Nine fun things to do across Ireland over the August bank holiday weekend
Seven-year-old Alice O'Brien sunflower picking at Joe's Farm, Killeagh, East Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
This free family-friendly event kicks off on Saturday (and will take place every weekend for the next three weekends). Attendees can enjoy pirate themed games and face painting as well as a sword workshop and other activities.
Cork Pride: Party at the Port
Bambie Thug will headline Cork Pride’s Party at the Port. The day will include music from Bambie Thug, J90, DJ Ruth, a Lady Gaga tribute and a Cher tribute. Entry to the event is free, and it follows the centre piece of the Cork Pride Festival – the Pride Parade, which kicks off at 2pm.
This festival celebrates all things medieval from battle re-enactments to recreations of medieval village life. During the day there are plenty of free workshops and events to keep kids occupied, and adults can browse the various craft stalls.
Get ready with your phone to capture plenty of Insta-worthy snaps of fields of sunflowers. Joe’s Farm in Killeagh has opened its farm for its now annual sunflower-picking weekend. Props throughout the farm offer those all-important photo opportunities, and of course, you get to pick your own bunch of these sunny flowers. Car parking tickets are €15 (proceeds go to Marymount Hospice) and each bunch of sunflowers is €15. The farm will be open between 10am and 4pm each day of the Bank Holiday weekend.
The popular festival is back for its fifth year on the Bank Holiday weekend. Featuring artists like The Prodigy, Jorja Smith, Róisín Murphy, Barry Can’t Swim and The Mary Wallopers, there’s something for all musical tastes. Meanwhile, in the All Curious Minds Arena Marian Keyes will chat to Tom Dunne about her career and actors Clare Dunne and Emmett J Scanlan will chat about the crime drama 'Kin' with its creator Peter McKenna. There are a few limited general admission tickets still available, you can pick them up here.
Exhibitions, workshops, meet-and-greets, fairs are happening all over the country to celebrate Craft Month. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about all the different crafts, get a hands-on experience, and purchase a unique piece. Visit the dedicated website to view all the events happening during the month.
Now in its second year, this boutique festival takes place just outside Thurles on the Saturday and Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend. Jenny Greene headlines on the Saturday, while Sharon Shannon is the lead act on the Sunday. Other acts over the weekend include Rebel Hearts, Rhythm & Sticks, Streams of Whiskey, Riff Shop, and Afterparty with DJ on both nights. Get your tickets here.
The festival features street theatre, music and performances and culminates in a grand parade on Sunday night featuring floats, hundreds of performers, live musicians, light, sound, and special effects. The parade will be followed by a fireworks extravaganza. Find out what’s on here.
Visitors to the event can experience art up close and hear music, listen to poetry and check out some street art. The event is free. Find out more here.
Part of the Cork on a Fork Festival this event features a drinks and canape reception with food by zero waste chef Orla McAndrew, followed by a fashion show with clothes from city centre stores and boutiques. Guests will also get style advice from stylist Breeda Connell. Tickets are €50 and are available here.
There are a whole host of fun, food-themed events for kids running during the Cork on a Fork festival. The Marina Market will host a range of demos and interactive experiences; there will be cookery classes with Deirdre Doyle of The Cool Food School; food trails; and foodie tours. Visit the Cork City website to browse through what’s on.
For the super organised, early bird tickets are now on sale for the family-friendly Kaleidoscope festival, which will take place on Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6, 2025.
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