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The long bank holiday weekend brings a wide selection of events across the country, from maritime celebrations to air displays and family-focused gatherings. If you want to make the most of three days off, here are the highlights organisers are putting on this weekend.
Castletownbere Festival of the Sea
Best events in Ireland to enjoy this Bank Holiday
On Cave Hill: sweeping Belfast panoramas and occasional views of Scotland
The nine-day festival in Castletownbere opens on Friday with a programme focused on water activities, live entertainment and seafood, all against the backdrop of Bantry Bay in Cork. It is built around maritime displays and coastal community events that run through the bank holiday period.
Jenny Greene at the Róisín Dubh
Galway’s Róisín Dubh hosts a late-night set by DJ Jenny Greene on Friday. The pop-up gig starts at 10.30pm and tickets are priced at €21. Expect a club-style atmosphere to get the long weekend underway.
Rush Harbour Festival
On Dublin’s North Beach, the Rush Harbour Festival begins on Friday celebrating the area’s coastal culture. The line-up includes aerial displays, live music and a range of food vendors, offering a seaside day out for families and visitors.
Bray Air Display
One of the weekend’s biggest draws is the return of the Bray Air Display. The event site opens at 10am, with the main aerial programme scheduled to begin from 3pm.
The display features 15 acts intended to span the history of flight from early aviation to modern aircraft, with an appearance by the new Aer Lingus Airbus A321XLR. On the ground, visitors can find a Food and Craft Village, a Seafront Funfair and a “Future of Flight” Tech Zone aimed at family audiences.
Big Blanket Picnic
If you prefer a relaxed afternoon, the Big Blanket Picnic at Hopkins Park supplies blankets and food — attendees are asked to turn up ready to eat and enjoy. The event runs from 3pm to 9pm and tickets cost €22.42.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties take place in Wolfe Tone Park across the bank holiday, offering face painting, food stalls and live entertainment aimed at families. Events are scheduled throughout the weekend with activities for children and groups.
Folly Festival
Folly Festival in Laois continues with a two-day programme of food-focused events, cooking demonstrations and live music. Tickets remain available and food fans may be particularly interested in a Saturday appearance by Rachel Allen alongside her daughter, Scarlett.
Vintage Steam Rally
The vintage steam rally in Stradbally puts classic engines at centre stage. The Steam Parade is the highlight on Saturday, and the weekend also includes country music live on stage, with performers such as Philomena Begley among the bill.
