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Dublin City Council Sensoria, the award-winning neurodivergent friendly festival for all, returns to Merrion Square Park on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, bringing a vibrant, inclusive, fun and free cultural experience to the heart of Dublin city. Now in its third year, Dublin City Council Sensoria 2026 builds on…
Dublin City Council Sensoria, the award-winning neurodivergent friendly festival for all, returns to Merrion Square Park on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, bringing a vibrant, inclusive, fun and free cultural experience to the heart of Dublin city.
Now in its third year, Dublin City Council Sensoria 2026 builds on the success of previous editions with an enhanced, carefully curated programme of live performances, workshops, and sensory experiences. The festival is a free, ticketed event with access structured across three relaxed two-hour sessions daily to ensure a comfortable, non-crowded environment for all attendees. 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.
Welcoming the return of the festival, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said “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.”
The festival marks the beginning of a wider programme of Dublin City Council events running throughout the summer, creating a rich season of dynamic, vibrant, accessible and inclusive shared cultural experiences for the enjoyment of citizens and visitors alike.
This year introduces a five-zone layout, improving flow, accessibility and ease of navigation, while offering a diverse mix of activity levels – from lively performances to restorative spaces, ensuring something for everyone at their own pace. Come find your own rhythm!
A wonderful Main Stage awaits, featuring music, dance, magic and performance across both days, including Patrick Stefan, award-winning Irish-Dutch folk artist; Aengus Devine, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist; Moss Russell’s Stimtastic Celebration; Joe the Magician, presenter of RTE’s abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries; Magic Marta with her interactive magic, giggles and wonder and Meabh Conneely, trailblazing Irish dancer, the very first Riverdance summer school student with vision impairment.
Take part in the fabulous Interactive Experiences and Play, from Aerial Circus and cabaret performances to The Big Dig hands-on workshop for budding archeologists, and kazoo music regulation sessions. Pop into the low-pressure LEGO play tent and enjoy a host of creative play spaces for all. Check out the Topic Tent, share the things that interest you with like-minded people. Join in Workshops and Creative Fun with art and messy play, t-shirt painting, aromatherapy, bread making, emotional storytelling and life drawing. The Dublin City Libraries’ Bus will be there – packed full of stories in various accessible reading materials.
Get your chill on in the Sensory and Wellbeing Spaces, with dedicated sensory tents and gardens, soft play and regulation areas, the giant interactive Touch Totem and plenty of low-stimulation wellbeing zones. Shake it out with Movement and Participation featuring Yoga sessions, the Danspire Silent Disco, as well as plenty of interactive play and target games. The Movement and Participation area will also be supported by Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership Inclusion Officers, Tess Sutton and Mark Hughes, who will be facilitating a range of inclusive, easy-to-join activities. They will also be available for a friendly chat with families who would like general information on local opportunities and supports.
Dublin City Council Sensoria continues to prioritise accessibility through structured zones with varied activity levels, sensory supports including ear defenders and fidget tools, clear wayfinding and seating areas and flexible and self-paced participation opportunities. Each element is designed to create a safe, welcoming and adaptable environment, supporting individuals to engage in ways that suit their needs.
Produced by Dublin City Council in consultation with AsIAm, ADHD Ireland and Dyslexia Ireland, Dublin City Council Sensoria is developed through ongoing collaboration to ensure best-in-class accessibility and inclusion. The festival was recently recognised at the LAMA All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, where it received Best Irish Festival, highlighting its innovative approach to culture, creativity and community engagement.
Responding to the announcement Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity said “We are delighted to see the return of Sensoria to Dublin’s Merrion Square. Sensoria demonstrates autism acceptance and neuroinclusion in practice – not just considering the needs of our community but creating a specific offering with the needs and interests of our community at the centre. As we approach the summer, children, adults and families across Ireland will look forward to a range of social and cultural events and yet these experiences, which can often be overwhelming and inaccessible, simply can’t be taken for granted by our community. Sensoria ensures Autistic and neurodivergent people can have the same chance to enjoy what others may take for granted. Beyond being a day out, Sensoria is a powerful demonstration of inclusion in action and a source of inspiration for other local authorities and communities to follow.”
Ken Kilbride CEO ADHD Ireland added: “ADHD Ireland has been delighted to partner with Dublin City Council over the past two years on Sensoria! 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 said: “Dyslexia Ireland is pleased to be involved again in Sensoria. Navigating traditional festivals can often feel like a series of barriers rather than a celebration. Sensoria flips that script, proving that when we design with neurodiversity in mind, we create a richer, more vibrant experience for everyone. This allows us to focus on what truly matters: connection, culture, and the joy of participation. We are proud to be part of a space where every individual is empowered to participate in their own unique way.”
The festival is free to attend, with pre-booked tickets required to support a comfortable experience for all attendees. A full programme of events with access information, maps and guidance on all aspects of the festival will be made available nearer the festival dates to ensure the best possible experience. Tickets will be available from 12 midday on Monday, 30 March via dublin.ie/sensoria. Register your interest now and don’t miss out! Tickets for specific timed workshops will be released in the coming weeks.
***See Images attached: Dublin City Council Sensoria promotional images of performers and participants from Dublin City Council Sensoria2025. Image credit – Maxwell’s Photography***
