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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 Wexford: 12 essential experiences for the long weekend
The June bank holiday is only just around the corner and time is running out to make plans. With that in mind, here are our top 12 things to do in Wexford for you and your family to enjoy this June bank holiday weekend. Wexford Pride in The Park Wexford Pride in the Park takes place on Saturday, May 31 from 12pm – 6pm at Min Ryan Park. Pride in The Park is a free, family-friendly neuro inclusive event. This vibrant annual celebration brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies in a celebration of queer joy, solidarity and inclusion. The event will feature a diverse lineup of LGBTQIA+ musicians and acts with performances from both emerging and established local talent. In addition to music, attendees can explore an array of community vendors, food trucks, and community organisations fighting to create the world a more equal place for all! Disgraceful Cabaret Wexford Pride After-Party 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. So Say So 'So Say So' is a monthly event that spotlights poetry, storytelling, and music at Wexford Arts Centre. It is curated by the esteemed poet, Stephen James Smith. Each event will feature a distinguished national or international poet. They will be joined by musicians for a unique, collaborative performance. The 5-Word-Challenge open mic segment is open to everyone, with performers limited to 5 minutes each on a first-come, first-served basis. Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi, a Nigerian-Irish poet with a strong online presence, will perform at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, May 29 at 8pm. Tickets are €5 plus €1.50 fee. See to book. Music for Wexford present Bangers and Crash Bangers and Crash is a collective of Irish percussions who collaborate on a range of projects. Programme to include 'And So The Wind Blew by Gene Koshinski' and '2+1 by Ivan Trevino'. The concert is presented in association with Music Generation Wexford. It takes place at St. Peter's College Chapel, Wexford (Y35 P8WT) on Friday, May 30 from 8pm to 9pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Jazz with Sharon Clancy and Trio at Frank's Place Spring into the weekend with a gorgeous night of Jazz with Sharon Clancy and her exquisite Trio on Friday, May 30 at 9pm. Tickets €20 ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Back by popular demand Sharon and her trio will perform a magical set of original compositions and jazz classics from the Great American Songbook. Bringing you on a journey through the age of the silver screen. This event promises a night of fun and entertainment for all music lovers. Pre-show dinner available at Franks Place 1890 but you must purchase tickets for the performance in advance. Tickets will sell fast for this special performance, don't miss out. Contact Wexford Arts Centre at 0539123764 or email boxoffice@ Smash Hits – Summer Slam Wexico '25 Join us at Crown Live, this June Bank Holiday Sunday for Smash Hits Summer Slam Wexico '25. It takes place on the Bank Holiday Sunday, June 1, with doors opening at 8.30 pm and the show starting at 9pm. Tickets are €20 plus booking fee. Call 053 912 1480 or email info@ Wexford Gateway Orchestra Summer Concert This June bank holiday Sunday, Wexford's Gateway Orchestra perform their annual Summer Concert in 'The Street' at Wexford County Council, Carriglawn at 4pm. James Warren will lead the orchestra for the first time and Rebecca Warren provides piano accompaniment. Soloist is Sarah Luttrell. What to expect? A lovely selection of your fav music including classical music from the movies and contemporary. Tickets are €15 Anam Choir Summer Show Join Anam Choir for their 2025 Summer Show on Friday, May 30 in the Jerome Hynes Theatre at the National Opera House at 7.30pm. Sing along with choir versions of some of your favourite pop/rock songs from the last few decades! With songs from The Cranberries, Guns n Roses, Paramore, Bill Withers and more, there's sure to be something for everyone. We'll also be joined by a very special guest on the night! Tickets are €€16 / €12 concession plus facility fee. See to book. Rebecca O'Conner as Tina Turner: Simply The Best Hailing from County Cork, Ireland, Rebecca's journey to the stage was inspired by Tina's music and presence from a young age. At 17, Rebecca's incredible talent led her to win Stars In Their Eyes, wowing over 33 million viewers and securing her place as one of the world's finest Tina Turner tribute artists. Personally endorsed by Tina, Rebecca carries forward her legacy with passion, energy, and undeniable authenticity. Backed by a world-class band and her dazzling dancers, the "Rebeccettes," Rebecca delivers show-stopping renditions of Tina's greatest hits. From 'Proud Mary' and 'River Deep' to 'Private Dancer' and 'Simply The Best,' this high-octane performance will have you on your feet, singing along to the songs that defined a generation. The show will take place at the National Opera House on Friday, May 30 at 7.30pm. Tickets are €34 plus facility fee. See to book. Gorey Farmer's Market 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. Teddy Bear's Picnic At Wells House and Gardens Get ready for a magical day out at our Teddy Bear's Picnic in the stunning grounds of Wells House and Gardens on Sunday, June 1. Bring the whole family and of course your favourite cuddly toy for a day packed with fun and adventure as you relax and reconnect on this family friendly fun day out! Meet our giant Bear and Little Red Riding Hood and enjoy story telling on the lawn and more family fun! Meet some of the adorable residents of our animal farm and get hands-on with small animal handling taking place from 11am and on the hour. Then enjoy our glitter tattoos on the terrace gardens. You can also purchase tickets for our Fairytale Fun and Train Rides in the Arboretum on the day to enjoy as an extra activity during your visit! Let's kick off the summer of fun with fairytale train rides that will leave you enchanted! To buy tickets online, see Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Fest Enniscorthy Street Rhythms Dance Fest is on the June Bank holiday weekend on both the Saturday and Sunday. With dance acts on the stage in Market Square, craft stalls galore, workshops and biodiversity talks there's something for everyone at Street Rhythms this year. There's family fun and entertainment for all the family, including fairytales with the Disney characters and local dance schools strutting their stuff.
