Beta Festival Ireland is returning to Dublin from 6 to 22 November 2026, bringing together artists, technologists, researchers and communities for a major programme focused on creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence.
Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, the festival will feature exhibitions, keynote talks, workshops, performances and an assembly exploring the relationship between AI, culture and society. Events will take place in Dublin 8 and other locations across the city.
Beta Festival Ireland returns to Dublin
The 2026 edition marks the fourth year of Beta Festival Ireland. Organisers say the programme will examine how emerging technologies are influencing creative practice and everyday life, while creating opportunities for public participation and discussion.
A key event on the opening day will be a storytelling walking tour facilitated by Codema, Dublin’s Energy Agency, and led by local historian and activist James Madigan. The tour will explore Dublin’s energy history, from natural resources and urban development to future possibilities for community-led energy transitions.
- Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
- Starting point: St Patrick’s Tower, The Digital Hub
- Accessibility: ISL interpretation and audio-description assistance available on request
The walking tour is supported by REGEN, a European Union-funded initiative focused on urban regeneration and community-led energy transitions. Visitors are advised that the outdoor route includes busy city streets and potentially uneven surfaces.
Art, artificial intelligence and public participation
Alongside the walking tour, Beta Festival Ireland will present a broad range of creative and technology-led events. The programme includes innovative artworks, interactive workshops, keynote speeches, performances and an assembly centred on artificial intelligence and creativity.
The festival reflects Ireland’s growing interest in responsible technology, digital culture and collaboration between creative industries and the wider community. It also strengthens Dublin’s position as a centre for technology, arts and urban innovation.
The Digital Hub expands its community role
The Digital Hub campus in the Liberties continues to support events, learning programmes and industry initiatives. Its activities bring together member companies, community groups, cultural organisations and technology partners.
The organisation has also opened a new event and exhibition space on the ground floor of historic St Patrick’s Tower. The venue is intended to host exhibitions, community activities and public events, following conservation and renovation work supported by Dublin City Council.
That wider programme includes local festivals, cultural events and initiatives designed to make technology and innovation more accessible to people in Dublin 8 and beyond.
How to follow Beta Festival Ireland 2026
The full schedule, booking details and accessibility information are available through Beta Festival’s official channels and The Digital Hub’s programme updates. Visitors should check individual event details before attending, as venues, capacity and booking requirements may differ.
With its combination of art, technology, sustainability and community engagement, Beta Festival Ireland offers a timely look at how innovation can shape Ireland’s cultural and urban future.
Article/Image Courtesy: The Digital Hub