Bealtaine Festival Flagship Finale at Project Arts Centre

What to Expect

The Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national celebration of arts and ageing, culminates each May with a flagship event in Dublin. In 2026, the three-day finale takes place at Project Arts Centre from 28 to 30 May, bringing together a rich and diverse programme of performance, visual arts, music, film, literature and dance.

The festival is themed around Lust for Life, inspired by the iconic Iggy Pop anthem, and explores ageing as a time of vitality, energy and reinvention rather than retreat. The Dublin finale features headline events including a special evening with Rory O’Neill (better known as Panti Bliss), musician Leslie Dowdall and neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan, followed by a relaxed Mix and Mingle social event.

Running throughout May, the wider Bealtaine programme also includes the Big Bealtaine Tea Party at IMMA, an intergenerational celebration featuring music, storytelling and live performance, as well as the Nationwide Dawn and Dusk Chorus bringing singing groups together across the country.

Good to Know

• Flagship finale at Project Arts Centre: 28 to 30 May 2026
• Mix of ticketed events and free activities across the three days
• Wider Bealtaine programme runs throughout May across Ireland
• Suitable for all ages; the festival particularly welcomes older audiences
• Accessible venue; check bealtaine.ie for specific event access information

Getting There

Project Arts Centre is on East Essex Street in Temple Bar, Dublin 2. The venue is a short walk from Tara Street DART station and Dublin Bus routes serving O’Connell Street and Dame Street. The Luas Red Line stops at Jervis, about ten minutes on foot. Temple Bar is very central and easily reached from all parts of the city.