23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Wicklow: Seven super events to enjoy over 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 seven things to do in Wicklow for you and your family to enjoy this June bank holiday weekend.
Live music in Wicklow town
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, May 30-June 2
All events free at various venues
Whether you're into dance beats or trad music, or anything in between, Wicklow town's bars have got you covered this June bank holiday weekend. At the centre of it all is the 'Here comes summer party' at the Bridge Tavern on Saturday night, with live music from Feilim, followed by an after-party at Phil Healy's until 2.30am. Entry is free and ice-cold drink specials are promised all night.
Live trad sessions are taking place at the Black Castle Bar in Wicklow town on Sunday, June 1 from 7pm to 9pm and on Monday evening from 7.30pn at Fitzpatrick's. There will also be live music at O'Shea's Corner on Friday, May 30 from 8pm until late.
Comedy in Greystones
Thursday, May 29 at Mrs Robinson's
Tickets €6.34 at
Tallaght's Joe Dowlin, with gigs at Vicar Street and Electric Picnic to follow, will headline at Mrs Robinsons Comedy Club on Thursday, May 29. Hosted by Keego, who just spent two weeks touring New York, the stage will also welcome newcomer Claire Roche, who used to be a Power FM DJ, Elizabeth Redmon from Houston, Texas and Dane Frisby, an award-winning local, who started his career in Estonia.
Ticket's cost €6.34 and there is a waiting list open for the event at Mrs Robinson's in Greystones. It starts at 8pm.
Leslie Dowdall and Revival Gospel Choir in Bray
Friday, May 31 at Cornerstone Church
Tickets €22 at
Renown Irish rock singer Leslie Dowdall returns to her home county for an emotive performance at the Cornerstone Church in Bray.
Kicking off the June bank holiday proper from 8pm on Friday, May 31, the lead singer of In Tua Nua will be accompanied by the Revival Gospel Choir from Arklow. The group started in 2005 and has become a passionate force within their local community, driving vocal music forwards and building a vibrant community of singers. They will be joined by international jazz guitarist, Hugh Buckley for this special night.
Tickets cost €22.50 and are available on
Ancient east walking tour in west Wicklow
Saturday, May 31 with Tir na Glass
Tickets €28 at
This full tour will walk you through the history and engaging legends associated with Kilranelagh, in west Wicklow, "the real ancient Ireland", where you'll escape the bank holiday crowds and find the Ireland you've always dreamed of.
The guide will start at Kilranelagh graveyard, which is the second oldest graveyard in Ireland. There we will visit the hero of the Irish rebels, Sam Mac Allister's grave; as well as the mysterious Gates of Heaven; and St Brigid's holy well where you can get to drink her healing waters. Other stops along the way will include the Boleycarrigeen stone circle, Crossoona Rath with its Ogham stone, the battle place of Michael Dwyer and the Irish rebels and St Brigid's chair and headstone (know to cure headaches and backpain!).
These sites are not easily accessed without guidance, and the walk is about 3.5 to 4 hours long and is a hill walk on uneven ground, so do wear appropriate footwear for hiking, warm waterproof clothing in case of bad weather, and a packed lunch.
Bluegrass BBQ in Donard
Saturday, May 31 at Donard Community Hall
Tickets €20 from Toomey's Bar or O'Keeffe's shop
Americana is coming to west Wicklow this June bank holiday weekend as the village of Donard hosts a host of bluegrass, country and americana musicians, alongside a summer barbecue.
The line up featured the Dublin Bluegrass Collective, The Blueberry Pickers, Whistle and Redwood plus special guests, with the barbecue starting from 5pm and the music live from 6pm to 11.30pm. This is an adults-only event and tickets exclude food.
Gymkhana and field day in Coolgreany
Monday, June 2 in Coolgreany village
Free to attend
The 44th Johnstown/Coolgreany gymkhana and field day is taking place on June bank holiday Monday in Coolgreany village, with all proceds going to St David's Church, local schools and the local senior citizens group.
On the day there will be horse and pony jumping, a series of classes for the smalles of riders, a 14-class dog show, rode bull, tug of war and an assortment of food and drink offerings, including the tea tent, a barbecue and some home baking stalls.
To enter the tug of war competition or any of the numerous equine events head to .
Trio of south-west Wicklow markets
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 29-31
Free to attend in Aughrim, Knockananna and Tinahely
A series of craft, car boot and farmer's markets are taking place across the south west of County Wicklow over the June bank holiday weeked.
From 10am-4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Tinahely Craft Market will be open to all, with sellers offering a range of locally produced crafts that focus on sustainable and local materials. These include baby blankets made from wool produced down the road in Carnew, soya candles and soap and upcycled and recycled quilts, cushions and bags.
On Saturday the regular Knockananna car boot sale will be open in the hall from 8am to 1pm. Iti is €10 to pitch and table are provided to all sellers, with buyers attending for free. Up the road in Aughrim, the weekly Town and Country Market is open from 10am to 1.30pm at the Pavilion on Rednagh Road with a farmer's market vibe to the day and plenty of local produce.
