The Works Festival returns to Inchicore this summer for its third edition — promising two nights of homegrown music, poetry, crafts and céilí inside the historic C.I.E. Hall. Taking place on August 15th and 16th, the grassroots indoor arts festival puts a spotlight on emerging Irish creatives in a setting that’s affordable, welcoming, and proudly local.

Organised by Smithfield Creatives, The Works has grown into a key showcase for unsigned Irish talent, providing a rare platform for independent acts across genres — from folk to funk, spoken word to punk.

This year’s music lineup includes instrumental groove merchants Chief Keegan, rising indie rockers Dominda, the dreamy tones of RVE, and genre-bending outfit Chase Nova Band. Folk fans can catch Kenan Flannery, while heavier sounds will come courtesy of Dead Manifest, Left Iris, and Girl|Boy.

The spoken word lineup features acclaimed performers like Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, noir poet The Vagabond Queen, and lyrical firebrand Jimbo Dillon, alongside readings and live podcast recordings. Elsewhere, punters can shop the on-site craft market or lose themselves in a classic Irish céilí.

The festival launched earlier this month with performances at Rascals HQ in Inchicore — one of the event’s key backers alongside D&R Construction. Joe Donnelly of Rascals said:

“In a city overrun by commercial development and rising costs, The Works Festival offers something vital — space for emerging artists to connect with their communities.”

Founded by local poet and promoter Adam Kelly, The Works is part of a wider movement by Smithfield Creatives to build inclusive, artist-first spaces in Dublin. Their weekly open mic nights have become a rite of passage for many of the city’s new voices.

Tickets are available now via Eventbrite, with day passes priced at €20 and weekend tickets at €30. Concession rates are available for students, artists, and those currently unemployed.

What: The Works Festival 2025
When: August 15th–16th, 2025, 4:30pm–1:00am
Where: C.I.E. Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Dublin
Tickets: €20 (day), €30 (weekend), concessions available
Info & lineup: @theworksfestival on Instagram