The Dublin Fringe Festival is back this weekend after a two-year hiatus and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

That is according to Fringe Director and CEO Ruth McGowan who told Newstalk Breakfast about the comeback.

"Fringe is really about discovery", she said.

"We present a little bit of everything. We've got comedy and music and dance and spoken word."

Biggest in Ireland

430 artists will populate the 16-day festival, which is the largest multidisciplinary arts festival in the country.

"We really encourage people to get out and about and see as much as possible, because the key thing is all of these shows are happening in Dublin for the very first time", said Ms McGowan.

"It's a chance to really see something new."

The programme

It all kicks off today with the opening of WAKE, which is described as a "howling, raucous, soul stirring celebration".

Remnant Ecologies is an extra special show as it will take place in the Botanic Gardens after hours.

"We've got the keys to Botanic Gardens after dark and so we have a series of sound and light installations that happen at nighttime."

According to Ms McGowan, the 1.2 kilometer path is a "nighttime adventure".

"We can't quite believe that we've gotten permission to do it because it's really a one of a kind experience."

Find out more

Those interested in experiencing the festival can find out more at fringefest.com.

What advice does Ms McGowan have for potential attendees?

"Take a risk and go and see work by an artist you've never seen before, or a type of performance that you wouldn't normally go to", she said.

"Your curiosity was just awarded this year, it's a really special program."

Main image shows artists Aisling Ní Cheallaigh, Tobi Omotesu, Michael Roberson and Lisette Krol. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland