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Bram Stoker Festival 2026
Declan Moore
| Last Updated: Monday, 16 March 2026
| Minute Read
Declan Moore
Last Updated: Monday, 16 March 2026
Minute Read
- The Bram Stoker Festival returns to Dublin from Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October 2026. Taking place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, the four-day festival celebrates the legacy of Dublin-born author Bram Stoker with a programme inspired by the Gothic, supernatural and Victorian. The festival is brought to life by Dublin City Council and takes place across venues throughout the city.
- Bram Stoker is one of Ireland’s most treasured authors and is closely connected to Dublin. Born in 1847 at 15 Marino Crescent, just a short distance from Clontarf Castle, Stoker spent much of his early life in Dublin. His wife, Florence Balcombe, also had connections to the area. Famously, Bram was unable to walk or stand until the age of seven, but went on to become a keen athlete during his time at Trinity College Dublin.
- After graduating from Trinity College Dublin, Bram Stoker worked as a civil servant at Dublin Castle for ten years. During this time, he also wrote theatre reviews for the Dublin Evening Mail. His work as a theatre critic led to his first meeting with the celebrated actor Henry Irving, who later invited Stoker to manage the Lyceum Theatre in London. Through this role, Stoker became closely involved with London’s theatrical and social circles.
- Bram Stoker published his most famous novel, Dracula, in 1897. Told through letters, diary entries, newspaper articles and other documents, the novel has become one of the most influential works of Gothic fiction and has cemented Stoker’s place in literary history.
- Dublin has a rich literary heritage, and the Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the city’s most famous authors. First launched in 2012, the festival brings Bram Stoker’s work and influences to life through events and experiences inspired by the Gothic, supernatural and Victorian eras, taking place across venues throughout Dublin.
Highlights of the Bram Stoker Festival 2026
- The full Bram Stoker Festival 2026 programme will be announced in late September. For the latest festival information, confirmed events and programme updates, visit the official Bram Stoker Festival website.
The History of Clontarf Castle
- In our humble history, the Castle has been shaped by many famous figures. From Brian Boru to the Vernon family and George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece “Messiah.”
- However, just a short walk away from Clontarf Castle Hotel sits an elegant townhouse with a bright red door.
- It was inside 15 The Crescent that a child’s imagination began to swirl around dark and eerie Gothic tales, learned at bedtime by his mother’s rocking chair. Born in 1847 and author of Dracula, Bram Stoker remains one of the most famous Clontarf residents in history today.
- If you follow Castle Avenue to the Coast and continue on Clontarf Road, you will soon come to a park near the Crescent. Bram Stoker Park is a small green space outside the former residence of Bram Stoker. The wall and tree surrounding creates a private feel to Bram Stoker Park, ideal for sitting in the winter sun and reading your favourite novel.
- When you return from the park why not enjoy the Bram-Ble at the Knights Bar. Our bar team have created a special cocktail to remember the link of Bram and Clontarf. The Bram-ble is our take on the classic gin cocktail and it is sure to settle you in to your stay.
Spooky Stays at a Scarily Good Price
- Stay at one of Ireland’s favourite Castle Hotels and enjoy a relaxing break in the capital. Discover Dublin at your own pace, explore the city’s Gothic and literary heritage during the festival, and visit the area where Bram Stoker was born and raised.
- The Discover Dublin Package includes a meal in the 2 AA Rosette restaurant Fahrenheit or the historic Knights bar. A stay in one of the beautifully furnished rooms with a 55” Tv, Fast Wi-Fi, Walk in Rain Shower, and a whole lot more. After a refreshing sleep on our pillow top mattress, join us for complimentary breakfast in our restaurant.
The Wrap Up
- The Bram Stoker Festival returns to Dublin for four days and nights from Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October 2026. The festival celebrates Bram Stoker’s legacy and Dublin’s rich Gothic and literary heritage, with the full 2026 programme due to be announced in late September.
- Dublin City Centre will celebrate four days of living stories, with a packed programme of fun for kids, teens, adults, resident vampires, grand parents and much more. These horror tinged events are sure to be enjoyable in October.
- Plan your visit to Clontarf Castle during the Bram Stoker Festival and experience the Gothic atmosphere of Dublin over the October Bank Holiday Weekend. The festival runs from Friday 23 October until Monday 26 October 2026 and is an ideal time to enjoy a memorable weekend stay in Dublin.
FAQ’s About Bram Stoker Festival
- Q. When is the Bram Stoker Festival 2026?
- Friday 23 October – Monday 26 October 2026.
- Q. When will the 2026 programme be announced?
- The official programme is due to be announced in late September.
- Q. Where does the Bram Stoker Festival take place?
- Across venues throughout Dublin.
Declan Moore
Declan Moore is a travel and hospitality writer with a passion for uncovering Ireland’s most rewarding experiences. His work focuses on exceptional hotel stays, seasonal Irish food, specialty coffee, and curated things to do across the country. Writing for the Tifco Hotel Group Collection, Declan highlights the details that turn a trip into a lasting memory.
