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Irish Independent
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday weekend event guide - use our interactive map to find out what's on in your county
There truly is something for everyone and many of these events are not to be missed! Wherever you are based on the island of Ireland, consider your weekend plans sorted for the last long weekend of the summer. To find out what's happening near you, click on our interactive map below or read on to get a flavour of some of the events taking place over the long weekend. One of the biggest occasions of the bank holiday weekend takes place in Wicklow, where all eyes will be on the skies for the Bray Air Display on Saturday. This year's one-day show promises to be a spectacular event, featuring the awe-inspiring skills of world-class pilots who will fill the skies over Bray with thrilling aerobatics and breathtaking formations. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann begins in Wexford town on Sunday and will be officially opened by President Michael D. Higgins at 3pm. This will kick-start seven days of events and competitions in the town, which also welcomes The Waterboys and Gavin James to Live at the Breakwater this Friday and Saturday night. In the south west, the Cork Pride parade will fill the city with colour, spectacle, and acceptance as thousands march in celebration of visibility, equality, and love on bank holiday Sunday. While thousands party on at the sold-out All Together Now, plenty more will flock to nearby Waterford city for Ireland's premier summer street party, the annual Spraoi International Street Arts Party. Taking place from Friday to Sunday, August 1-3, the festival boasts an exciting programme of street performers, contemporary circus, music, dance, fireworks, and the unforgettable Spraoi Festival Parade. And of course, the Galway Races are expected to attract over 130,000 punters as they continue at Ballybrit through to Sunday. Arts and music Both the Carlow Fringe Arts Festival and the Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival in Kerry take place from today until Monday. In Carlow town, the festival will celebrate music, craft, literature, busking and poetry while highlights in Kerry include performances from Clíona Hagan and Kíla plus the Killorglin Pipe Band Parade. A variety of esteemed Irish artists will take to the stage of Kilkenny's Set Theatre on Sunday to show solidarity with Palestine in a special Gig for Gaza. Tipperary will mark the long weekend with a Hoolie in the Hills this Saturday and Sunday – the outdoor music festival featuring the likes of Riff Shop, Electrad, The Bogus Pogues and The Dorans, The High Kings, More Power to Your Elbow, The Fogues, Rebel Hearts and Streams of Whiskey. ADVERTISEMENT Glenties in Donegal will pay homage to its favourite son, Brian Friel (1929-2015), through 'Frieldays – A homecoming 2025-2029', while another talented artist, the harpist Turlough O'Carolan, will be celebrated at the festival and summer school bearing his name in his adopted Roscommon. TribFest in Kildare will see some of the best national and international tribute acts take to the stage from Friday to Sunday, while AC/DC and Queen tribute acts are among the headliners at the Castlebar Music Festival in Mayo. Dublin Book Festival returns to the beautiful grounds of Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park for a jam-packed day of storytelling, crafts, music and outdoor fun on Sunday, while Monday will see artists from across Ireland gather in the Treaty City for the Limerick Plein Air Festival. Meanwhile, anyone interest in the past is welcome at the the 34th Annual Ballymote Annual Heritage Weekend in Sligo. Fun for all the family If you're looking for laughs, then it makes sense to head along to an event like the Kilmihil Festival of Fun in Clare where a family treasure hunt, street parade and real life knights are all on the bill. Further north, the Newport Grainne Uaile Festival in Mayo is packing boxty-making, sheep-shearing, a pirate panda, trad sessions and plenty more into a busy three days. Thousands are expected to flock to Athlone for this year's River Festival – beginning this evening with a mythical Ireland street parade. With a carnival, market, face painting and an afternoon of dancing, fun for all the family is guaranteed and, the cherry on top is the town is also hosting Féile na Sionnaine this weekend. Seaside adventures Fingers will be crossed for