The June Bank Holiday weekend is nearly here, which means we are all suddenly trying to pretend we had plans organised weeks ago.
Thankfully, there is plenty of events taking place around the country, whether you are in the mood for music, reading, food or just a good excuse to get out of the house. So, we have you covered.
If you haven’t yet decided what your Bank Holiday weekend plans look like, here are some events around Ireland to check out.
Forbidden Fruit, Dublin
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Forbidden Fruit returns to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st.
The Dublin festival has already sold out, so this one is definitely for those who were organised enough to get their tickets sorted early. But if you do have a ticket, you are in for a very good weekend. This year’s line-up includes KETTAMA, Nia Archives, Kaytranada, Joy Crookes, HorsegiirL, Sally C, Bricknasty and more.
It is also a big moment for Galway-born KETTAMA, who will make his Irish festival headline debut.
Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Kilkenny
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If comedy is more your thing, Kilkenny Cat Laughs is back from May 29th to June 1st.
At this stage, Cat Laughs is basically a June Bank Holiday tradition, bringing together some of the best Irish and international comedians for a weekend of shows across the city.
This year’s comedy line-up consists of many well-established Irish comedians, including Ed Byrne, Alison Spittle, Neil Delamere, David O’Doherty, Rich Hall and many more.
If your ideal bank holiday involves a few drinks, laughs and a gorgeous city, Kilkenny might be the move.
Night and Day Festival, Roscommon
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Night and Day Festival returns to Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co Roscommon from May 29th to 31st.
Now in its fifth year running, the festival is expected to welcome over 10,000 visitors across the weekend, and the line-up is pretty stacked.
With performers like, The Saw Doctors, Imelda May and The Boomtown Rats all set to perform.
The festival is also going to have a bigger family-friendly side than before, with there being plenty of activities for younger festival-goers, including robotics workshops, kite making, children’s yoga, circus skills, pottery making, samba drumming and a festival parade.
It is one of those events that will be fun for people of all ages, for anyone going for the music or just want to spend the weekend in a lovely forest setting.
Listowel Writers’ Week, Kerry
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For something a little quieter, but still very special, Listowel Writers’ Week runs from May 27th to 31st.
The Kerry festival is one of the country’s most well-known literary events and is celebrating 55 years of bringing writers, readers, and storytellers together.
Colm Tóibín has also returned as president of the festival, since his resignation in 2022, giving the festival that even more significance.
Expect readings, conversations, workshops, launches and plenty of bookish events across the week. So, if you would rather spend the bank holiday surrounded by writers, readers and good conversation instead of standing in a field with a pint, this is probably the one for you.
Skerries Midsummer Festival, Dublin
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Skerries Midsummer Festival is a lovely option if you want something family-friendly and by the sea.
Running from the 29th of May to the 1st of June, the festival brings together seaside charm and live music for both locals and visitors to the north Dublin town.
With warm, sunny weather currently predicted, expect beach sports, sandcastle competitions and that Irish Summer energy where everyone is excited to whip out that new t-shirt or shorts finally, they have been saving all year.
It is a handy option if you want a day out that still feels like a little escape away without breaking the bank.
Doonbeg International Jazz Festival, Clare
Doonbeg International Jazz Festival returns from May 29th to June 1st, and this is a great one if you are heading west.
Now in its 27th year, the festival will feature a full programme of free events across the weekend, with 11 bands playing 29 performances.
A huge mix of styles from all genres of Jazz, from soul to Latin to jive. There is going to be a huge group of performers from all over the world, coming from Ireland, Europe and further afield.
Bloom, Dublin
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Bloom is officially back, and this year marks its 20th anniversary.
Ireland’s largest festival of gardening, food and sustainable living returns to Dublin’s Phoenix Park from May 28th to June 1st, with show gardens, food, live music, workshops and family-friendly fun across its 70-acre site.
With 20 Show Gardens, over 300 talks and demos, and more than 100 Irish artisan food and drink producers, Bloom sounds like a very solid Bank Holiday plan.
Words by Andrew Connolly