your child is an Irish dancer, perhaps you’ll hear a jig or a reel that will get you out of your seat. Please note that the evening performances get quite crowded, plan accordingly.
As far as planning, I went early to beat the crowds. We parked in the high school’s parking lot which is right across the street from the entrance. Look at their site for parking and ticket information (be sure to check out their Family Pack for savings!): Dublin Irish Festival.
Dublin Irish Festival
5200 Emerald Parkway
Dublin, OH 43017
**Coffman Park is located one mile from Interstate 270, Exit 17A. Follow signs for parking and shuttle service.
Put finding the pot o’ gold on your calendar:
- Strollers – yes! You can carry baby too, but it may too hot.
- I always have cash for festivals – just in case!
- Plenty of bathrooms around the park.
- Ask about the Wee Folk wristbands when you pay entry fee.
- Check out their music and activities line-up to help plan your visit.
- Last year there were pedicabs to ride people to the entrance – not sure if this will be around again, the festival doesn’t plan for them. Could be fun if you see them, though!
- Kids were selling waters and Gatorade outside the entrance of the festival. Thought this was great enterprising on their part AND was cheaper than some of the vendors on the grounds. Of course we supported them.
Disclosure: The fine folks at the Dublin Irish Festival provided my family with four tickets to attend (but we’ve attended many times before I got free tickets…).
