Dublin Maker Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity and invention, takes place on 30 and 31 August at Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin. This free, community-run event, held annually, invites makers from across Ireland and beyond to display their creations in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Set in the spacious grounds of Leopardstown, the festival offers a platform for hobbyists, engineers, artists, and educators to share their work, fostering inspiration and learning within the maker movement.
The 2025 programme features a diverse array of exhibits, with over 50 makers showcasing projects ranging from robotics and 3D printing to traditional crafts and sustainable innovations. Visitors can expect hands-on activities, including workshops where children and adults can engage with technologies like Arduino or learn skills such as soldering and coding. Past festivals have included AI racing robots, physics busking, and upcycled crafts, suggesting a similar variety for 2025. A Repair Café, hosted by Tog Hackerspace on Sunday, allows attendees to bring broken items for repair, promoting sustainability.
Live demonstrations, such as battery-making from household items, and interactive stalls, like those featuring Lego or Aran knitting, cater to all ages. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm each day, with free tickets available via www.dublinmaker.ie. Food stalls and picnic areas enhance the carnival-like setting, while public transport, including the Luas to Sandyford, ensures easy access. Visitors are advised to check the festival’s website or social media for weather updates and the full maker line-up, expected to be announced in early August.
Attendees can anticipate an inclusive and engaging experience, with step-free access at Leopardstown Racecourse and activities designed for diverse interests. The festival’s open-call format ensures a broad range of exhibits, from student projects to professional innovations, encouraging interaction between makers and the public. Dublin’s cultural attractions, such as the nearby National Museum of Ireland or Phoenix Park, offer additional opportunities for exploration. The event’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and creativity makes it particularly appealing for families seeking educational yet accessible entertainment.
The Dublin Maker Festival was founded in 2012 by a group of volunteers, including Jeffrey Roe of Tog Hackerspace, with support from Trinity College Dublin and Science Gallery Dublin. Inspired by the global Maker Faire movement, the founders aimed to create a platform for Ireland’s growing maker community to showcase innovation and inspire future generations. Initially held in Trinity College, the festival has moved locations over the years, including Merrion Square and Richmond Barracks, before settling at Leopardstown Racecourse for 2025.
The event has grown significantly, surviving virtual editions during the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years, and now attracts thousands annually. The festival is managed by a dedicated volunteer committee, with key contributions from Tog Hackerspace and Science Foundation Ireland, ensuring its community-driven ethos remains intact.
Since its inception, Dublin Maker has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s creative landscape, fostering collaboration among tech enthusiasts, educators, and crafters. Its commitment to free entry and inclusivity has made it a model for community engagement, with past highlights including sustainable flowerpot workshops and gaming in Gaeilge. The 2025 festival, supported by sponsors like Science Foundation Ireland, will continue to promote invention and resourcefulness, encouraging visitors to explore the possibilities of making. Those interested in participating as makers can apply via the open call, details of which are available on the festival’s website, making it a dynamic event that evolves with each edition.