fine weather in many towns and villages across Ireland, with a number of events due to take place on and around the water this weekend. Wicklow town is getting ready to host the 147th Wicklow Regatta, Ireland's oldest maritime-themed festival. Events will run throughout the weekend, culminating with the regatta proper on bank holiday Monday. The Festival of the Sea in Galway's Claddaghduff will have it's grand opening later today and features a children's sports day, craft fair, bingo, tour and more. In Clare, the Scariff Harbour Festival will aim to showcase the many attractions and amenities accessible from the area and will also feature music from Ronan Collins, Mack Fleetwood and The Fureys. Enjoy the great outdoors Marvel at the skill of the players and enjoy the marvellous scenery of Louth when the Poc Fada gets under way at Anaverna, Ravensdale, on Monday. Those who fancy getting stuck into a challenge could consider the Bóthar Na Roamh Adventure Race in Leitrim on Sunday, where fun and pure hardship are guaranteed. In Cavan, the Arva Three Province Festival encourages a variety of outdoor activities, including rafting, water activities, busking and the famous Breffni Three Province Challenge. For something a little more relaxing – and with the bonus of having a four-legged friend in tow – Cara Rescue Dogs are hosting a dog festival in Laois, helping owners to reconnect with their amazing adopted pups. And while there's talk of a potential storm on Monday, rural communities will be hoping it's nothing more than a storm in a teacup and doesn't threaten the unique social occasions that are Ireland's agricultural shows. The Tinahely (Wicklow), Castleblayney (Monaghan), Bonniconlon (Mayo), Castlerea (Roscommon), Meenacross (Donegal) and North Tipperary Shows are all due to take place on August bank holiday Monday. Finally, those who enjoy the smell of oil and engines will no doubt be heading along to the Inistioge Vintage Rally in Kilkenny on Sunday or the Nenagh Classic Car Club Show the following day. The Birr and District Motor Club Memorial treasure hunt for Tom O'Reilly also takes place on bank holiday Monday and promises to be a fun-filled evening for all the family.
Irish Independent
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Waterford: your guide to the biggest parties and events in the Deise
From Ireland's largest street party, Spraoi, to a cowboy theme party on the Copper Coast, or a bracing charity swim in the sea off Tramore, Waterford has something to suit every taste. Spraoi Street Party Thousands of revellers are expected to descend on the capital of the sunny south east for Ireland's premier summer street party, the annual Spraoi International Street Arts Party, held around Waterford city at various venues. Spraoi offers a fantastic feast of imagination and all performances are absolutely free, taking place from Friday to Sunday, August 1 – 3. The festival attracts audiences of all ages with an exciting programme of street performers, contemporary circus, music, dance, fireworks, and the absolutely unforgettable Spraoi Festival Parade. Performers come from all over Ireland and the world, when Waterford City is a vibrant mix of colour and imaginative experiences. At Spraoi Studios construction has commenced on this year's festival parade. Designers, artists, and technicians are creating the festival's headline event which is expected to attract an audience of 25,000 spectators at 9.30pm on Sunday, August 3. 'The Spraoi Parade is an authentic expression of Waterford's creativity,' said a promoter. 'The performers are from all walks of life. Once each year they transform into a cast of exotic characters. The parade is free and offers audiences of all ages inspirational memories of Waterford.' Prepare for three exceptional days of free street entertainment. Performers from around the world are winging their way to Waterford for Spraoi International Street Arts Festival 2025. Spraoi is calling for more volunteers. 'Every year, hundreds of people help us to make Spraoi happen, we're so grateful for each and every one of them,' said a spokesperson. 