Bram Stoker Festival 2026: Gothic Halloween in Dublin

Le Bram Stoker Festival transforms Dublin into a Gothic capital every year around Halloween. For four days, the birthplace of the author of Dracula It fills with shows, stories, and parades. We've been organizing trips to Ireland since 2012: here are the 2026 dates, the program, and our tips for making the most of it.

The Bram Stoker Festival: 2026 dates

The next edition will take place from Friday 23 to Monday 26 October 2026, according to the official website of the festival. It therefore falls on the Irish bank holiday weekend at the end of October, just before Halloween.

The detailed program will be announced at the end of September. We will update this article as soon as it is published.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Bram Stoker Festival 2026: Gothic Halloween in Dublin "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

What appeals to you the most?

The atmosphere and the showHistory and traditions

Question 2 of 5

Once there, you are more like…

At the heart of the actionObserve and take photos

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You like arriving…

A little early, no stressJust in time to begin

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For the organization, you prefer…

Plan everything in advanceMaintain some flexibility

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Ultimately, what you really want is…

It was a feast for the eyes.To have truly understood the event

Why is this festival named after Bram Stoker?

Bram Stoker was born in Clontarf, Dublin, in 1847. He studied at Trinity College, then worked at Dublin Castle before moving to London. His novel Dracula, published in 1897, actually invented the modern figure of the vampire.

The city is therefore paying tribute to him with a festival organised by the municipality, Dublin City Council. It blends literature, street art and popular culture.

What happens during the Bram Stoker Festival?

The festival takes over several venues in the city for four days. The program changes every year, but it generally includes:

• street performances and light installations in the centre; ;
• readings, stories and meetings about Gothic and Dracula ;
• concerts, screenings and themed evenings; ;
• workshops and activities for families, often free; ;
• guided tours following in the footsteps of the author and Victorian Dublin.

Some events are free, while indoor shows require a ticket. Book as soon as the program is announced, as tickets sell out quickly.

Halloween in Dublin, beyond the festival

Halloween has its roots in Samhain, the Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest. Ireland, along with Scotland, is its birthplace. Around October 31st, Dublin's neighborhoods organize their own parades and fireworks displays.

To expand on this theme, our guide to’Halloween in Edinburgh presents the other major Celtic festival of the moment, the Samhuinn Fire Festival.

Our tips for the Bram Stoker Festival

• Book your accommodation early: the bank holiday weekend at the end of October is very popular in Dublin.
• Plan to spend three or four nights enjoying the festival without rushing.
• Get around on foot and by tram, as many events take place in the centre.
• Pack warm and waterproof clothing, as temperatures often range between 8 and 13°C at the end of October.
• With children, aim for daytime activities, which are more suitable than evening shows.

What to visit in Dublin during the festival?

Take advantage of the day to explore the city. Trinity College, where Bram Stoker studied, houses the Book of Kells. Dublin Castle, his former workplace, is also open to visitors. Finally, Marsh's Library and Glasnevin Cemetery perfectly complement the Gothic atmosphere.

To organize your days, follow our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days. You can also extend your journey north with our guide to the...’Northern Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bram Stoker Festival

When will the Bram Stoker Festival take place in 2026?

First, remember the dates: from Friday 23rd to Monday 26th October 2026, in Dublin. The festival takes place over the bank holiday weekend at the end of October.

Is the Bram Stoker Festival free?

Partly. Many street performances and family activities are free, but indoor shows require a ticket.

Is the festival suitable for children?

Yes. The program includes workshops, parades and activities designed for families each year, especially during the day.

How many days should I allow for the Bram Stoker Festival?

Three or four days are enough to attend the festival and visit the city. Add two days for a day trip to Glendalough or Belfast.

Experience the Bram Stoker Festival with Brightside Travel

Our team knows Dublin and its festivals well. We offer, in particular, a stay Dublin, shadows and legends, adaptable to your dates, and we can integrate it into a tailor-made trip to Ireland.

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