The Village

Chapelizod village is situated just a few minutes west of Dublin city centre, next to the Phoenix Park. It is a village with rich history and culture, and can be distinguished by it’s gorgeous preserved buildings, and its unique traditional look. It predates Dublin City, and got its name from Iseult’s Chapel which is located near the village centre.

Its earliest development can be traced to a Cist/Cromlech, known as the “Knockmaree Dolmen”, located at the top of Knockmaree hill inside Phoenix Park, which predates the pyramids by 500 years. Additionally, the King’s house in Chapelizod (demolished within the last 100 years), was the residence of the Viceroy (the King’s representative in Ireland) before he moved to what is now Áras an Uachtaráin (The President’s residence). Because of this, Chapelizod has an important military connection.

The village also has an abundance of literary connections, including Sheridan Le Fanu, James Joyce, Maurice Walsh, Catherine Tynan, Winifred M. Letts,  and Alfred Harmsworth, later known as Lord Northcliffe.

The Festival

The people of Chapelizod form a very active community. The festival has been an important part of this community since it first started, back in 1995. It is a festival for all ages, with fun activities for everyone to enjoy, from the youngest to the oldest resident of the village. It is an 8 day Festival and is held annually, usually during the first week of July (as soon as the schools close for the summer holidays).

During the 8 days of the festival there is a big variety of very diverse activities, aimed to different age groups, and many live music events. With the Opening Day and the Sports Day being the biggest, some of the activities that have taken place during earlier Festivals, are the following (categorised by age group):

Kids
  • Visit to Fort Lucan
  • Bowling
  • Swimming
  • Running Events
  • Baking Competition
  • Talent Competition
  • Table Quiz
  • Fancy Dress
  • Face Painting
Adults
  • Céili
  • Pub Quiz
  • Poetry Reading
  • Art & Craft Displays
  • Baking Competition
  • Rowing & Canoeing
  • Tug Of War (Sports Day)
  • Heritage events (usually includes a talk or a walk, and/or photographic display during the festival week)
  • Garden Competition (with many categories, from patios and hanging baskets, to riverside suburban gardens and champion winning gardens)
Seniors
  • Outing
  • Evening Tea

We aim to hold as many of these events and activities as possible every year, but that all depends on manpower. We are always looking for helping hands, so feel free to contact us if you would like to help out with the event organisation, or would like to suggest a fun activity.