The summer guide: What to watch, see and do this season — including free days out

Irish Examiner

19 hours ago

19 gigs and festivals to look forward to
Martha Wainwright
Cork Opera House, June 9
The acclaimed singer-songwriter marks the 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album with a lap of honour tour. Buckle up for songs that run from chiming alternative rock to soul-baring chansons, topped off with Wainwright's wry, introspective lyrics.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments
Malahide Castle, June 17
Ireland finally gets its taste of Brat Summer. Dress code: Lime green.
Kneecap
Fairview Park, June 19
One third of the Belfast rappers, Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court the day prior on a terror offence. One imagines it will only further rouse the sold-out masses attending their biggest gig in the Republic to date.
The Darkness
INEC Killarney, June 21
Is this the real life or is it just parody? Big riffs, big hair, and a big chorus conspired to make The Darkness one of the most humongous forces in rock 20 years ago, only for it to all unravel when people mistook them for a joke act. They're back — and they mean it — with a new album, Dreams on Toast, and a tour that wends its way to Kerry.
Zach Bryan
Phoenix Park, June 21, 22
Country rock makes an epic return to Ireland as marine-turned-heartland troubadour Bryan rocks up at Phoenix Park for the venue's biggest address to true believers since the Pope in 1979.
Olivia Rodrigo
Marlay Park, June 24
The Gen-Z pop star's punchy anthems are illuminated by her love for bubblegum punk and 1990s indie. After two sold-out dates in the 3Arena last year, she brings the Guts tour to Ireland for one more outing.
Lana Del Rey
Aviva Stadium, June 30
Her next album is forever being announced and delayed, but one thing is written in stone: Del Rey plays her biggest Irish gig yet at the Aviva in Dublin in late June. Will her wispy anthems take flight in a huge glass-and-concrete bowl renowned for its lack of atmosphere? All will be revealed.
Joe Bonamassa
Live at the Marquee, July 1-3
The acclaimed blues guitarist puts his spin on the songbook of Cork's own singular guitar wiz, Rory Gallagher, across three hotly anticipated shows.
Chris Kent
Live at the Marquee, July 11
What do you get when you give up your phone and the internet? If you're Cork comedian Chris Kent, a new live show — and his biggest home venue yet.
Jessica Pratt
Vicar Street, July 13
Lo-fi confessional folk from widely acclaimed songwriter, whose 2024 album, Here is the Pitch, was heralded as one of the year's finest.
The Magic Numbers
Cyprus Avenue, July 15
Incredibly, it's 20 years since these happy-go-lucky siblings from London by way of Trinidad clocked up huge hits with Love Me Like You and Forever Lost. Now, they're heading out to mark that achievement with a series of victory lap gigs.
Biig Piig
Cyprus Avenue, July 17
Cork-born, Spain-and-Waterford-raised, London-based songwriter and producer Jessica Smyth takes influences from all over.
Her music combines RnB, disco, avant-garde rock, and dance-pop to exhilarating effect, as she demonstrated with this year's debut album, 11:11.
Amble
Live at the Marquee, July 17
It's been a phenomenal year for teachers Robbie Cunningham and Oisín McCaffrey, and scientist Ross McNerney, who packed in their 9-5s to pursue a music career. Three years after their first live gig, they've sold out venues from Limerick's King John's Castle to Galway's Big Top and, of course, the Marquee.
Cian Ducrot
Live at the Marquee, July 19-20
The Passage West native, now a Grammy award-winning songwriter, has two big summer shows in the real Capital.
All Together Now
The All Together Now Festival in Curraghmore House in Waterford.
July 31 to August 3
Arguably the best-ever line-up in the festival's history, with Fontaines DC, Wet Leg, London Grammar, CMAT, and Leftfield among the headliners at Curraghmore Estate in Waterford.
Oasis
Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis
Croke Park, August 16-17
A year later, we'll all have forgotten the pain of trying to get these tickets and the worries of whether the gig will actually happen, and we'll be singing along happily to Live Forever in the Hogan stand. Definitely. Maybe.
Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory
Cork Opera House, August 19
For her latest project, acclaimed indie singer Sharon Van Etten decided to do something different: A goth-influenced album featuring her bandmates as full contributors and with songs that reflected her formative passion for the Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Being glum has never sounded so much fun.
David Gray
INEC Killarney, August 27
He was in the headlines recently for voicing his disappointment at a raucous Dublin audience more interested in nattering than listening to his new music — and you can understand Gray's frustration given that his latest LP, Dear Life, is up there with his best. He takes it on the road this summer, including a stop-off in Killarney.
Electric Picnic
Chappell Roan. Picture:for The Recording Academy
Stradbally, August 29-31
Pop star of the hour, Chappell Roan, brings her Pink Pony Club to Stradbally as a headliner of Electric Picnic, with other big names, including Sam Fender, Becky Hill, Kings of Leon, Confidence Man, and Conan Gray.
by Ed Power and Nicole Glennon
11 shows and films to stream
Sloinne
June 8, 15, and 22, 8.30pm, TG4
A search of the history of a particular surname in each episode. Learn about famous and historical figures as well as the clans which shaped the history of Ireland. This week it's Power/de Paor and the focus will be on Ó Loingsigh/Lynch and Ó Gallachóir/Gallagher in coming weeks.
Aistear an Amhráin
June 10, 7pm, RTÉ One
The band from Bishopstown were the first Cork band to play Top of the Pops. This is the heart-warming story behind The Franks and Walters' After All, the iconic Cork 90s indie anthem, now beloved of a whole new generation thanks to The Young Offenders.
FUBAR
June 12, Netflix
Luke Brunner is a veteran CIA operative who, up until recently, was on the verge of retirement. After his last mission in saving another operative — who just so happened to be his daughter — he's back and face to face with new villains. Stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carrie-Anne Moss.
Echo Valley
Domhnall Gleeson in Echo Valley
June 13, Apple TV+
Thriller starring Julianne Moore, Fiona Shaw, Domhnall Gleeson, and Kyle MacLachlan. Kate is a mother struggling to make peace with her troubled daughter Claire — a situation that becomes even more perilous when Claire shows up on Kate's doorstep, hysterical and covered in someone else's blood. As Kate pieces together the shocking truth of what happened, she learns just how far a mother will go to try to save her child in this gripping tale.
Mountainhead
Sky/NOW
A group of billionaire tech bros/friends hide away at an opulent mountain retreat in Utah for a game of poker, each with their own idea of how to solve the world's problems. Stars Steve Carell and Jason Schwartzman, from the creator of Succession.
Murder Behind the Mask
June 21, Amazon Prime
Two-part documentary special on the incredible Graham Dwyer murder investigation with eye-witness testimony and exclusive access to the detectives who brought him to justice.
The Bear
June 26, Disney+
Carmen, Sydney, and Richie are determined to take The Bear to the next level. With new challenges around every corner, the team must adapt, adjust, and overcome in season four of the hit show.
Squid Game
Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game
June 27, Netflix
The third and final season follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3
Live at 11.30pm, July 11, Netflix
The highly anticipated trilogy bout between Ireland's pound-for-pound great, undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs), and Brooklyn's Puerto Rican boxing trailblazer, unified featherweight world champion Amanda 'The Real Deal' Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs).
Wednesday
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday
August 6, Netflix
Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), returns to prowl the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await. This season, Wednesday must navigate family, friends, and old adversaries, propelling her into another year of delightfully dark and kooky mayhem.
The Thursday Murder Club
August 28, Netflix
Based on Richard Osman's international bestselling novel of the same name, it follows four irrepressible retirees — Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) — who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.
By Caroline Delaney
9 blockbusters to see in the cinema
How to Train Your Dragon
June 13
A remake that blends live action and animation as young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames) befriends the dragon Toothless when both species find their way of life under threat, much to the displeasure of Hiccup's dad Stoick the Vast (Gerald Butler, reprising his role from the animated movie). Dean DeBlois directs.
