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 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.
Small Scale Events
Small scale events are for more than 200 people but less than 1,000. 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, cycleathons, 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 four weeks (20 working days) to process. Late applications will not be accepted.
Fill out the application form below and return it by email.
Running Events and Races
These events typically involve running and race events with spectator areas.
Applications for use of the public domain for running events and races between 5km and 42.2km with infrastructure require a minimum of 10 weeks to process. Late applications will not be accepted.
Consult the relevant Event Management Plan Guidelines for guidance.
Low Risk Events from 1,000 to 4,999 People
Applications for use of the public domain for on-street events with infrastructure require a minimum of 8 weeks to process.
Consult the relevant Event Management Plan Guidelines below for guidance.
Medium Risk Events from 1,000 to 4,999 People
Applications for use of the public domain for on-street events with infrastructure require a minimum of 10 weeks to process. However, you should get in touch as soon as you start planning your event. This should be done 12 weeks out from the event date.
Consult the relevant Event Management Plan Guidelines below 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 for assistance.
When planning an outdoor public event with an anticipated attendance of more than 5,000 people, the organiser is required to obtain an outdoor events licence.
To organise a run or race in a park, contact the Park Events Section. To organise a run or race elsewhere in the city, contact the Events Section below.
Please also refer to the guidance for Running Events and Races above.
We receive a high volume of applications for runs and races, which 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.
Visit our dedicated page on applying to host an event or activity in our parks.
Contact Dublin.ie to have your event featured in it events listings. Please provide 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 provides guidance on creating a Safety Statement for free.
The Health and Safety Authority provides guidance on drafting a Risk Assessment Statement.
Dublin Fire Brigade also offers guidance on performing a Fire Risk Assessment.
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 the Natura 2000 Viewer to find out if your event will impact any of these sites. If it does, you will be asked to submit an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report by a suitable person.
An AA Screening Report is a preliminary assessment to determine if a project, event or film production is likely to have significant negative effects on protected Natura 2000 sites. It is the first stage of the broader AA process and aims to identify negative potential impacts before they escalate.
Refer to the Office of the Planning Regulator's AA Screening Report Guidance for further information.