'Why not get in touch with us about getting involved in Spraoi 2025? From the festival to the parade, we want you to come and join us.' To find out more, email volunteerspraoi@ Copper Coast party Get your cowboy hats and jeans on for a country and western themed party on Saturday, August 2, from 2.30pm in the Copper Coast Inn, on the R681 road, Kilbarrymeaden, Kill, County Waterford. Special guest is Tyrone country singer Cliona Hagan, live from 5pm. Dress to impress in your best cowboy or cowgirl outfit, with a best dressed competition. Meanwhile, all age groups can take part in a special family fun day at the Copper Coast Inn on Sunday, August 3, from 1pm to 4pm. There will be a kids disco, live DJ in the beer garden at 9pm, and live music in the main bar from 9.30pm. Tramore Beach Swim Fancy a refreshing dip in the ocean, and all for a good cause? Tramore Beach Swim gets underway on Sunday, August 3, with a €60 donation going to the RNLI and the Order of Malta in Tramore. Swim about 2.2 km from Newtown Guillemene Cove to Tramore beach. Organised by Newtown and Guillamene Swimming Club, swim starts at 9.30am from the Guillamene swimming cove in Tramore. The distance to the beach is 2.2km. 'You are expected to be a competent sea swimmer who has completed a similar distance prior to the swim,' said a spokesperson. 'You are free to wear a wetsuit or go in skins, but every swimmer must wear a tow float on the day. There are no tow floats available from the club and if you turn up on the day without the float, you will not be swimming. 'You must complete the swim within the allotted time of 95 minutes.' All swimmers must make their own arrangements for arriving at the swim and getting back to the Guillamene from the beach. There is ample parking at the beach, but do be aware that parking must be paid for during the summer months. At the Guillamene there is free, but limited parking. Participants can park along the road in the signalled parking spots as the car park fills up very quickly. Registration takes place between 6.45am and 8.30am on the morning of the swim. At registration participants will be asked to fill out a waiver form and provide other details pertaining to the event. Each swimmer will receive a goodie bag containing a swim hat and some treats. If conditions are not good for the swim, the organisers will send out an email as soon as possible to cancel the event and reschedule for another date. No refunds will be given if participants are unable to attend the event on August 3 or the rescheduled event. If a participant is unable to attend the event and wishes to transfer their ticket to a friend, they should send an email to tbayswimmers@ Participants may only do this up until Friday, August 1. 'We truly hope that you enjoy the swim and we would encourage you to get training,' added the spokesperson. Tickets can be arranged through This event is for over 18s only. Bon Jovi tribute A legendary Bon Jovi tribute band will be playing all the old favourites, such as Livin' on a Prayer, and You Give Love a Bad Name, in Lismore, from August 3 – 4. The venue, Smackwater Jacks, is located at Main Street, Lismore (P51 PP40). Fans are in with chance to win two free tickets at the venue's Facebook page, called The Classroom Smackwater Jacks. Tickets are €20.28 from Lismore Castle If it's something more sedate you fancy over the August bank holiday weekend, why not peruse the relaxing gardens at Lismore Castle and Lismore Castle Arts. 'We are delighted to welcome visitors to the gardens at Lismore Castle and Lismore Castle Arts for the 2025 season,' said a spokesperson. 'The gardens at Lismore Castle are among the oldest cultivated gardens in Ireland. An ancient yew tree avenue, romantic meadows, bountiful fruit and vegetable beds, and important works of sculpture are just some of the unique features to enjoy. 'From the spring flowering magnolias and rhododendrons through to the late flowering shrubs and borders there is always something in bloom. Lismore Castle Arts is a contemporary gallery located in a renovated wing of Lismore Castle. "In 2025 Lismore Castle Arts will celebrate 20 years by presenting an exhibition dedicated to the theme of Kunstkammer, curated by art historian and writer, Robert O'Byrne.' Opening hours for the gardens and gallery are 10.30am - 5.30pm, with last entry at 4.30pm. Visitors should note the entrance to the gardens is via the Green Road. Park at the town car park and follow the signs on foot. The Gallery café and bathrooms are located on site. Lismore Castle is a private home and is not open to visitors. Dogs are welcome in the gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times. Admission prices: adult €10.50, concessions (seniors, students) €8.50, child €6.50 (6 - 16 years), family ticket (two adults and three children) €30. Friends - annual passes are also available through the websites and
