Dancing Through Heritage: My Weekend at the Dublin Irish Festival

By Emily Carter, Highland Dancer & Social Media Coordinator, The Washington Tattoo

This past August, I had the joy of spending a full weekend at the Dublin Irish Festival—and let me tell you, three days still didn’t feel like enough. The festival is one of the largest celebrations of Irish and Scottish culture in America, and the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by the energy of heritage brought to life.

A Marketplace That Feels Like Home

As a Highland dancer, I’m always drawn to the rhythm of tradition—and even in the vendor rows, you could feel it. Kilts, Celtic jewelry, handmade beer mugs, and foods that carried the flavor of history created the feeling of wandering through a living village. Every tent offered a new story, a small treasure, and a connection back to the culture I hold so close.

Flavors of Comfort and Celebration

The food at the Dublin Irish Festival is an experience in itself. From festival favorites like cheese curds and Italian sausage to the heartwarming classics of Irish stew, cottage pie, and shepherd’s pie, there was no shortage of nourishment. I even indulged in local staples like Bessie’s Homemade Noodles—a dish I’ll never pass up when I get the chance.

Toasts and Traditions

Of course, Guinness and Jameson flowed throughout the festival grounds, a reminder that celebration and hospitality are inseparable from our shared heritage. The whiskey tastings scattered across the weekend were more than just samplings—they felt like lessons in storytelling, tradition, and community.

Honoring Veterans in the Heart of the Festival

One of the spaces that moved me most was the Veterans Tent. Offering free water, snacks, and resources, it stood as a quiet sanctuary of gratitude. In the middle of celebration, it was powerful to see this acknowledgment of service and sacrifice woven seamlessly into the festival’s fabric.

Music, Dance, and Unforgettable Performances

As a performer, I live for the moments when music and dance connect people—and the Dublin Irish Festival delivered at every turn. Seeing the Gardiner Brothers live, whose dance has inspired millions online, was a true highlight. Meeting them backstage revealed their kindness and authenticity, qualities that elevate their art even further.

The stages rang with world-class talent: Skerryvore’s infectious energy, Gaelic Storm’s crowd-filling spirit, and The Narrowbacks’ powerful presence. Cassie and Maggie, a stunning musical duo, brought their own magic, and I’ll never forget dancing backstage with Skerryvore before being welcomed so warmly by Cassie and Maggie themselves.

A Living Celebration of Culture

As the weekend came to a close, I felt grateful to be immersed in something so vibrant. The Dublin Irish Festival is vast, yes—but also deeply personal. It reminds us that heritage is not a static relic, but a living force that continues to inspire joy, belonging, and connection.

At The Washington Tattoo, I carry this same belief into our work: that music, dance, and culture can transform communities and strengthen identity. Festivals like Dublin don’t just celebrate heritage—they keep it alive, for us and for generations still to come.