Macnas Parade: Fiáin
- Monday 26 October 7:00pm
- Free
family-friendly
free
spectacle
Fiáin (fee-awn) is a celebration of the Wild: the wild elements of the West of Ireland, the wild inspirations that have imbued the work of Macnas over the last 40 years, and the wild energy that engulfs performers and audiences as Macnas takes over the streets and public spaces.
For the second year, Macnas brings its spectacular parade to Dublin’s North East Inner City, close to the streets where Bram Stoker himself once lived. As dusk falls, the city becomes a stage as Fiáin transforms the streets with Macnas’ signature blend of giant spectacle, performance, music and imagination, bringing the wild spirit of the West to the heart of Stoker’s Dublin.
Macnas is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed spectacle company from Galway, Ireland, making transformative work across parades, theatre, installations, film and performance art, in collaboration with artists, audiences and communities.
James Riordan – Creative Director
Cherie White – Lead Designer
Richard Babbington – Lighting/SFX
Michelle Ruane – Makeup
Anna Mullarkey – Composer
Siobhan Patterson – Hair
Eamonn Fox – Event Control
Nithy Kasa – Background Story
Frank Commins – Production Manager
Help us stage Macnas’ spectacular parade in Dublin on Monday 26 October by joining our volunteer team, and experience the wild energy of Fiáin from the heart of the action.
There are a variety of roles, so don’t miss your chance to work with these world-renowned theatre and spectacle artists. Find out how to volunteer here.
| Parade Route | This year's Macnas parade will take place in Dublin's North East Inner City. The parade starts halfway up North Great George's St, then travels Great Denmark Street, Gardiner Place, Mountjoy Square, Gardiner Street and Seán McDermott Street. At the Parade, please follow the instructions of An Garda Síochána and event security staff. |
|---|---|
| Gather Time | 6.45pm. Please do not arrive any earlier than this. |
| Parade Start Time | 7.00pm |
| Duration | The full parade typically takes 20 minutes to pass any particular spot on the route. |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Warnings | This is an outdoor event. Please dress appropriately. |
| Accessibility | Designated accessible viewing areas, with very limited spaces, will be available only to people who have pre-booked a space. Booking for these spaces opens on Wednesday 7 October at 12 noon. More info |
| Accessible Viewing Areas | Relaxed Parade Viewing Area: There is a dedicated space, at a quieter area of the parade route, for people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people who identify as neurodiverse, people on the autistic spectrum, people with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, ADD, Tourette's or with learning disabilities as well as their family or friends. Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Area: While the majority of the parade route is accessible for wheelchair users, there is a dedicated wheelchair accessible viewing area. These very limited spaces are for those who have reserved a space in advance. |
| Information for Local Residents | Information about parking suspension, road closures and access along the route will be available from October 14th on this website. |
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Accessibility Information
Relaxed and Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Areas
Relaxed Parade Viewing Area
There is a dedicated space (which requires booking) at a quieter area of the parade route for people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, including families with members who identify as neurodiverse, are on the autistic spectrum, with sensory and communication disorders, ADHD, ADD, Tourette’s or with learning disabilities. Performers will relax their movements around the accessible area.
Booking for these spaces open on Wednesday 7 October at 12 noon.
Wheelchair Accessible Viewing Area
While the majority of the parade route is accessible for wheelchair users, there is a dedicated wheelchair accessible viewing area with very limited spaces.
These spaces are reserved for those who have booked a place in advance. Booking for these spaces open on Wednesday 7 October at 12 noon.
We ask you to be respectful and keep these spaces reserved for those that need them.
Accessibility Along The Parade Route
This is a free, unticketed event and spectators can come and go as they please to enjoy the Macnas Parade from North Great George’s St, Great Denmark Street, Gardiner Place, Mountjoy Square West, Gardiner Street and Sean McDermott Street.
Some of the pathways in this area may be uneven, particularly around Great Denmark Street.
The majority of Gardiner Street is on a downward hill, with flatter access routes coming in from Gardiner Place, Grenville Street and Sean McDermott Street.
People with mobility requirements can also enjoy the parade from Gardiner Place and Sean McDermott Street as they have flatter and smoother pavements.
If you have additional or accessibility requirements, we advise you not to arrive any earlier than 6.45pm.
The Parade Environment
The Macnas Parade weaves its way along the route, with traffic closed off on the route. This is expected to be a very busy event with crowds gathering before the parade begins.
The majority of the route will not have barriers between spectators and performers – please pay attention to instructions from stewards, security and An Garda Síochána on where to stand as the parade passes you.
Accessible Bathroom / WC
No toilets will be provided in the area for the parade.
Lighting & Special Effects
Some atmospheric lighting will be used during the parade but there will be no flashing or strobe lights.
Sound
Most of the floats in the parade will have speakers that play music with deep, low sounds that can be felt as well as heard. The music will be consistent in beat and volume. A small group of musicians will be playing gentle wooden instruments called guiros, which make a soft, scraping sound. There will a trumpet and saxophone with the musicians Audience members with noise sensitivities are encouraged to bring their own headphones/ear defenders to help them enjoy their visit.
Bar
No food or drink will be served at this event.
Seating
Seating will not be provided along the route or at designated accessibility areas
Performance Space
The performers will make their way along the parade route by using the main roads as their performance space.
Ticketing
The Macnas Parade requires no tickets. We expect large crowds at this parade.
Arrival & Transport to Parade
Please note that traffic will be diverted on some roads to accommodate the Macnas Parade.
Event security staff will be located at parade route entry points to direct you to the best locations for viewing. Please follow their instructions – they will have the most accurate information.
The closest Luas stops are on Parnell Street (400m walk) on the Green Line, and Abbey Street on the Red Line (900m walk).
A number of Dublin Bus routes serve this area, but some routes may face disruption as traffic will be diverted on some roads for the parade. The closest Dublin Bus route stops are:
Stop 2, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 38, 38a, 38b
Stop 3, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 120, 122
Stop 4, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 7, 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, 9
Stop 7, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 13, 40, 40b, 40d, 140
Stop 8, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 16
Stop 10, Parnell Square West, Northbound: 1, 11, 11b, 44
Stop 261, Parnell Square East, Southbound: 11, 11b, 13, 40, 116
Stop 262, Parnell Square East, Southbound: 16
Stop 263, Parnell Square East, Southbound: 9, 120, 122
Stop 264, Parnell Square East, Southbound: 19, 140, E1, E2
Stop 265, Parnell Square East, Southbound: 1, 38, 38a, 38b, 44
Stop 6071, Parnell Street, Eastbound: 40b, 40d, 120
Stop 6004, Parnell Street, Westbound: 40b, 40d, 120
If travelling by DART, the nearest stations are Tara Street and Connolly. Both are approximately 1.5km away.
The nearest accessible on-street parking is available on Parnell Square North, Mountjoy Square East, Hill Street and Temple Street North. Please note that these areas will be busy.