Africa Day 2026
Africa Day is an international day that commemorates the foundation of the African Union and celebrates the people and culture of African countries.
In Ireland, the day is celebrated with events taking place in towns and cities around the country. The flagship event in Dublin event took place this year on Sunday 17 May, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
2026 Africa Day wrap up
Organised in partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dublin City Council, approximately 7,000 people attended the event in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. 50 musical acts, dancers and cultural groups representing countries across Africa performed at this one-day festival.
Across Ireland, all 31 Local Authorities will host cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events, which include contemporary African-Irish culture events, family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events.
A month of celebrations
A nationwide programme of events will be run by local authorities for Africa Day 2026.
To find out what's happening near you, see event listings:
Carlow
Cavan
Clare
Cork City
Cork County
Donegal
Dublin City
Dublin - South County
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown
Fingal
Galway City
Galway County
Kerry
Kildare
Kilkenny
Laois
Leitrim
Limerick
Longford
Louth
Mayo
Meath
Monaghan
Offaly
Roscommon
Sligo
Tipperary
Waterford
Westmeath
Wexford
Wicklow
About Africa Day 2026 ambassadors
Lapree La La – is a professional dance artist affiliated with Dance Ireland, who specialises in Afro and Amapiano styles. She is an advocate for integration and empowerment, in which she holds workshops with Akidwa, and offers free classes to women in Direct Provision.
Keep up to date on what’s happening on our Instagram, @africadayireland!
Africa Day 2026 highlights
Catch some highlights from this year's flagship event at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.