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Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
The ultimate June bank holiday events guide: Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Wexford Pride, Blas Na Gailimhe and much more
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.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Longford: Sample the breathtaking delights of Center Parcs and take in a slice of history at 20th Annual Vintage Show & Family Fun Day
From the rolling hills of north Longford to the enchanting Royal Canal Greenway of its mid and southern equivalent, there isn't many boxes this rapidly developing midlands tourism county doesn't tick. Here are a flavour of just some of the many attractions that you can find over the course of what's sure to be a long weekend to remember. Longford Vintage Show & Family Fun Day 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. Go dancing in Edgeworthstown Miss Mary is an outdoor solo dance, tracing the footsteps of Ireland's traveling dance masters. Created by Kristyn Fontanella, it explores her dance lineage and heritage, inviting the audience to connect with the land, share stories, and ask: Where did you come from? How do you move? Will you dance with me? This is an outdoor solo dance piece you will be standing and possibly moving around the space… so bring your comfy shoes and enjoy. Both the workshop and performance are taking place in Edgeworthstown Library this Friday (May 30) at 11am and 2pm respectively. Take in a visit to Granard's Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre The bustling north Longford town of Granard is steeped in no shortage of history, a repute that is perhaps best exemplified by its Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre. This immersive visitor experience that brings visitors on a journey through the town's Anglo-Norman history. During the self-guided tour, you'll come face to face with Henry II and King Rory O'Connor, visit a recreated Norman home and dig for artefacts in the Norman CSI room. Kids dress up in Norman clothes, receive their Norman name and a list of duties for their visit, including completing an interactive quiz - that should keep them entertained for the hour-long tour. Dedicated to Granard's most-famous resident, your journey ends at Kitty Kiernan's Drawing Room where you'll find out about Kitty's place in the War of Independence and her fiancé Michael Collins. Bask in the delights of Center Parcs Set in the mature woodlands of County Longford near Ballymahon, Center Parcs holiday village is a great place to escape to any time of year. There's a full line-up of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages and the popular dome-covered swimming pool is heated to a balmy 27 degrees. There's also a relaxing spa with a full range of holistic treatments. Stay in one of the 400 lodges that range from one-bedroom apartments to eight-bedroom lodges with saunas, steam baths and hot tubs. Take a stroll in north Longford's picturesque Derrycassin Wood North of Granard and hugging the shoreline of Lough Gowna, picturesque Derrycassin Wood is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. There are three popular waymarked walks to choose from; the Nature Trail (1.2km), Walled Garden Walk (2.3km) and the Main Avenue Walk (3.2km), each bringing you along spruce-scented river paths and past scenic viewing points on the lake shore. In late April or early May, the Nature Trail is particularly beautiful with a carpet of bluebells dancing in the spring breeze. Keep watch on the long walks for the fascinating foundations of an old mansion and walled gardens demolished in 1939 and the remains of a historic ringfort in the woods, formerly the dwelling place of the earliest inhabitants of the area. You can finish your walk with a picnic under a canopy of trees by the riverside. With so much history, gastronomic delights, and natural beauty to discover, it's hardly surprising why this unspoiled and charming county is being billed as the jewel in Fáilte Ireland's 'Hidden Heartlands' tourism brand.
