The wait is over – Animation Dingle 2025 is HERE! The creative energy is already crackling in the air, the best minds in animation are en route, and in just hours, Dingle will be buzzing with filmmakers, students, industry pros, and animation lovers all coming together to celebrate this incredible art form.
Whether you’re a festival first-timer or a seasoned Dingle adventurer, consider this your essential guide to making the most of your festival experience. Bookmark it, screenshot it, keep it handy – this is your Animation Dingle survival kit!
WELCOME TO DINGLE - A STORYTELLER'S PARADISE
Nestled between rolling green hills and the crashing Atlantic waves, Dingle isn’t just a postcard-perfect town – it’s a filmmaker’s dream. This charming, creative hub has inspired countless artists, storytellers, and, of course, animators.
🎬 Did you know? Dingle has been a filming location for major productions, including Star Wars: The Last Jedi (yes, you’re walking in the footsteps of Jedi), Far & Away and Ryan’s Daughter!
🎭 Animation Fun Fact: Song of the Sea, Cartoon Saloon’s stunning Oscar-nominated film, found inspiration on the shores of Ventry Beach, just outside Dingle. Sound recordings were even captured on a boat in Dingle Harbour to bring the film’s breathtaking seascapes to life!
🐬 Dingle’s most famous resident? It’s not an animator (yet), but a dolphin! Fungie the Dolphin put Dingle on the map for years, and while he’s now off on new adventures, his spirit of playfulness still fills the air.
WHERE TO GO - YOUR FESTIVAL MAP & EVENT TIMETABLE
Let’s be real, there’s a LOT happening this weekend, and we don’t want you to miss a thing! That’s why we’ve packed all the essential info in one place:
📍 Festival Map – Every venue, event, and hotspot at your fingertips.
📆 Festival Timetable – From screenings to Q&As to late-night dancefloors, this schedule is your new best friend.
✨ Top Tip: Save these to your phone. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later!
YOUR FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
THURSDAY – Warm Up & Test Your Trivia
🐧 DAM at Dingle: Animation Table Quiz
Think you know your animation trivia? Test your knowledge at The Bridge House (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM) and prove your film geek status!
🎻 Live Trad Music
Stick around after the quiz for some authentic Irish trad music; the perfect way to kick off the festival vibes.
FRIDAY – Learn from the Best & Celebrate
Animation Dingle Conference – The festival kicks off with must-see masterclasses, panels. Expect insights from top animators, directors, and studios; this is your chance to hear straight from the pros.
Screenings – Your chance to see so many incredible films in competition – go to our 300 year old, St. James’ or to our new venue, Dingle WAVE to experience.
🎭 RTEjr Awards – Hosted by the hilarious Sharon Mannion, this is where we celebrate the incredible talent shaping the future of Irish animation.
🍾 Animation Dingle Awards Afterparty Once the awards are handed out, it’s time to celebrate!
🎧 Featuring DJs BloodVeil, RED40 & IZZEE, this party will keep you moving into the early hours.
SATURDAY – Career, Creativity & The Final Party
Saturday is all about learning, networking, and wrapping up the festival with a bang!
🎨 Studio Fair
Meet Ireland’s top animation studios, learn about career opportunities, and get face-to-face with the industry’s leading creatives.
🎤 Talks & Workshops
Get inspired by expert-led talks, behind-the-scenes insights, and hands-on workshops designed to level up your animation skills.
🎸 Closing Party – Live Music & DJ
Time to wrap up Animation Dingle in style. We’re bringing out the big guns for this one with some exceptional live music followed by the amazing:
🔥 DJ Caolan Ryan – Fresh from SIAR 2025, and gigs at Ministry of Sound, supporting Jonas Blue, and even going B2B with Grammy-winning artist Fred Again, Caolan is bringing the house down to close out Animation Dingle 2025!
FINAL WORDS - IT'S TIME TO MAKE MEMORIES!
Animation Dingle isn’t just a festival – it’s a creative explosion, a networking goldmine, and a celebration of everything that makes animation so special.
From world-class speakers to unforgettable parties, career-making connections to film screenings you’ll never forget; this weekend is going to be legendary.
So grab your pass, dive in, and let’s make Animation Dingle 2025 one for the books!
See you in Dingle!
