The Celtic Music House and Irish Traditions stages were added. The first wedding was held on Festival grounds. Facebook and Twitter accounts were created for the Festival. Several green initiatives were implemented, such as a bike valet, reusable and recyclable cups, more recycling bins and electronic messaging. Two bagpipe showcases featured the City of Chicago Pipes and Drums performing with five Ohio Pipe and Drum bands. Beth Peterson was the Festival Finale.

More than $103,000 was returned to the community through fundraising endeavors. Three weddings and a Gaelic Games Competition were held during the Festival. Tim Horton’s offered a special Dublin Irish Festival donut in 60 Ohio locations and Jeni’s Ice Cream featured a new flavor: Dublin Irish Festival Stout. Sunday guests donated 8,000 pounds of food to the Dublin Food Pantry.

The Festival expanded social media efforts. On Friday, the Festival was #10 on Google’s Hot Searches. The Feis celebrated its 30th anniversary and approximately 1,200 dancers competed. Gaelic football and rugby were reintroduced. The Emerald Club, Dub Club and Celtic Rock Club were offered to Festival guests as a way to enjoy unique levels of hospitality and entertainment.

The Festival experienced sweltering heat throughout most of the weekend and a torrential downpour shut down the Festival early on Sunday. Live streaming of entertainment from the Dublin and Celtic Rock Stages was introduced. A Festival flash mob took over Polaris Mall and the Sundays at Scioto event. The first mead tasting was introduced on Sunday, which sold out in record time.

The Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary by hosting the International Highland Games Federation Women’s World Team Championships. New to the Festival were the Irish Author’s Corner, the Best Legs in a Kilt Contest and the Kids Dash in conjunction with the 5K. Richens/Timm Irish Dance Academy founder Ann Richens’ memory was honored. VIP club memberships were record-breaking. Eileen Ivers, a nine-time, All-Ireland Fiddle Champion and one of the Festival’s first international performers, kicked off the Festival.