HopeFest - UCD volunteers stage wellness festival for Dublin’s homeless
6 June 2025
Staff and student volunteers at HopeFest
More than 450 people experiencing homelessness and isolation in Dublin attended this year’s HopeFest, a unique wellness and music festival organised by University College Dublin students and staff.
Run in partnership with UCD in the Community, the (opens in a new window)Dublin Lions Club, as well as over 30 homeless services across the city, the ‘mini festival’ aims to provide those experiencing homelessness with a sense of community and belonging.
“[Its] an incredible day of connection, dignity, and joy in the heart of Dublin,” said John Sheehy, of the Dublin Lions Club and a member of the HopeFest committee.
“From barbers and yoga to children’s games and live music, HopeFest is a powerful reminder that belonging and joy are for everyone - regardless of circumstance.”
Held annually since 2018, HopeFest offers guests access to a wide range of services, from wellness treatments to hot meals, all in a welcoming, festival-style environment.
This year’s event took place on Saturday, May 17 at the Iveagh Gardens, and saw over 450 people, including many families with young children, availed of services including haircuts, chiropody, first aid, yoga, and reiki.
A dedicated children’s zone featuring games, colouring, and balloon making was also provided for attendees.
More than 400 hot meals were distributed, donated by FoodCloud, and served by a team of over 40 volunteers, and live music was provided by the UCD Community Choir and the Medlife Crisis band.
“HopeFest is not only a celebration of music and wellness but also an opportunity to deliver essential services in a relaxed and inclusive environment,” said Niamh Byrne, of UCD in the Community and also a HopeFest committee member.
“The event relies heavily on volunteers - including those providing music, food, wellness treatments, and first aid - who all help make this day a highlight for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who gives up their free time and energy each year to make this event possible.”
The idea for the event grew out of discussions at UCD about how the University could engage with the homeless community in a meaningful way, while providing an opportunity for staff and students to engage with the wider community.
Through consultation with the Dublin Lions Club, and various homelessness organisations, it was identified that while there are many events around Christmas for those experiencing homelessness, there were no events taking place during the summer period.
The HopeFest committee extents their gratitude to all staff and student volunteers from UCD, the Dublin Lions Club, and Tiglin, as well as to key partners such as Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána and the OPW for their continuous support.
Established in 2016, UCD in the Community supports and promotes connecting UCD staff and students with the wider community to allow them to use their skills and expertise to support community-based organisations.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
