Lucan Festival 2023 – Celebrating Community, Spectacular Fireworks, and family fun

This year’s Lucan Festival will take place from Tuesday 5th of September through Sunday 10th of September.

The Annual Fireworks display will take place on Friday the 8th of September starting from 9.00 pm at Lucan Weir. A number of roads will be closed off for crowd control and to ensure safety at the Fireworks display.

Lucan, is a vibrant village nestled in the Liffey Valley and the gateway to Viking Dublin, is gearing up for its much-anticipated annual celebration, the Lucan Festival. From Tuesday, September 5th, to Sunday, September 10th, the village will come alive with a series of engaging events and activities, culminating in a breath-taking fireworks display at Lucan Weir on Friday, September 8th. The Lucan Festival is set to captivate attendees with a unique blend of history, community spirit, and unforgettable moments.

Joe Byrne, Chairperson, Lucan Festival

One of the main highlights of the Lucan Festival is the awe-inspiring fireworks display, scheduled to take place on Friday, September 8th, starting at 9pm at Lucan Weir. Against the backdrop of the picturesque river and surrounding greenery, this dazzling pyrotechnic extravaganza promises to be a sight to behold. The organisers have taken special precautions by fencing off designated areas to ensure crowd control and prioritise safety for everyone attending this breath-taking event. Please assemble at Weir View, across the Liffey Bridge, to view the fireworks.

The Lucan Festival has always been a celebration of community and camaraderie, and this year is no different. Beyond the fireworks the festival will host an array of events and activities, fostering a sense of unity and providing something for everyone to enjoy. From art exhibitions and music performances to food stalls and sports competitions, the festival caters to diverse interests, encouraging residents and visitors alike to participate and engage in the festivities.

Embracing its inclusive ethos, the Lucan Festival ensures that there’s something for people of all ages to enjoy. Families can partake in exciting games, face painting, and craft workshops, fostering an atmosphere of shared joy. Music lovers can revel in live performances by local bands and musicians, while art enthusiasts can explore exhibitions showcasing the talent of the village’s creative community. Sports enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in thrilling competitions and challenges, showcasing the village’s athletic spirit.

The organizers of the Lucan Festival prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees. Recognizing the popularity of the fireworks display specific roads will be fenced off to ensure crowd control and to maintain a safe environment for everyone present. These precautions are essential to ensure that the festival remains a delightful experience for all, allowing families and individuals to enjoy the festivities without any concerns.

The Lucan Festival is a testament to the community spirit, rich history, and vibrancy of Lucan village. With its range of engaging events, the addition of a Viking barge and re-enactment, and the magnificent fireworks display, this annual celebration promises an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. As the festival approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable, and anticipation is building for the week-long extravaganza. So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of the Lucan Festival 2023, where fun, unity, and spectacular moments await.

Bernadette Fagan, Lucan Homeless with Portlaoise Action To Homeless fundraising to replace their bus, donate here

Lucan Festival Programme of Events

Tuesday 5th September 2023:
– Walking Tour of Historical Lucan Village, meet 10am at bus stop opposite Circle K garage FREE
– The Linen & Iron Mills of Lucan Illustrated talk by Joe Byrne 8pm Presbyterian Church FREE

Wednesday 6th September 2023:
– Bygone Schooldays, present day primary students meet a panel of their predecessors, 10am Presbyterian Church FREE
– Walking Tour of Lucan Village, meet 7pm at bus stop opposite Circle K garage FREE

Thursday 7th September 2023:
– Walking Tour of Lucan Village, meet 10am at St Marys Car Park FREE
– Brendan Behan,iIllustrated talk on the great Dubliner by Fergus Whelan, 8pm Presbyterian Church FREE

Friday 8th September 2023:
– Bygone Schooldays, present day primary students meet a panel of their predecessors, 10am Presbyterian Church FREE
– Fireworks Display, from 9.00pm, viewing area Weir View FREE

Saturday 9th September 2023:
– Lucan House Grounds, 1.30 to 5pm, courtesy of the Italian Ambassador, view the beautiful House built in 1770s in its surrounds of 26 acres which include Veseys/Colthursts family graveyard, Sarsfield’s Monument, Bathing House and early 1700s stables. Including: Vintage Horse Carriage, Entertainment by Lucan Gospel, Choir, Lucan Concert band and others. Members of Society for Old Lucan present to inform people of the History of Lucan House. Birds of Prey Display and demonstration, Exhibition Cricket, Vikings, Dinosaurs, Reptiles. See the wonderful Buffalo Sculptures. Tickets €6 at Gate. Children 12 and under free. Card Reader available
-Exhibition, St Andrews Parish Centre, opposite Lucan House grounds, 2pm to 5.30pm, model Railways, Historical continuous slide shows, Hills Mills, Sale of Lucan House, Lucan Tram, and Jane Shackleton photos FREE

Sunday 10th September 2023:
from 12.30pm to 5.30 pm
– Garda Open Day, station open to the public from 2pm including Garda Band, fingerprinting, Garda Horses, see the Cells, Garda Water Unit, Historical display of Garda Memorabilia.
– Local groups and business’s stalls
– Kiddies Road Train outside Kenny’s
-Pet Farm in the Village Green
– Puppet Show in the Methodist Church
– OLDE Cemetery by side of O’Neill’s Pub open
– Main stage outside Carrolls Pub featuring local and international acts.
– Battle of the Bands on stage outside Staggs
– Street Entertainers, Face Painting, Balloon Making, Bouncy Castles, Monster Slide
– Model Railway and Historical Slide Shows in St Andrews Parish Centre
– World renowned Duck Race on the Griffeen at 4.30pm
– Birds of Prey, Magical Shows International and Irish food Stalls
– Liffey Sound 96.4FM radio Outside Broadcast

Brother and Sister Peter and Caroline Brady with John O'Brien at the Lucan Festival 2023
Peter and Caroline Brady from Lucan St. Patrick’s Day Parade with John O’Brien Health & Safety Officer Lucan Festival on traffic duty

This is the Family Fun Day and the Village will be closed to through traffic from Ardeevin to the Permanent TSB from 10am to 7pm, please follow diversions, buses will divert to the slip road on the N4 until after 7pm.

For more information check out the Lucan Festival Facebook page