28 Years Later
June 20
Nearly three decades on from when 'the rage virus' first hit, a small group of survivors venture off the small island where they've found sanctuary to explore their post-apocalyptic world. Danny Boyle directs; Jack O'Connell, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes star.
FI: The Movie
Joshua Pearce and Brad Pitt in F1
June 25
Having survived a horrific crash, veteran Formula 1 racing driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) reluctantly comes out of retirement to mentor hot young prospect Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris) in a movie made in collaboration with the FIA. Joseph Kosinski directs, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon co-star.
Jurassic Park: Rebirth
July 2
When will they ever learn? Five years on from the events of Jurassic Park: Dominion, a team led by Scarlett Johansson and Rupert Friend extracts DNA from three prehistoric beasts with predictably thrilling results. Jonathan Bailey co-stars; Gareth Edwards directs.
Superman
July 11
A reboot of the original Superman movie, in which the Man of Steel (David Corenswet) accepts the challenge of defending the human race against all comers, and especially the megalomaniac Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, and James Gunn ( Guardians of the Galaxy) directs.
Four Letters of Love
July 18
An epic love story featuring miracles and cosmic intervention, as Nicolas (Fionn O'Shea) and Isabel (Ann Skelly) gravitate towards one another and their
destiny. The superb supporting cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne, and Olwen Fouere. Polly Steele directs.
Fantastic Four: First Steps
July 25
Set on a retro, 1960s-style Earth, this finds superheroes the Fantastic Four (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) battling Galactus, the gigantic cosmic villain who consumes the life-force of whole planets. Matt Shakman directs.
Naked Gun
Liam Neeson plays Frank in The Naked Gun
August 8
Inspired casting has Liam Neeson playing Police Squad's hapless Frank Drebin Jr — he's the son, apparently, of Leslie Nielsen's Frank Drebin; the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree there — in a legacy sequel to the Naked Gun movies. Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser co-star; Akiva Schaffer directs.
Caught Stealing
August 29
Ex-baseball player Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) gets sucked into New York's criminal underworld in Darren Aronofsky's blackly comic thriller, which is adapted from Charlie Huston's novel. Vincent D'Onofrio, Zoe Kravitz and Liev Schreiber co-star.
By Declan Burke
10 albums to download
Cynthia Erivo – I Forgive You
June 6
It's likely you haven't stopped singing along with Cynthia Erivo since her starring role in Wicked at the end of 2024. Part two arrives in November, but in between Erivo releases her second album I Forgive You. 'Thank you in advance for coming with me on this journey,' she told fans.
Little Simz – Lotus
June 6
The most exciting act on our list, London rapper Little Simz channels the Streets on Young, one of the pre-release tasters from her sixth album, and wears her heart on her sleeve on Free. She can do anything.
MARINA – Princess of Power
June 6
Before there was Chappell Roan, Marina (and the Diamonds) flew the maximalist camp-pop sound. Fifteen years after their debut album, they return with Princess of Power.
Pulp – More
June 6
With plays in Cork likely spiking on the release of the single Spike Island, Pulp are gearing up to release their first studio album in 24 years. Recorded with producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines DC), it's dedicated to bassist Steve Mackey, who passed away in 2023.
Lorde – Virgin
June 27
It's four years since Lorde's third studio album, the divisive Solar Power. Lorde says: 'I was trying to see myself, all the way through. I was trying to make a document that reflected my femininity.'
Kesha – Period
July 4
For too long, we've associated Kesha with her long-running court battle with producer Dr Luke. Period is out on her own independent label. 'My name has become synonymous with transparency, integrity, and safety, and I want to ensure that these values are upheld for myself and any future artists signed to my label,' she says.
