Your questions about the Baggotonia Festival answered

What is Baggotonia?
Baggotonia was Dublin’s Bohemian quarter in the mid-20^th century. 

In the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s artists, poets, writers, painters and intellectuals lived, loved, fought, drank, wrote and created here.

‘Baggotonia’ was both an area and a cultural movement which resulted in a flourishing of artistic and intellectual activity.

Where is Baggotonia?
The epicentre of Baggotonia is Baggot Street Bridge (also known as McCartney Bridge) which separates upper and lower Baggot street. Baggotonia stretches about one mile out in all directions from this epicentre.

Who are Baggotonians?
Modern-day Baggotonians are all the people who live, work, create and play in Baggotonia. But think of Baggotonia as not just a place; It’s also a state of mind!

What is the Baggotonia Festival?
The Baggotonia Festival is a celebration of Baggotonia Past, Present and Future. Its themes are Celebrate, Culture and Community.

What is the Festival about?
Once a year, Baggotonians come together to celebrate the community and culture of the area and rekindle the ‘Spirit of Baggotonia’. 

The Festival’s official colour is purple which is the colour of creative expression.

The Baggotonia Festival logo is a mandala representing the intersection of culture, the arts, community and entertainment in Baggotonia.

When is the 2025 Festival being held?
This year’s Festival is set to run around the Autumn Equinox from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September (although some events will take place a little before and after this date).

Where is the Festival held?
The Festival events happen in the environs of Baggot Street bridge and Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4.

Can anyone attend the Festival?
Yes, Baggotonia Festival is open to everyone and all are welcome! Some events will be ticketed and some will carry a small entrance fee to help cover costs.

How long has Baggotonia Festival been running?
The inaugural Baggotonia Festival was held in September 2024.

How did it all start?
The idea for a Baggotonia Festival came to Tom Skinner while viewing Alan Gilsenan’s film Ghosts of Baggotonia on the canal in winter 2023. After a subsequent meeting with Brendan Lynch author of Prodigals & Geniuses, the Writers and Artists of Dublin’s Baggotonia, and meetings with local representatives Dermot Lacey and Ivana Bacik, Tom and a group of local Baggotonians were inspired to build a festival that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the area. More meetings were convened at John McKeon’s house on Pembroke Road, and the stage was set!

Who is organising the Festival?
Festival Founders and this year’s Festival organisers include local Baggotonians:

Maria Campbell – Secretary – St. Mary’s Parish Centre
Susan McCarrick – Chairperson, Pembroke Road Residents’ Association
John McKeon – Co-Founder Baggotonia Festival & Entrepreneur
Susan Ní Dhubhlaoich – Co-Founder Baggotonia Festival & Owner Mandala Yoga
Mick Quinn – Co-Founder Baggotonia Festival & Owner Lansdowne Hotel
Tom Skinner – Co-Founder Baggotonia Festival & Owner pTools Software
Laura Trueman – Artist & President of the Dublin Art Society

How is the Festival funded?
Baggotonia Festival applies for funding from Dublin City Council and Aviva Stadium Fund. The Festival is also supported by individual sponsorships from local businesses, from fees earned from individual events. And of course there is a significant contribution from volunteers from local organisations and people.

Does the Festival make profits?
The Baggotonia Festival is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation. This is expressly noted in the Festival’s constitution. Baggotonia Festival is a company limited by guarantee.

Can I use the Baggotonia Festival logo or brand?
Branding is available for download from the website.

The Festival’s official colour is purple which is the colour of creative expression.

The Baggotonia Festival logo is a mandala representing the intersection of culture, the arts, community and entertainment in Baggotonia.

Baggotonia Festival reserves the right to ask you for removal if branding used inappropriately or outside the spirit of the festival’s aims.

What is the Community strand about?
The community strand is based on a variety of activities including a Community Expo showcasing local services and amenities. The Expo will also have a KidZone for younger Baggotonians. There will be community Yoga. A Children’s Art Competition will also run in conjunction with all the local primary schools in Baggotonia.

To express an interest in participating in the Community Expo, email community@baggotonia-festival.com with your details.

What is the Culture strand about?
The culture strand is based on a variety of core events including a Baggotonia Festival Film of the Festival, Book of the Festival, Plein Air Painting and Poetry Readings along the canal.

What is the Celebration strand about?
The celebration strand features music and performances in a number of bars and hotels in the area. Along with events and promotions from local retailers and restaurants.

Where can I see the Festival Programme?
The 2025 programme of core events will be launched at the end of June and will be available to view on the Baggotonia Festival website. Additional promotion will happen on social media and local marketing efforts closer to the Festival. 

How can I find out more about events and updates?
The best way to keep in touch is to sign up to the Baggotonia Bulletin and follow Baggotonia Festival on Instagram or X. Alternatively join the Baggotonia Festival Whatsapp.

What is the Baggotonia Bulletin?
The Baggotonia Bulletin or BB for short is the Festival newsletter. It generally issues every fortnight. Communications will increase as the Festival dates get closer. Sign up here.

Can I host a Festival event?
Yes, you can host an event as part of the Baggotonia Festival with the agreement of the Festival organisers. These events will receive some promotional support and feature on the Festival website and social channels.

All events under the auspices of the Baggotonia Festival are subject to insurance and compliance with health and safety guidelines. Where possible we wish to avoid similar types of events happening at the same time.

The latest date for your event to be included in the officel Festival Programme will be Friday 13^th June 5pm to allow time for the publishing and launch of the Festival Programme at the end of June.

 How can I submit details of an Event?
Send details of your event to connect@baggotonia-festival.com

Your email should include the proposed time, date, location, suggested event title, event description, proposed ticketing charges (if any), type of audience. And highlight any logistics, sponsorship secured and any promotional ideas.

All events under the auspices of the Baggotonia Festival are subject to insurance and compliance with health and safety guidelines and planning if needed. The latest day for your event to be included will be Friday 13^th June 5pm to allow time for the publishing and launch of the Festival Programme at the end of June.

Can my event be funded by Baggotonia Festival?
The funding for Baggotonia Festival is dependent on grants and sponsorship. The core events will be prioritised for funding. However, you can of course source sponsorship for your event.

Can I sponsor an event?
Yes, sponsorship opportunities range from Festival-wide sponsorship packages or can be related to individual events. If you would like to sponsor the Baggotonia Festival please email connect@baggotonia-festival.com

Have another question? 
Email us and we will reply within a few days. We will also aim to include in future FAQs