Dublin City Council Sensoria, the award-winning, neurodivergent-friendly festival, returns to Merrion Square Park on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, bringing a vibrant, fully inclusive and entirely free cultural weekender right into the heart of the city.
Now in its third year, Dublin City Council Sensoria 2026 expands on its celebrated model with an enhanced programme of live performance, hands‑on workshops and curated sensory experiences designed for neurodivergent children, teens, adults and families — and welcoming to everyone. The festival remains free but ticketed, with three relaxed, two‑hour sessions per day to ensure a comfortable, low‑crowd environment. The final session each day will feature a slightly older teen and young adult-focused programme, expanding the festival’s reach while remaining fully inclusive and accessible to all ages.
“A powerful expression of a welcoming Dublin”
Speaking about the festival’s return, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, highlighted Dublin City Council Sensoria’s role in shaping a more inclusive city:
“Dublin City Council Sensoria is a powerful expression of my mayoral theme of Celebrating Dublin because it speaks to the kind of city we are striving to build: open, welcoming, creative and inclusive. It is Dublin at its very best, creating a space where neurodivergent children, young people, adults and families can come together to experience culture, connection and joy in an environment shaped by care, understanding and accessibility. Dublin City Council Sensoria reminds us that a truly great city is one where everyone feels seen, supported and able to find their own rhythm.”
Dublin City Council Sensoria also marks the beginning of Dublin City Council’s broader summer cultural programme — a season of dynamic, accessible, shared experiences across the city.
Five Zones, Infinite Ways to Engage
A new five‑zone layout debuts this year, designed to improve flow, ease of navigation and sensory comfort. Across the park, festival‑goers will find a spectrum of activity levels — from lively performance spaces to calming, restorative areas.
Main Stage Highlights include:
- Patrick Stefan, award‑winning Irish-Dutch folk artist
- Aengus Devine, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter
- Moss Russell’s Stimtastic Celebration
- Joe the Magician, of RTÉ’s abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries
- Magic Marta, with her signature interactive magic
- Meabh Conneely, pioneering Irish dancer and the first vision‑impaired student of the Riverdance Summer School
Interactive Play, Creative Workshops and Quiet Corners
Across the park, visitors can dive into:
- Interactive Experiences & Play: Aerial circus, cabaret, The Big Dig archaeology workshop, kazoo music regulation sessions, LEGO play tents and creative free‑play spaces.
- Workshops & Creative Fun: From art and messy play to t‑shirt painting, aromatherapy, bread‑making, emotional storytelling and life drawing.
- Dublin City Libraries’ Bus: Stocked with accessible reading materials and stories for all ages.
- Sensory & Wellbeing Spaces: Dedicated sensory tents, regulation areas, soft play, low‑stimulation gardens, and the giant interactive Touch Totem.
- Movement & Participation: Yoga sessions, the Danspire Silent Disco, inclusive play, target games and activities facilitated by Inclusion Officers Tess Sutton and Mark Hughes from Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership.
Putting Accessibility at the Centre
Dublin City Council Sensoria continues to lead in inclusive festival design, offering structured zones with varied stimulation levels, clear wayfinding, ear defenders, fidget tools, plentiful seating and opportunities for self‑paced participation. Every element is intentional and informed by ongoing collaboration with AsIAm, ADHD Ireland and Dyslexia Ireland.
This commitment was recognised earlier this year when the festival won Best Irish Festival at the LAMA All‑Ireland Community & Council Awards.
Partners on the Power of Inclusion
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, noted:
“Dublin City Council Sensoria demonstrates autism acceptance and neuroinclusion in practice… ensuring Autistic and neurodivergent people can have the same chance to enjoy what others may take for granted.”
Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland, added:
“We really look forward to meeting all those with ADHD and other neurodiversities for two fabulous days in Merrion Square this April.”
Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Ireland, emphasised the festival’s impact:
“When we design with neurodiversity in mind, we create a richer, more vibrant experience for everyone… a space where every individual is empowered to participate in their own unique way.”
Tickets & Information
Dublin City Council Sensoria is free, but pre‑booking is required to maintain a comfortable experience for all attendees. A full programme, access guidance and maps will be released closer to the festival dates.
Tickets www.dublin.ie/sensoria
Come find your own rhythm at Dublin City Council Sensoria 2026 — a festival where creativity, inclusion and community take centre stage.
