Year of the Horse – Dublin Unleashes a Vibrant 9-Day Lunar New Year Festival!

by Jacqueline A. O'Neill · Published February 2, 2026 · Updated February 2, 2026

Dublin is officially charging into the Year of the Horse with a spectacular city-wide celebration! From Saturday, 14th to Sunday, 22nd February 2026, the capital transforms into a vibrant hub of Asian-Irish culture. Whether you’re a foodie, a dance enthusiast, or looking for a free family day out, this year’s programme is designed to connect communities and celebrate shared traditions. Led by Festival Ambassador and visual artist Jinny Ly, the festival culminates in a massive flagship celebration at Wolfe Tone Square. Get ready for nine days of high-energy performances, immersive workshops, and the best street food in the city!

The Year of the Horse programme has launched!

This year’s vibrant programme runs from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February 2026, inviting everyone to take part in a joyful, city-wide celebration of culture and community. Spanning nine exciting days, the festival transforms Dublin into a hub of activity with a rich mix of workshops, talks, guided tours, live performances, film screenings, visual art, and a wide range of family-friendly events, offering countless ways to engage, learn and celebrate.

Our flagship event on 22nd February in Wolfe Tone Square brings the city alive with a dazzling celebration of creativity. Hosted by our Festival Ambassador Jinny Ly, this outdoor showcase features incredible performers from Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Mongolian communities. Welcome the Year of the Horse with thrilling Lion and Qilin performances, K-Pop dance routines, and authentic street food at Seoul Kitchen.

Explore the Year of the Horse programme