Talos & Olafur Arnalds - A Dreaming
July 11
A profound meditation on friendship, loss, and experimentation — one that began as a collaboration and became a totem of their creative kinship following Cork artist Eoin 'Talos' French's passing last summer.
Wet Leg – Moisturizer
July 11
Responsible for one of the songs of the summer in 2022, Chaise Longue, Isle of Man two-piece Wet Leg packed out gigs and festival slots in the following 18 months. Can they repeat the trick with second album Moisturizer? 'I thought I was straight all of my life until I met my current partner — these love songs are about them,' explains singer Rhian Teasdale.
Joe Bonamassa – Breakthrough
July 18
With two sold out dates Live at the Marquee, playing Rory Gallagher tunes, and a third on sale, it might be the summer of Joe Conamassa in Cork. The blues/rock giant releases his latest album on July 18.
CMAT – Euro-Country
August 29
CMAT hasn't put a cowboy boot wrong since releasing her debut album in 2022, and with third album Euro-Country enjoying backing from BBC 6 Music, who knows how high her star will rise this year. She's already sold out the 3Arena in December.
By Eoghan O'Sullivan
9 books to throw in your beachbag
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
out now
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a darling of #BookTok, with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six amassing much praise. Her newest book is set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle programme about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.
Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil by VE Schwab
June 10
The bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue returns with a genre-defying novel about a young woman living an idyllic but cloistered life on her family's estate, until a moment of forbidden intimacy sees her shipped off to London.
Thirst Trap by Gráinne O'Hare
June 12
This debut novel is a Belfast-set coming-of-age story about the friendships that endure through the very best and the very worst of times.
The In-Laws by Sinead Moriarty
July 3
A funny and relatable novel about the struggles of being a modern woman surviving the family you didn't choose.
A Murder in Paris by Matthew Blake
July 3
In this gripping new crime thriller from the bestselling author of Anna O, an expert in memory must uncover the truth about her family's wartime past.
Not Quite Dead by Holly Jackson
July 17
On Halloween night, Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder and suffers a catastrophic brain injury. She spends the last week of her life trying to solve her own murder in the first novel for adults from the author of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
Jibrin by Izz and Eman Alkarajeh
July 31
Beloved Palestinian couple Izz and Eman Alkarajeh share recipes from their Cork City café, Café Izz, that will take you on a culinary journey of their homeland.
The Stranger Inside by Amanda Cassidy
August 7
The latest thriller from the bestselling author of The Perfect Place. You're behind bars, framed for your husband's murder. Your daughter is slowly dying. You get one chance to run — do you take it?
Tart by Becki Jane Crossley
Aug 14
Can she discover who she really is before she loses everyone? A heartwarming friends-to-lovers queer romance about coming out and finding yourself along the way.
By Denise O'Donoghue
10 things to do with the kids
Zoorassic Trail Takeover
June 26-29
Treat the dino-obsessives in the family to a trip to Dublin Zoo. The Zoorassic Trail Takeover will feature talks from 'Dino Don' Lessem, the expert who advised Stephen Spielberg on Jurassic Park and has now created life-sized animatronic giants for the zoo's new dinosaur exhibition. Children will get to hear Don's stories at these talks and view some of his fossils before they explore the new exhibition.
Kaleidoscope Festival
July 4-6
Taking place in Wicklow's Russborough House, this family-friendly festival offers live music from bands like Ocean Colour Scene and Texas, entertainment from Mark The Science Guy, art classes with the National Gallery, baby sensory sessions, silent teen discos, and more.
Cork on a Fork Fest
August 13-17
Introduce children to the joy of good food. Ticketed events include pizza parties, sensory cooking classes, and a children's food trail as well as free events like farm tours, markets, and street entertainment.
Ballycotton Sea Adventures
Enjoy a day on the high seas. They will bring you from Ballycotton Pier in East Cork to Ballycotton Island, where you will disembark for an entertaining tour of a 170-year-old lighthouse.
