Seven Reasons to Visit Dublin Ohio during the annual Dublin Irish Fest
With a city name like Dublin, it’s expected of this central Ohio city to live up to the heritage the name is known for. Luckily, the city celebrates Celtic culture annually during the Dublin Irish Fest. Before we dive into the seven reasons to visit Dublin Ohio during the annual Irish Festival let’s get a quick history lesson.
Dublin, Ohio History
Past President of the Dublin Historical Society, Tom Holton, shared the humble beginnings of the city and it’s not what you would expect. After asking Tom if the city was settled by Irishmen he said,
“Not at all. Everybody asks that question and I get a couple of questions a year from people calling the historical society asking ‘can you tell me about the Irish heritage in Dublin’ and I say ‘I’m sorry to disappoint you but there is none.’”
He continued to share how the city was settled by Germans but named after an Irishman.
“John Cells said, ‘since you did the work of plotting the house lots I’ll let you name the town’ and John Shields [land plotter] said ‘since you gave me that honor I’ll name it after my hometown Dublin Ireland.’” Holton shared. Thus the town was prodiminately settled by Germans but named by an Irishman from Dublin, Ireland.
While visiting the festival here are some tips to keep in mind:
Download the App – The City of Dublin offers a free mobile app with map and schedule of events; I highly recommend downloading before your visit. Plus, you can build out your itinerary by selecting your favorite activities before your arrival.
Bring a water bottle – Throughout the park visitors will find hydration stations where water bottles can be filled. Considering this event takes place early August I highly suggest bringing a reusable water bottle.
Stay in the area – Packages are offered throughout the city hotels. Plus, you are helping fund the next festival.
“Because this festival had already been around for a couple of years they [the City of Dublin] sort of took it over. So we [Dublin Irish Fest] actually fund it through our hotel, motel bed tax,” Director of Events for the City of Dublin, Alison LeRoy said.
Seven Reasons To Visit Dublin Ohio during the Dublin Irish Fest
Instagrammable Spots
From the Thunder Stage to Irish Whiskey tasting there are plenty of Instagrammable spots. My personal favorite it outside of the festival at the “Cornfield with Osage Orange Trees” exhibit created by Malcolm Cochran
Irish Step
This is a performing art that captivated me as a child. You have to experience a show of Irish Step. The performers are spectacular and the music will make you want to move.
Ceili Dance
Put your dance moves to the test at the Ceili dance stage. Learn traditional dances, connect with locals and earn your drink along the Celtic Cocktail Trail.
Celtic Cocktail Trial
Available all year round visit participating restaurants who show off their best Irish Spririt in a cocktail. Kona Craft Kitchen had an Irish Whiskey based drink with tropical and floral fragrances that brought memories of being on a beach.
Live Performances
In addition to dance there are multiple live performances from folk music workshops to the Red Hot Chili Pipers. I highly recommend attending both the workshops and concerts.
Celtic Cooking
All day long learn about Celtic cooking and sample the creations. I tried the walnut chocolate cake which was both delicious and a spectacular way to end my Irish Dublin Festival Trip.
Whiskey Tasting
If you don’t make it out onto the Celtic Cocktail Trail, no worries. Visitors can sample whiskey at the whiskey-tasting tent. Note, tastings are booked in advance.
Whether you visit the City of Dublin on a whim or for the annual Dublin Irish Festival you are sure to have a great time.
Clips are from the television series Finding Festivals. All opinions are Haylie’s and are not influenced by sponsors. Special thank you to the City of Dublin for hosting the Finding Festival team during filming.
Finding Festivals is independently produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Micheal Desanto and WGTE.