The first ever Dublin City Council Liffey Festival is taking place this month

A celebration of the wonderful River Liffey – complete with striking visitor vessels and unique water sports – is about to take over the quays.

The River Liffey is really the beating heart of Dublin, merging North and South, connecting East and West, and occupying a very special spot in many Dubliners' hearts. With all this grá surrounding our city's largest river, a celebration is long overdue. And with aerial and jet pack displays in the sky, swimmers in the water, and a whole host of heritage events on the banks, this is set to be a celebration of the River Liffey from all angles.

All weekend long, the banks of the River Liffey will play host to all-ages entertainment, with three quayside locations – Custom House Quay, George's Dock and Sir John Rogerson's Quay – serving as the festival hubs. Throughout Dublin City Council Liffey Festival, locals and visitors alike will be treated to live music and street theatre, fairground attractions, Maritime heritage talks and walks, aerial spectacles, and lots, lots more.

And, given that this is a celebration of the River Liffey and its surrounds, festival-goers will also have the chance to venture on the water through a number of sports. HQ2O Watersports will be delivering water sports activities all weekend long. Try a hydrobike, hop in a currach or give paddling a katakanu a go. Whatever adventure you pick, you're bound to feel the burn and get the opportunity to see the city from a whole different perspective.

As you might expect, Dublin City Council Liffey Festival coincides with a beloved Dublin tradition – the Liffey Swim, so soak up the atmosphere, grab something tasty from the many food vendors and secure a prime spot to cheer on the swimmers as they take to the water for the 106th edition of the race.

Check out the full programme of events, and start planning your weekend today.