Castlecomer Discovery Park
An ideal destination for thrill-seekers. Situated in 80 acres of forest in Kilkenny, it's free for families to visit and enjoy its woodland walks. However, you're unlikely to be able to resist its paid activities which include ziplines, climbing walls, axe throwing and archery.
Boda Borg at Lough Key
Put your family spirit to the ultimate test at the Adventure of Boda Borg in Roscommon's Lough Key forest park. This interactive experience involves families being set a series of quests that involve physical challenges and brain-boggling puzzles. There are no guides or instructions, which means you have no choice but to work together.
Irish National Heritage Park
Travel back in time in Wexford. Over 16 sites that include a megalithic tomb, ringfort and crannog, this open-air museum recreates life in Ireland from the Stone Age up to the time of the Normans.
Emerald Park
The Ques' rollercoaster at Emerald Park
With 45 rides from adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters to flume rides and merry-go-rounds, there really is something for everyone. There is also a
petting zoo, water play area and a bumper car race track.
Teidí Tours
These tours involve young GAA fans making their own GAA-themed teddy and then being shown around Croke Park and its adjoining museum before testing their football and hurling skills in the interactive games zone.
Ballyhass Aquapark
Imagine a giant inflatable obstacle course set on the water. That's what you will find at this aqua park in Mallow. It's perfect for families who enjoy outdoor fun, water sports and jumping, sliding and bouncing as they compete to be the first to the finish line.
by Sharon Ní Chonchúir
Free days out
Libraries are a great free resource. Picture: iStock
The first Wednesday of every month the OPW offers free admission to their properties on a first come/first served basis. Corkonians can visit Charles Fort and Garinish Island for free, for example, and the main list can be found on the Heritage Ireland website. heritageireland.ie
Join the Irish Museum of Modern Art for a free workshop. IMMA has a wide range of workshops on offer, ranging from Botanical Printing to Exploring Queer Identity and Creativity. Check out the IMMA website for more booking information and remember the Museum is always free to enter, with beautiful grounds to explore, and only a short walk from Heuston Station. imma.ie
One of the country's biggest summer family fun events will take place on July 5 - 6 on the grounds of Newbridge House and Farm, in North County Dublin. Entry is free for those who walk, cycle, or travel by public transport. Visitors can expect oodles of entertainment, great food, and plenty for all ages to enjoy. flavoursoffingal.ie
Galway International Arts Festival takes place July 14 - 27 and while some events require a prebooked ticket, the Festival Garden in Eyre Square is free to visit, along with the Visual Art Installation 'Interface' within a short drive of the city centre. The free highlight will occur on the evenings of Friday 18 and Saturday 19, les Insectes Fantastiques parade from Eyre Square and encourage onlookers to step into the Microcosmos. Expect to be wowed by light, sound, and puppetry. giaf.ie
Get closer to nature, take a hike and visit a Coillte forest trail. You can find a full list of walking/hiking trails on the Coillte website and don't forget your picnic! coillte.ie
Ireland is home to some incredible food markets, and all are free to visit, although you may leave with your wallet a little lighter and your shopping bags fuller. Some of my favourites include the Milk Market in Limerick, George's Market in Belfast, and Midleton Farmers' Market.
Did you know that the National Archives provides a free genealogy advisory service every weekday? Located on Bishop's Street in Dublin, this might be your prompt to investigate your family history with some professional help. The daily service operates on a first-come/first-served basis. Find out more on the National Archives website. nationalarchives.ie
Visit one of Ireland's official national parks. Learn about nature and conservation, experience the breathtaking power of nature and see the stunning scenery. Trek or hike during the day or stargaze at night. I recommend Glenveagh in Donegal and the Burren in Clare, but each park is unique, and all are free to visit. nationalparks.ie
We all know that Irish weather is temperamental, and many free things to do tend to be outdoors. Which is why our network of National Libraries are a wonderful free resource to tap into this summer. From talks to workshops, podcasting and even learning new skills, your local library has it all. librariesireland.ie
By Caitríona Redmond
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