In Dublin, a cathedral, a library and the streets of the Liberties still tell the story of Jonathan Swift. The Jonathan Swift Festival invites visitors to rediscover the author of Gulliver’s Travels through readings, performances, talks and walks.
The festival celebrates the life and work of Jonathan Swift, a writer and satirist born in Dublin in 1667. The author of Gulliver’s Travels, he was Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin from 1713 until his death in 1745. He is buried in the cathedral today, and the building occupies a central place in the festival.
His most famous book is more than a tale of fantastic adventures. Through Gulliver’s travels among the Lilliputians, giants and other imaginary peoples, Swift casts a mordant eye over politics, society and human behaviour.
The 2026 edition marks the 300th anniversary of the publication of Gulliver’s Travels. The announced programme includes performances, talks, walks and family activities that invite visitors to discover different facets of the author.
Events on the programme include a night-time tour of the cathedral, a walk in Swift’s footsteps and workshops for families. The musical performance And Then There Was Gulliver and a concert combining literature and music are also scheduled to take place at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
A special tricentenary celebration is also scheduled at the cathedral on 28 October, before the festival’s main dates. As events take place at several venues, check the address and booking conditions for each one.
The festival offers an opportunity to explore the links between Swift and the Irish capital. Close to the cathedral, Marsh’s Library preserves the atmosphere of a historic library, while the surrounding streets invite visitors to discover the Liberties.
Some tours combine heritage and theatrical staging to place the writer in the Dublin of his time. To plan your itinerary, see the official festival programme and our Dublin guide.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
St Patrick’s Cathedral et autres lieux, Dublin, Dublin, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
