FAQs

How old do I have to be to get in to the Heineken Big Top?

The Heineken Big Top is open to people over 16 years of age. Under 16s must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Is there disability seating at the Heineken Big Top?

Yes, there is a raised disability platform located at the back of the tent, which is open only to individuals with a disability plus one carer. This area has a limited capacity and must be booked in advance. Please call our office at +353 91 509 700 to reserve a place here.

Are all venues fully accessible?

The majority of GIAF venues are fully accessible, however a few do have limited access. Please visit our Accessibility page to learn more.

How do I know if this show is appropriate for my children?

Some GIAF shows may be unsuitable for young children. Visit the show’s event page on our website to learn more, or refer to the official programme.

Do you have any family-friendly events?

GIAF includes various family-friendly offerings from year to year in genres ranging from street spectacle to visual arts and from theatre to First Thought Talks. Please refer to our Family Friendly page for more information.

Do you have any free events?

The Festival is proud to offer many events free of charge. This includes all street spectacles and visual art galleries. Free events are noted in the Festival programme.

Where can I find more information about tickets?

Please visit our How to Book page for all information regarding purchasing and collecting tickets.

Where can I submit my work for consideration in the Festival?

The deadline for Festival submissions is usually at the end of the previous calendar year. Please check our Take Part page for updates.

Where can I buy Festival merchandise and gift vouchers?

Official merchandise is available for purchase during the Festival at the Festival Hub (Market Street) and at select shows, as well as on our online merchandise store. Gift vouchers are available here in €25, €50, €100 and €250 increments.

Help! I lost something at a Festival venue.

Please enquire with the venue regarding lost property. If you lost an item at the Heineken Big Top, enquire with the Heineken Big Top security team at the site.

The show I want to attend is sold out. Can I be put on a waiting list?

GIAF can only offer a waiting list for select shows in the event that more tickets become available. Call our office at +353 91 509 700 to enquire further.

I know this show is sold out, but surely there’s room for one more?

If a show has sold out, unfortunately that means that the venue is at capacity and there are no more tickets available.

Do GIAF shows ever tour?

Yes! Visit our Tours page for more information. Many of our First Thought Talks and other events are also live-streamed on social media or made available on our website.