The ultimate June bank holiday events guide: Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Wexford Pride, Blas Na Gailimhe and much more

Irish Independent

6 days ago

While we might be missing some sun, the early days of June will still consist of a jam-packed schedule of events which offer sizzling summer feasts, good tunes and outdoor pursuits taking place over the weekend.
Use our interactive map to find events near you
Whether you're planning a staycation or simply looking for a reason to get out of the house for the weekend, click on our interactive map to find out what is on near you over the bank holiday.
Spins and spectacles
The Gordon Bennett classic car run takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend and travels through the counties of Laois, Carlow and Kildare, all three of which were chosen for the original 1903 race called the Gordon Bennett Cup which was the first international motor race to be held in Ireland.
On Saturday May 31, after departing from Treacys the Heath in Co Laois at 11am, the drivers will make their way through Laois before stopping at Huntington Castle and Gardens in Co Carlow.
Longford Vintage Club Vintage Show and Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday, 1 June 2025 in Connolly Barracks, Longford town.
The occasion is one its members are particularly relishing as it is their 20th anniversary and an afternoon that promises to tick every conceivable box.
There will be free kids entertainment, face painting and train rides, as well as a motorbike stunt show, ride-on lawnmower racing, a dog show, a wood carving exhibition and plenty of live music. Gates open at 12pm with kids going free.
For the craic that's in it
Kilkenny Cat Laughs is described by organisers as 'Ireland's annual craic pilgrimage'.
The festival has been heralding the start of the summer season since 1995 and this year it is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
This year the festival is welcoming 34 comedians to Kilkenny over one weekend.
A variety of comedy shows will be held across the June bank holiday weekend from Saturday May 31 until Sunday June 1.
Wexford Pride in The Park After-Party returns to Wexford Arts Centre, with Poppy DeScrace & the Disgraceful Cabaret on Saturday, May 31 at 8pm. Disgraceful Cabaret is a Queer and Neurodivergent run show striving for inclusively and silliness. Expect Pride themed and Cosplay acts from King's, Queens, Things & Burlesquers: Poppy De Scrace, RICHARD Joke, Asher B Grant, Mx Teaze, Chroni.
For the music connoisseurs
If you're based in the banner county and looking for something fun and music-related to do over the Bank Holiday Weekend, why not pop down to the Doonbeg International Jazz Festival. Now in its 26th year, the festival features acts from all over Ireland, Europe, and the UK. With both daytime and evening events, there's something to suit all tastes and ages.
Most importantly, all events are free – giving punters a few more quid in their pockets to enjoy a meal out or a drink while in the beautiful coastal town of Doonbeg.
Running from May 31 to June 2 in Galway, the Early Music Festival celebrates old world music and arts with workshops and concerts in St Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the surrounding streets.
This year, the festival will also celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.
In total, this year's programme includes six events delivered by 88 creative practitioners and producers.
First established in 2001, the Carrickmacross Street Festival in Co. Monaghan is free of charge and for all ages event is without doubt one of the most eagerly awaited spectacles on the local calendar.
Heading up its impressive itinerary is a wide and diverse offering of live music, featuring a whole host of leading lights from the world of country music. At the top of that list is none other than Antrim singing sensation Johnny Brady with The Wolfe Tones and Tina Turner tribute band, Proud Mary.
No fewer than 11 other acts, offering a wide and eclectic range of music to cater for all tastes have similarly been added by event organisers.
Turning the meaning of 'zen' on its head (literally)
In Limerick, the second edition of the Acro Festival will be of interest to acrobats of all varieties.
The five day festival promises plenty of fun and is set to welcome participants from all over the world.
More than 20 local and international teachers are each set to share their unique skills and passion for Acroyoga through classes while traditional dance workshops will also be held.
In Kildare, Lovestock, a mental health and wellness festival, is coming to Booleigh this June bank holiday weekend.
This unusual festival combines Irish culture, music and heritage, with mental health and wellness.
Some of the musical acts set to take the stage over the weekend include Paddy Casey, Ciara Lawless and Jack Keeshan, among much, much more.
There will also be a Therapy Tent hosting a variety of events such as fire walking, mindfulness and yoga/mantra and singing. Meanwhile, in the Thoughts & Talks Hut, there will be intro to herbalism, intro to beehives and intro to trauma, along with many other talks.
In Tipperary, the Cahir Wellness Festival attractions include fitness and movement classes, live music, DJs and dance sessions, mindfulness, talks, a family zone with games, face painting and fun, a healing sanctuary with reiki and massage, tasty food, coffee and chill vibes. 'Whether you want to train, chill, dance, laugh or learn, this is your day,' said a promoter. Gates open at 10.30am.
For the foodies
Saturday May 31 will be the last day of Blas Na Gaillimhe (A Taste of May) food festival.
The festival takes place across Galway City and it celebrates people and food from across the globe through workshops, talks, events, and collaborations.
From traditional feasts to innovative wine explorations, the festival offers something for every palate and every curiosity.
In Wexford, visit the Gorey Farmer's Market on Saturday, May 31 from 8am to 1pm at the Gorey Community School Car Park. Enjoy a wide array of fresh produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, artisan cheeses, organic meats, local honey and fresh flowers. Support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the freshest ingredients.
Pursue the great outdoors
Camp Gregory is a Lakeside campsite based in Shercock, Co Cavan. This modern and well equipped facility offers beautiful bespoke cabins that are handcrafted by the owner with the most peaceful of lake views.
The facility comes with fully a fully furnished shower and toilet block that includes disabled facilities.
In addition, visitors can avail of a communal kitchen which is complemented by a covered outdoor BBQ Station with a seating and sink area.
There are six cabins and seven caravan pitches, a bell tower tent and three tent pitches available, making it the perfect fit for family camping and an equally optimum location for the most ideal of relaxing getaways.
In Donegal there is a fun filled June Bank Holiday Weekend planned at Glenveagh National Park with family fun and live traditional music.
Saturday, May 31 and Sunday June 1 from 10am to 5pm, there will be a Scavenger Hunt.
Follow the clues to explore the area around the Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre in this exciting and fun family activity and win a tasty prize.
On Monday, June 2, there will be traditional Irish Music at Glenveagh Castle from 10am to 4pm.
The Scavenger Hunt will be held on Monday from 10am to 5pm and all activities are free of charge.
In Westmeath, the Old Rail Trail Greenway is not only an off-road routeway but it's suitable for even beginner or young cyclists.
Hop on your bike, or rent one locally and head out along the Old Rail Trail Greenway from Athlone to Mullingar.
Whether you choose to tackle the full 42km route in one go, or choose one of three trail sections, you'll encounter traditional stone arched bridges, preserved station houses and bog lands on the way.