Stoneybatter Festival Set to Return This June 

The Stoneybatter Festival is set to return this year, running from June 13 to 15. 

The festival, organised by local group Stoneybatter Pride of Place (POP), has been running since 2017 and has received a great deal of support locally. 

Stoneybatter POP brings together residents, businesses, state agencies, and NGOs to develop a strong sense of urban community, via monthly meetings, regular events, and their annual festival. 

Catherine Quinn, of Stoneybatter POP, wants the festival to bring locals together: “We encourage everyone who lives here, regardless of whether they were born and brought up in the area or [not], to make Stoneybatter a better place for everyone.” 

Quinn told the Liberty how the festival first got off the ground: “Stoneybatter POP started with a number of small environmental initiatives which mushroomed into a range of activities across the entire Stoneybatter community.” 

“In 2016, we won the IPB/Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Urban Heritage Village Award – this was a turning point for our community, and we decided to develop a festival for local residents.” 

“The first year was 2017, [and] the festival has grown from strength to strength – last year almost 150 events took place across the three days.” 

Quinn celebrates Stoneybatter’s local businesses, and the support they give to the festival: “We have in excess of 85 indigenous businesses, and most are independent and owner operated.” 

“Where many of the country’s high streets are becoming increasingly homogenized, Stoneybatter retains a traditional shopping precinct with a butcher, a baker, small-goods shops, off license, hairdressers, pharmacies, doctors, solicitors.” 

“We have a florist that has been in situ for in excess of 100 years, and of course our lovely pubs, restaurants and cafes provide a hub and heart to the community.” 

“The festival wouldn’t work without the support of the businesses, and we’re delighted that so many of them put so much thought and effort into the events they run.” 

Quinn also stressed the importance of Stoneybatter’s history, and how it forms a crucial pillar of the festival: “Heritage is extremely important to us, and we try to ensure there are plenty of historical and cultural events in the programme.” 

“We want to provide ways to help residents meet and get to know each other – that’s why we emphasise sport, food and drink, and Gaeilge, things that people are passionate about.” 

In 2022, Time Out magazine named Stoneybatter one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and for Quinn, the reason is simple: “More than anything I think it’s the people – coming together and really making an effort to make the place the best it can be. “

” We really make an effort to ensure that everyone feels welcome regardless of age, background, ability, or identity – the festival reflects that.

It’s for everyone, and we actively reach out to groups who might not always feel included. It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about making sure the spirit of Stoneybatter is something everyone can share in.”