Dublin Maker 2026: Celebrating craft, curiosity and community
Dublin Maker | August 22nd and 23rd | Leopardstown Racecourse
Ireland’s largest free festival of makers, crafters, coders and inventors returns to Leopardstown Racecourse for two days this August
Dublin Maker, Ireland’s annual celebration of the maker movement, returns to Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of August for its biggest edition yet. Admission is free, and visitors can choose to attend either day or both.
Funded through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, the festival brings together makers, inventors, artists and technology enthusiasts from all walks of life to showcase their projects, exchange ideas and inspire the next generation of Irish makers. This year’s programme features a diverse mix of new and returning exhibitors alongside double the number of hands-on workshops, making it the most participatory Dublin Maker to date.
“Where else can you find roboticists sitting right next to traditional woodturners, or a synth-hacker sharing space with a loom weaver? Dublin Maker is unapologetically eclectic,” said Tomás Ward, co-founder and organiser. “It’s a celebration of human creativity in whatever medium. We love throwing high-tech, ancient craft, art and DIY science into a blender and showing people just how incredible the results can be.”
Dublin Maker has always been about getting hands on, and with twice as many workshops on offer, visitors of all ages can take part rather than simply look on.
Highlights of Dublin Maker 2026
- Over 90 exhibitors across the weekend
- 75 maker stands showcasing creativity and innovation
- 15 outdoor exhibits featuring large-scale installations
- Two rooms of workshops running across both days, programmed for all ages
- A Sunday morning Repair Café, giving broken and much-loved items a second life
- Food vendors and rest areas on site for families and visitors
- Improved accessibility, including a dedicated quiet area across both days, quiet hours on Sunday 23rd from 10.00 to 11.30, and Irish Sign Language interpretation on Saturday 22nd.
A venue built for scale
Leopardstown Racecourse provides the setting for this expanded celebration of creativity and innovation. Set against the backdrop of the Dublin Mountains, the venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor space, allowing the festival to host more makers, larger installations and a wider variety of workshops and activities than ever before. Located south of Dublin city, Leopardstown is served by public transport and offers ample on-site parking.
Visitors are encouraged to travel by public transport where possible, and to make this easier the festival is running a dedicated shuttle bus between the Sandyford Luas stop and the venue across both days. The shuttle runs every 25 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.
Free tickets now available
“Making is about more than the finished object,” said David McKeown, co-founder and organiser. “It’s about curiosity, problem-solving and the joy of sharing what you’ve learned with others. That’s what Dublin Maker celebrates every year.”
Councillor Barry Ward will join the festival on Saturday afternoon to officially welcome visitors and celebrate the creativity of local makers.
“Dublin Maker is a fantastic celebration of creativity, innovation and community. It brings people of all ages together to share ideas, learn new skills and be inspired by the incredible talent on display. I am delighted to welcome Dublin Maker 2026 to Leopardstown Racecourse and wish everyone involved a successful and enjoyable weekend.”
– Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul
“Every year, Dublin Maker reminds me just how much creativity and curiosity there is in Ireland,” said Jeffrey Roe, festival organiser. “What makes the event special is that it isn’t simply about coming to look at finished projects. You can meet the real people behind them, ask questions and try things for yourself. You’ll go home inspired, and before long you may find yourself building something on your own kitchen table.”
“Research Ireland is delighted to support Dublin Maker once again this year. Seeing the festival grow each year and firmly establishing itself as an annual national highlight for curiosity and innovation is hugely encouraging and inspiring,” said Dr Rachel Iredale, Research Ireland’s Head of Public Engagement with Research.
Following a record turnout last year, organisers are encouraging visitors to register for free tickets on Eventbrite early to secure a place.
Whether you’re a family looking for a day out, a seasoned maker, a technology enthusiast, an artist, or simply curious about the world of making, Dublin Maker 2026 has something for everyone.
