One of Ireland’s longest-running inclusive sporting festivals returns to Dublin this weekend, as MayFest 2025 kicks off with two days of accessible sport, recreation, and community celebration for people who are blind or vision impaired and their families.
Hosted by Vision Sports Ireland, MayFest is now in its 44th year and remains the country’s flagship event promoting inclusion through sport.
Taking place across multiple venues, the festival runs from Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, May 25, with a packed schedule of activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
Saturday’s events centre around University College Dublin (UCD), with a special focus on “come-and-try” sessions.
Children’s activities begin at midday, followed by adult sessions from 2pm to 4pm. Sports on offer include athletics, karate, rugby, tennis, football, swimming, and even rock climbing—delivered in a supportive and fun environment.
Sunday offers a more relaxed schedule of sport and social activity. Participants can take part in golf sessions at Stackstown Golf Club, a mindfulness walk at Marley Park, or family activities at Explorium.
Admission is €5 per person and covers both days of the festival. All activities are designed to be inclusive of blind and vision-impaired participants, with guides, accessible equipment, and volunteers on hand to support.
The festival also features a social evening on Saturday at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, offering a chance for participants to connect over food, music, and celebration.
MayFest has played a key role in the sporting journeys of many Irish athletes—including six-time Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth, who first took part in the event in 2005.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Vision Sports
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
If you’ve never been and you feel in need of a lift, get yourself to UCD on Saturday. A very inspirational day that can change the way that those with a visual impairment can become the next Orla Comerford or Róisín Ní Ríaian
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The events run across Saturday and Sunday
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