Overview
Discover the Power of Story at the Mother Tongues Festival 2026!
Looking for a joyful way to celebrate our city’s many cultures and languages? The Mother Tongues Festival is back for 2026, and it’s all about the magic of storytelling!
This year’s theme, The Power of Story, celebrates the tales that shape who we are, from the bedtime stories we share at home to the music, dance and drama that bring us together. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, grow and feel a true sense of belonging in our vibrant, multilingual community.
What’s in store for families? The 2026 programme is packed with performances, workshops and exhibitions specially designed for children aged 3 to 12. There is a heart-warming focus on our youngest festival-goers, with plenty of ways for children, their parents and carers to explore stories through play and creativity.
Whether your family speaks one language or many, you’re invited to dive into a weekend of shared experiences that remind us all that everyone has a story to tell. Come along to play, create and discover the storyteller inside your little ones!
Dates: 20–21 February Best for: Ages 3–12 and their grown-ups Location: Tallaght (The Civic & Rua Red) Contact: festival@mothertongues.ie Website: https://mothertonguesfestival.com/
Please note: To ensure everyone can enjoy the festival at their own pace, the AsIAm team is providing a sensory safe space on Saturday, 21st February. This quiet corner is designed for neurodivergent children and young people who need a break from the festival buzz. Featuring soft seating, ear defenders and soothing sensory tools, it offers a peaceful environment to relax and reset. Trained volunteers will be on hand to ensure the space remains calm, inclusive and supportive for all.
At a Glance
Overview
Discover the Power of Story at the Mother Tongues Festival 2026!
Looking for a joyful way to celebrate our city’s many cultures and languages? The Mother Tongues Festival is back for 2026, and it’s all about the magic of storytelling!
This year’s theme, The Power of Story, celebrates the tales that shape who we are, from the bedtime stories we share at home to the music, dance and drama that bring us together. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, grow and feel a true sense of belonging in our vibrant, multilingual community.
What’s in store for families? The 2026 programme is packed with performances, workshops and exhibitions specially designed for children aged 3 to 12. There is a heart-warming focus on our youngest festival-goers, with plenty of ways for children, their parents and carers to explore stories through play and creativity.
Whether your family speaks one language or many, you’re invited to dive into a weekend of shared experiences that remind us all that everyone has a story to tell. Come along to play, create and discover the storyteller inside your little ones!
Dates: 20–21 February Best for: Ages 3–12 and their grown-ups Location: Tallaght (The Civic & Rua Red) Contact: festival@mothertongues.ie Website: https://mothertonguesfestival.com/
Please note: To ensure everyone can enjoy the festival at their own pace, the AsIAm team is providing a sensory safe space on Saturday, 21st February. This quiet corner is designed for neurodivergent children and young people who need a break from the festival buzz. Featuring soft seating, ear defenders and soothing sensory tools, it offers a peaceful environment to relax and reset. Trained volunteers will be on hand to ensure the space remains calm, inclusive and supportive for all.
Programme(17 events)
Practical Information
Where is it?
Mother Tongues Festival events take place in Belgard Square, Tallaght (Dublin 24) across Rua Red Arts Centre and The Civic Theatre. They’re a short walk apart, so you can do multiple events in one trip.
By Luas
Luas Red Line to Tallaght / Tamhlaght (end of the line). The stop is seconds from both venues.
By bus
Routes serving Tallaght / The Square include 49, 49A, 54A, 65, 65B, 27, 77A, 75, 76, 76A.
Parking
Rua Red: No dedicated Rua Red car park. Most people use The Square Shopping Centre multi-storey (short walk). Rua Red notes parking at The Square and other nearby paid options.
The Civic: On-site car park is typically for patrons after 4pm, with free parking then. For earlier/daytime events, use The Square Shopping Centre (paid).
Important Information
Accessibility Information
Rua Red (Arts Centre)
- Step-free street-level entrance
- Lifts to all floors
- Accessible toilets on each level
- Baby changing on the ground floor
- Hearing induction loop at reception and assistive listening
- Assistance dogs welcome
The Civic Theatre
- Loop system available for patrons who are hard of hearing
- Wheelchair bays (2) in Row A of main auditorium (contact box office to arrange; not bookable online)
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Ground-level main entrance
- Ramp access from the car park for evening + Saturday mat
- Accessible parking spaces (7) on-site
- JAM Card friendly