Things to do over the June Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland

Now, it is really starting to feel like summer.

The weather is warmer, the kids are preparing for their end of year Sports Day and the school summer holidays are just around the corner.

The June Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland hosts a wide range of fun family events and activities.

We have narrowed the list down to some of our favourites from around the country.

Dublin Port RiverFest

There is a jam-packed schedule of on the water displays and entertainment in the Dublin dockland area including ThunderCats Racing, international Tall Ships, Jet Pack displays, sailing races, powerboat displays and much more!

But, you don’t have to be a spectator to enjoy RiverFest. There are loads of fun activities on land too including multiple Family Zones with FREE activities such as Zip Lines, Rock Climbing, Street Performers, Music, Fun Fair attractions, Face Painting, Pirate re-enactments and children’s Art & Circus workshops.  More Details...

Bundoran Lifeboat Soapbox Race

Bundoran Lifeboat Soapbox Race - the 6th annual soapbox race run by and in aid of the local volunteer RNLI crew - happens on June bank holiday Sunday with a fun family atmosphere in Bundoran, County Donegal

 At least 30 teams are expected to take part on the day guaranteeing plenty of thrills and spills, lots of fun for all the spectators and all in aid of a fantastic cause. More Details...

Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2017

The annual Rory Gallagher International Festival take place in Ballyshannon, County Donegal this weekend.

Music fans from all over the world descend on the town to enjoy the music of their hero performed by the likes of Johnny Gallagher and the Boxtie band, the Pat McManus band, King King, Sinner Boy and more.  More Details...

Cork Harbour Festival

Cork Harbour Festival celebrates the city's maritime heritage with its third annual edition this year boasting all sorts of fun activities.

There are loads of events scheduled throughout the week including loads of fun things to do for all the family.

Cork Harbour Boat Tours are also offering 20 minutes on the water for only €10 with all proceeds going towards the Cobh Playground fundraiser.

See the spectacular sites of Cobh all from your own easy to drive boat; St. Coleman's Cathederal, Promanade, the White Star Line building where the Titanic last embarked before its fatal voyage, Spike Island, the Irish Naval base, the harbours wildlife and any cruise ships and liners that are in Port. More Details...

Funderland, Limerick

Summer is here and Funderland in back in Limerick.

There are a host of attractions that are sure to keep even the most seasoned thrill seekers entertained; whether you want to be spun around, suspended upside down, turned over or whisked through the air.

Attractions include Dumbo, Take-Off, Frisbee, Jungle River, Bounce World, Magic Cirkus and much more. More Details...

Howth Trad Fest

The Smithwicks Howth Trad Fest is taking place this June bank holiday weekend with some of Irelands favourite musical artists including Kila, Declan O'Rourke, Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny amongst many more.

It all starts in McNeills of Howth on Friday evening, with some tunes at 8 pm followed by an open session with talented local musicians, and continues through the weekend. More Details...

Ballymoney Show

The Ballymoney Festival is a unique 2-day event for all ages, which attracts thousands of people from across Northern Ireland.

There will be showing classes for heavy horses, light horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats and poultry competing within their respective classes at several locations throughout the showgrounds, with some of the top livestock in Northern Ireland on show.

Although the family entertainment varies from year to year the committee always encourages local musical and dance acts on stage, accompanied by the old favourites such as The Punch and Judy Show, Bonny Baby Competition, traditional amusements, inflatables, small animals, The Pet Show and The Dog Show. More Details...

Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair

Get up close with Ireland's leading event riders at this great fun filled family festival.

Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair combines the highest standard of equestrianism with good food, shopping, entertainment and family fun. It is the Premier ‘International Event’ in Ireland.

Family entertainment includes a free kids zone, pony rides, a hound parade, carnival stands, bucking bronco, bouncy castles, a pet farm, face painting and much more.

Dogs are welcome and can take part in the novelty dog show. Children under 12 enjoy free admission. More Details...

Women's Mini Marathon & the Cork City Marathon

If you’re not taking part, head out and support all the athletes as they push themselves to their limit and raise money for many charities around the country.

The Dublin Women’s Mini Marathon has grown from 9,000 to 40,000 participants since it first began over thirty years ago. Taking place each year over the June Bank Holiday weekend, women from across Ireland and Europe compete in this world-class sporting event. 

In Cork, up to 10,000 participants will hope to experience the amazing local support as they run, walk or jog to the finish line on St Patrick's Street.

This is the marathon for everyone – a marathon, half marathon and team relay, featuring a Youth Challenge and an Inter-Services Championships.

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Ireland's first - and still favourite - comedy festival returns with the best Irish, British and international stand-up comedians, set against the backdrop of Ireland's medieval capital.

Established in 1995, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, referred to in the international comedy world simply and affectionately as Kilkenny, has in the past hosted such international comedy luminaries as Bill Murray, Zach Galafianakis, Louis CK, Peter Kay, Ross Noble, Bill Bailey, Jo Brand and Laura Kightlinger, and has also helped launch the international careers of Irish comedians such as Dylan Moran, Dara Ó Briain, Graham Norton and many others.

Innishshannon Steam & Vintage Rally

The 20th Innishannon Steam & Vintage Rally will again be held at our 38-acre venue one mile from Innishannon Village.

The rally which is held over two days is a unique experience where visitors get to see machinery, traditions, demonstrations and items from the past.

Over 1,500 exhibits on 40 acre site - steam engines, tractors, military vehicles, oil engines, fire engines, motor cycles, lorries, vintage farm machinery, fairground organs, trade stands, amusements, pets corner, flower arranging, demonstrations, live music, set dancing, rural crafts, book stalls. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. More Details...

International Harbour Food Festival, Dun Laoighre

The International Harbour Food Festival will take place on the 4th & 5th June (Bank Holiday weekend). A unique event featuring over 24 international food concessions and featuring 4 historical re- enactments (public theatre).

The event will be free and open to the public. The Festival will also feature an exhibition of 16 local Marine Artists with unique interpretations of the Harbour they see around them. More Details...

Bloom

Take the whole family down to the Phoenix Park in Dublin and experience the best in Irish landscaping, floral design and summer fun as Bloom, Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival returns to Dublin.

The spectacular five-day event showcases exquisite gardens from the very best of Ireland’s landscape gardeners and designers. 

With over 100 Irish food produce contributors, as well exhibitions from top floral artists, experts on-hand for advice, children's activities and floral display demonstrations, Bloom 2017 has something for everyone. More Details...

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