The Rose Festival returns to St Anne’s Park in Raheny, Dublin, for a weekend of family-friendly activities, music, and cultural displays. Organised by Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services, the free event celebrates the park’s historic rose garden while offering a diverse programme from 10:30am to 6pm each day. Set in the scenic 240-acre park, the festival provides an accessible and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, blending horticultural appreciation with community entertainment.
The programme features a variety of performances and activities. Musical acts include Fused, Back Stage Bandits, and the Dublin Ukulele Collective, performing across outdoor stages. Families can enjoy children’s entertainment such as the Silly Billies soft play area, shows by Reuben the Entertainer, and a mobile planetarium. Interactive attractions include the Peak Discovery climbing wall and axe-throwing with the Axe Club, while BAC Le Gaeilge offers Irish-language activities. The Biodiversity Village, a festival staple, showcases Dublin’s natural heritage with educational displays. The Dublin City Council Library Bus will be on-site, providing resources and activities for young visitors. Food vendors offering global cuisines will cater to diverse tastes, and market stalls will feature local crafts and produce. The rose garden itself, with its hybrid tea and floribunda roses, remains a focal point, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil paths.
The Rose Festival began in the 1970s as the International Rose Festival, tied to the opening of St Anne’s Park rose garden in 1975. Initially focused on horticultural displays, it was established by Dublin City Council to promote the park’s botanical heritage and encourage community engagement. While specific founders are not named in public records, the event was developed under the council’s parks department, with support from local gardening groups. Over time, it evolved into a broader family festival, incorporating music, workshops, and biodiversity initiatives to reflect Dublin’s growing cultural diversity. The festival’s relocation to St Anne’s Park, a former Guinness family estate, cemented its status as a key summer event, drawing thousands annually.
The festival is currently managed by Dublin City Council’s events team. The council’s oversight ensures the event remains free and accessible, with a focus on sustainability and community involvement. Recent years have seen the addition of eco-friendly initiatives, such as the Biodiversity Village, reflecting a commitment to environmental education. Visitors can expect a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, with the park’s expansive grounds providing ample space for exploration. Easily accessible via Dublin Bus or DART to Raheny, the festival offers a chance to enjoy music, crafts, and nature in one of Dublin’s most cherished green spaces.
