Planning an Event in Dublin City
Depending on the size and location of your event, you may need to apply for permission to hold an event in Dublin.
To hold an event in the city, including charity events, walks, runs, cycles and family days, you must submit the relevant application form to Dublin City Council by email with a minimum of eight to ten weeks notice.
This applies to events like family days, music events, sporting events, charity events, and commercial events. Larger events will require a longer lead in time.
There are different application forms and timelines for different scales of event. Find further information below:
Small scale events are for more than 200 people but less than 1,000 persons. These events are rated low-risk. Sporting or racing events cannot be categorised as small scale or low-risk events.
Small scale events include choral recitals, cyclethons, arts and crafts fairs, cultural events and family fun days.
Applications for use of the public domain for on-street events with infrastructure require a minimum of 4 weeks (20 working days) to process. Late applications will not be accepted.
Fill out the application form and return it by email.
These events typically involve running events and races with spectator areas.
Applications for use of the public domain for running events and races between 5km and 42.2kms with infrastructure require a minimum of 10 weeks to process. Late applications will not be accepted.
Consult the Event Management Plan Guidelines for guidance:
Applications for use of the public domain for on-street events with infrastructure require a minimum of 8 weeks to process.
Consult the Event Management Plan Guidelines for guidance:
Applications for us of the public domain for on-street events with infrastructure require a minimum of 10 weeks to process.
Consult the Event Management Plan Guidelines for guidance:
Guidelines for Event Organisers
The following document and FAQ section provides detailed information for event organisers in Dublin. Including information on:
- risk assessments
- advertising events
- safety statements
- insurance
Please contact the relevant Area Office.
When planning an outdoor public event with an anticipated attendance of more than 5000 persons, the organiser is required to obtain an outdoor events licence.
Event Application Process EMP guidelines for running events and races 2026 - English
Event Application Process EMP guidelines for running events and races 2026 - Irish
To organise a run or race in a park contact the Park Events Section.
To organise a run or race in a park contact the Events Section.
We recieve a high volume of applications for runs and races, and they have considerable impact on the public domain. Therefore we are unable to guarantee that your application will be approved. Each request is carefully reviewed and acceptance is subject to availability and suitability.
Contact Dublin.ie to have your event featured. Provide your artwork at the following specifications:
- Main header image: 1200px X 600px
- Card image: 450px X 450px
The following organisations provide funding for events in Dublin:
The Health and Safety Authority provide guidance on creating a free Safety Statement.
The Habitats Directive aims to protect natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, while the Birds Directive focuses on the conservation of all wild bird species. Together, they form the foundation of the Natura 2000 network, the world’s largest network of protected areas.
Dublin City Council is responsible for ensuring the Natura 2000 Sites within its jurisdiction attain good status. Check Natura 2000 Viewer to find out if your event or production impacts any sites. If it does, you will be asked to submit an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report by a suitable experienced person.
An AA Screening Report is a preliminary assessment to determine if a project, event or filming application is likely to have significant negative effects on protected Natura 2000 sites. It’s the first stage of the broader AA process, mandated by the Habitats and Birds Directive, and aims to identify negative potential impacts before they escalate.
Refer to the Office of the Planning Regulator AA Screening Report Guidance for further information.