Forbidden Fruit — Dublin's First Festival of Summer
Forbidden Fruit is Dublin's longest-running city centre festival and the event that traditionally kicks off the Irish festival summer. Held on the June Bank Holiday weekend at the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, it's a two-day electronic, hip-hop, and alternative music event across five stages — with Dublin's pubs, restaurants, and transport links all within easy reach.
In 2026, Forbidden Fruit celebrated its 14th edition on 30–31 May, with headliners Kaytranada, Kettama, Nia Archives, and Joy Crookes. The festival sold out, as it does most years. Eyes are already turning to 2027.
What Makes Forbidden Fruit Different
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is one of the most beautiful festival venues in Ireland — a 17th-century building with tree-lined grounds that create an atmosphere no purpose-built arena can replicate. Being in Dublin city means you can stay anywhere in the city and commute in, eat in proper restaurants, and continue the night in Dublin's club and bar scene after the last acts finish. No campsite required.
The music policy leans electronic and left-of-centre — this isn't a pop festival. It attracts a music-focused crowd, and the programming across all five stages is consistently strong from early afternoon.
Getting There
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is about 15 minutes on foot from Dublin city centre, or a short Luas red line journey to Heuston Station. There is no parking at the venue — get the Luas, bus, or walk. The 13, 73, G1, and G2 buses also serve the area. Re-entry is not permitted once you leave, so plan accordingly.
Tickets & 2027
Forbidden Fruit 2026 is sold out. Tickets for 2027 will go on sale in the months following the 2026 festival — typically in late summer or autumn. The festival sells out quickly. Subscribe to our newsletter below to be notified when 2027 tickets go on sale, and for a chance to win festival tickets through our subscriber draws.
Night Events
Forbidden Fruit Night events run across Dublin venues including Centre Point, Tengu, Wigwam, Racket, Fidelity Studio, and the Grand Social on both nights of the festival weekend. These are separate ticketed events and extend the festival atmosphere late into the night across the city.
Forbidden Fruit — Frequently Asked Questions
Forbidden Fruit takes place annually on the June Bank Holiday weekend — Saturday and Sunday at the end of May. In 2026 it ran on 30–31 May at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
At the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8 — approximately 15 minutes walk from Dublin city centre, and a short Luas red line journey from Heuston Station.
No — there is no parking at the venue and traffic restrictions are in place on Military Road. Use public transport: Luas red line to Heuston, or buses 13, 73, G1, G2.
No. Re-entry is not permitted once you leave the grounds. Gates open at 2pm each day — plan to stay once you're in.
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