Neurodivergent friendly festival Sensoria returns to Merrion Square this April
The neurodivergent family friendly festival Sensoria returns to Merrion Square Park this April.
As an annual inclusive cultural experience , for the past three years Dublin City Council has supported this carefully curated programme of live performances, workshops, and sensory experiences. It’s a free, ticketed event with a vibrant programme on Saturday 25 and Sunday April 26.
Structured around three relaxed two-hour sessions each day, the event is designed to ensure a comfortable, non-crowded experience for all. The final sessions of each day will feature a slightly older teen and young adult focused programme to expand the festival's reach while remaining accessible to all ages.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said Sensoria represents a “powerful expression of my mayoral theme of Celebrating Dublin” and “it speaks to the kind of city we are striving to build: open, welcoming, creative and inclusive.”
“It is Dublin at its very best, creating a space where neurodivergent children, young people, adults and families can come together to experience culture, connection and joy in an environment shaped by care, understanding and accessibility. Dublin City Council Sensoria reminds us that a truly great city is one where everyone feels seen, supported and able to find their own rhythm,” he said.
Sensoria marks the beginning of a wider programme of Dublin City Council summer events and this year introduces a five-zone layout to improve flow, accessibility and ease of navigation. From lively performances to restorative spaces, attendees are encouraged to “come at your own rhythm” and provide something for everyone at their own pace.
The main stage will feature music, dance, magic and performance across both days. Performers to look forward to include award winning Irish-Dutch folk artist Patrick Stefan, singer-songwriter Aengus Devine, Stimtastic Celebration’s Moss Russell, and presenter of RTE ’s abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries’ Joe the Magician.
There’s also Interactive Experiences and Play from Aerial Circus and cabaret performances as well as The Big Dig hands-on workshop for budding archaeologists, and kazoo music regulation sessions. A low-pressure LEGO play tent will also be available for those wishing to build an experience to remember with like-minded people.
Dublin City Council Sensoria prioritises accessibility through structured zones with varied activity levels, sensory supports including ear defenders and fidget tools, clear wayfinding and seating areas and flexible and self-paced participation opportunities. Each element is designed to create a safe, welcoming and adaptable environment, supporting individuals to engage in ways that suit their needs.
Produced by Dublin City Council in consultation with AsIAm , ADHD Ireland and Dyslexia Ireland, Dublin City Council Sensoria is developed through ongoing collaboration to ensure accessibility and inclusion. The festival was recently recognised at the LAMA All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, where it received Best Irish Festival, highlighting its innovative approach to culture, creativity and community engagement.
CEO of AsIAm Adam Harris said he’s delighted to see the return of Sensoria and that it demonstrates “autism acceptance and neuroinclusion.” As an event that not only considers the needs of the autistic community, he said its specific offerings highlight inclusivity in practice.
“As we approach the summer, children, adults and families across Ireland will look forward to a range of social and cultural events and yet these experiences, which can often be overwhelming and inaccessible, simply can’t be taken for granted by our community.” he said.
“Sensoria ensures Autistic and neurodivergent people can have the same chance to enjoy what others may take for granted. Beyond being a day out, Sensoria is a powerful demonstration of inclusion in action and a source of inspiration for other local authorities and communities to follow.”
The festival is free to attend, with pre-booked tickets required to support a comfortable experience for all attendees. A full programme of events with access information, maps and guidance on all aspects of the festival will be made available nearer the festival dates to ensure the best possible experience.
Tickets will be available from 12 midday on Monday, 30 March via dublin.ie/sensoria. Tickets for specific timed workshops will be released in the coming weeks.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme