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festivals · Saturday 12 September 2026 · 3:00pm 
Mexican Day 2026
At National Stadium · South Circular Road, Dublin 8
At National Stadium · South Circular Road, Dublin 8
Every September, Dublin’s Mexican community gathers at the National Stadium to mark Mexican Independence Day with one of the most colourful cultural events on the city’s calendar. Mexican Day is Ireland’s biggest Mexican celebration - drawing around 2,000 people each year - and the atmosphere is a long way from a typical Dublin Saturday afternoon. If you have any connection to Mexico or simply enjoy good food, live music, and the energy of a crowd celebrating something real, this is worth the trip to Dublin 8.
The festival runs from 3pm to 10pm, so there is a full evening of it. Expect a programme of live music, traditional and contemporary dance performances, an arts and crafts market, and plenty of Mexican food and drink. The event is backed by the Embassy of Mexico in Ireland, which gives it a genuine community rather than commercial feel - this is the Mexican diaspora putting on their best show for themselves and their guests. Don Julio Tequila is among the sponsors, so the bar options will be on theme. The National Stadium itself holds just over 2,000 people, which keeps it from feeling like a sprawling outdoor festival - the intimacy works in the event’s favour. Tickets are needed and the event has sold out in previous years, so booking ahead is the sensible move.
The National Stadium sits on South Circular Road in Dublin 8, a 20-25 minute walk from the city centre through Portobello and along the canal. By bus, the 46A and 123 routes both serve the area. There is some on-street parking on South Circular Road and the surrounding residential streets, but a Saturday evening in Dublin 8 fills up quickly - the bus or a short taxi ride from the city centre is the easier option. Cycling is practical too; the stadium is well within range of Dublin Bikes stations further into town.
Dublin 8 is a lively inner-city neighbourhood with good spots for a meal or a drink before or after the festival - the stretch from Portobello to Leonard’s Corner has plenty of independent cafes and pubs. There is more to see in Dublin and across Co. Dublin.
Heading to National Stadium in Dublin? Dublin has plenty more to see. Read the Dublin area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
In town for National Stadium? These Dublin tours book out in summer.