Coastival, organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, unleashes a wave of excitement and family fun in Dún Laoghaire from June 29th to July 7th. ‘Room to Explore’ is an Art Exhibition for 0 – 5 year olds’ at the Gallery in dlr LexIcon and admission is FREE for the duration of Coastival. It includes artworks by artists Helen Barry, Anne Bradley, Jane Hayes and Órla Kelly. The artists have carefully considered the materials, colours, textures and have worked with early years children to help them create these interactive artworks. Understanding the importance of discovery and familiarity for young children, the exhibition is designed to be visited and revisited by young children and their caregivers, allowing ‘room to explore’.
Coastival brings art, history, games, culture, sailing, family fun, music and more to the shore in Dún Laoghaire Soak up ‘Atmosphere’ with balloons kites and flight, have a picnic with Ollie the Octopus, watch some synchronised sailing at ‘The Grand Parade of Classic Sail’ or catch a classic family favourite Outdoor Movie with a picnic by the sea.
Throughout Coastival, a series of historic and nature walks will take place with fantastic guides to bring us back in time to the construction of the harbour and rich history of our maritime county capital, its innovative infrastructure, Hotels, Victorian heritage, and seafront memorials
There will be lots of fun activities for little ones also. On Saturday July 6th from 11am the Coastival Family Fun Day is on at dlr LexIcon with puppet shows, music, games, arts & craft workshops and the dlr Scéal Trail story walk. Join drama facilitator Joanna Parkes for ‘Ollie the Octopus’ Picnic Party’ an interactive creative play experience for children aged 2 to 5 and their caregivers throughout the weekend at dlr LexIcon.
On Sunday July 7th the Festival closes with an action-packed day including Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park – a celebration of community music and dance from Dún Laoghaire & around the world! Emergency Services Open Day in association with Childline will take place on Sunday July 7th at St. Michael’s Pier and Outdoor Movies on the Green will bring the sparkle of the silver screen with an eclectic mix of all-time family favourites at 2pm, 4.15pm and 7pm on the Green at Irish Lights.
“Following a hugely successful first year, Coastival is back to celebrate Dún Laoghaire with even wider range of events and activities. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Dún Laoghaire between June 29th and July 7th.” said An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Denis O’Callaghan, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council looking forward to the event said “It is great to see Coastival return to the town after the excitement it generated in 2023. New events this year include the grand classic sail parade and the Coastival Community Music and Dance in the Park. We hope locals and tourists alike visit in great numbers and avail of the entertainment and hospitality that Dún Laoghaire has to offer.”
Coastival is organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and full details of all events are on events.dlrcoco.ie or webcloudone/coastival