Shelf Analysis with Jan Carson and Paul Perry – Moderator Rick O’Shea

Join us for Shelf Analysis, a literary event where writers share the books they love, old and new, and why they think you should read them too. This edition features acclaimed authors Jan Carson and Paul Perry, in conversation with RTE’s Rick O’Shea. Expect lots of great reading inspiration.

Juno and the Paycock: A Tragicomedy for the Irish Free State (Lifelong Learning Taster Lecture)

Join us on UCD’s beautiful campus for a Lifelong Learning Taster Lecture with Dr David McKinney. Seán O’Casey has a worldwide reputation as one of Ireland’s most iconic playwrights. Occupying places in both literary and popular culture, his work has become woven into the fabric of Irish cultural history, incorporating a deft command of the… Continue reading Juno and the Paycock: A Tragicomedy for the Irish Free State (Lifelong Learning Taster Lecture)

Vet for a Day!

Meet our amazing Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre animal models and watch live demonstrations of essential techniques like IV catheter placement, suturing and blood collection. Get hands-on with surgery preparation, milk Nóra the Cow, and even help deliver new puppies into the world in this fun, interactive experience for animal lovers and budding vets!

New Writing for 2025 with Roisín O’Donnell, Sylvia Leatham and Claire Coughlan

Celebrate the future of fiction with some of Ireland’s most exciting literary voices. As always, the UCD Festival shines a spotlight on standout new writing—both recently published and on the horizon. Join Dublin-based writer, performer and cultural consultant Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan for this year’s panel featuring Roisín O’Donnell, author of the bestselling Nesting; Claire Coughlan, crime… Continue reading New Writing for 2025 with Roisín O’Donnell, Sylvia Leatham and Claire Coughlan

Baking in Space

Join Andrew Smyth, aerospace engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist, and Dr Niamh Shaw, scientist, performer and space explorer, for all things space, food and baking. They will explore the surprising connections between everyday bakes and the extraordinary engineering that helps keep astronauts alive in space. This live demonstration, with tastings and audience participation,… Continue reading Baking in Space

The Unexpected Tide – Exploring the Poetry of Folklore and Place

Join UCD’s writer in residence, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, and renowned poet Moya Cannon for a conversation with UCD’s Paul Perry, featuring live music from Uilleann piper Maeve O’Donnell.  

Keeping Astronauts Alive on the Moon

Flying people into space is hard – getting to space and staying there in a sustainable way is even harder. Astronauts can no longer rely exclusively on supplies and support from Earth. They will increasingly need to live off what resources they find locally. Join Irish scientist Dr Aidan Cowley from the European Space Agency’s… Continue reading Keeping Astronauts Alive on the Moon

Mission to the Moon – Part 3

Our trusty Space and Earth explorer, Niamh Shaw, returns to the UCD Festival for the next instalment of her life’s mission to report from space. Join Niamh as she shares her journey and what drives her to pursue her dream of witnessing the unique view of Earth from the Space Station, the Moon or maybe… Continue reading Mission to the Moon – Part 3

Michael Byrne ‘Old Man Belfield’ Fun Run

Michael Byrne (affectionately known as “Old Man Belfield”) was a beloved member of the UCD community, and his presence on campus for more than 30 years greatly impacted generations of UCD staff, students and local residents. Michael chose to make UCD his home and, in doing so, became a wonderful part of the fabric of… Continue reading Michael Byrne ‘Old Man Belfield’ Fun Run