The Ballybough & North Strand Festival of History returns for its third year with a fascinating programme exploring the people, places and events that have shaped Dublin’s north inner city and Irish history.
Running from Saturday, 26 September to Saturday, 10 October, the festival brings together respected historians, writers and special guests for a series of free events in Ballybough and North Strand.
This year’s programme includes a series of informative events with plenty of time for discussion afterwards. Don’t miss!
Saturday, 26 September
The Village That Vanished: The North Strand Bombing
Historian Brian Treacey explores the devastating bombing of Dublin’s North Strand in 1941 and the community that was changed forever.
Sue Ryder Shop, Five Lamps
5.00–6.30pm
Bram Stoker Bloodlines
Douglas Appleyard explores the Dublin family history and extraordinary legacy of Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula.
Sue Ryder Shop, Five Lamps
5.00–6.30pm
Sunday, 27 September
Joyce & Eccles Street: A Love Story
Historian and archivist Catriona Crowe explores James Joyce’s connections with Eccles Street and its place at the heart of Ulysses.
Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road
Doors 7.00pm | Talk 8.00pm
Friday, 2 October
The Untold Story of Michael Collins, Sam Maguire & Liam MacCarthy
Marcus Howard uncovers the remarkable connections between three of the most recognisable names in Irish history and the GAA.
Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road
Doors 7.00pm | Talk 8.00pm
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Saturday, 3 October
The Siege of Mud Island
Historian Barry Kennerk tells the story of one of the most notorious episodes in the history of Dublin’s north inner city.
Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road
Doors 7.00pm | Talk 8.00pm
Thursday, 8th October
Ballybough and the Irish Revolution: A Community at War
Historian and author Liz Gillis explores Ballybough’s people, streets and stories during Ireland’s revolutionary period.
Upstairs at Annesley House, North Strand Road
Doors 7.00pm | Talk 8.00pm
Saturday, 10th October
Niall Quinn: The Extraordinary Life of Oscar Traynor—Footballer, Rebel and Politician
Former Irish international footballer Niall Quinn presents the story of Oscar Traynor, drawing on his MA research into this fascinating and complex Dublin figure.
Traynor’s extraordinary life encompassed football, revolution, the IRA, politics, government ministry and senior involvement in Irish football administration.
National Handball Centre, Ballybough Doors 7.00pm | Talk 8.00pm
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Ballybough & North Strand Festival of History runs from September 26th to October 10th 2026
All events are free. No advance booking is required, just turn up, except for the Niall Quinn event at the National Handball Centre, which must be booked through Eventbrite.
The Ballybough & North Strand Festival of History is part of the Dublin Festival of History and is proudly supported by Dublin City Council and the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC).
