12 things to do in Ireland over the June bank holiday weekend, from marathons to Bloom
The 2026 Cork City Marathon will take place on May 31 and is one of the many events taking place across the country this bank holiday weekend. Picture: Darragh Kane
It’s the bank holiday weekend, which means summer is in the air, and festivals, fun outdoor events and challenges are in full swing.
This weekend, there is lots happening across the country, from Bloom gardening festival, to the VHI Mini Marathon and Cork City Marathon, to Kinsale Trad Fest and Headfest.
Here’s a round-up of some of the events taking place across the weekend.
Ireland’s largest festival of gardening, food and sustainable living returns for its 20th year on the June bank holiday weekend.
The festival offers five days filled with live entertainment, interactive experiences, shopping, dining, and endless opportunities to grow, taste, and learn across a 70-acre site in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a curious foodie, or just looking for a day out, Bloom has something for everyone.
Bloom takes place now until Monday, June 1. Visit www.bordbiabloom.com.
The VHI Mini Marathon will see 28,000 women run through the streets of Dublin this Sunday.
This year’s theme, BEST TIME EVER, isn’t about the numbers on the clock, but about the moments that make the event unforgettable.
The 10k road race, which takes place every June bank holiday weekend in Dublin, is the largest women’s event of its kind in the world.
This year, the race celebrates every story, every cheer, every tear and every triumph and the fact that the best time isn’t always the fastest one, but the one that matters most.
The VHI Mini Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 31. Visit www.vhiwomensminimarathon.ie.
The iconic Cork City Marathon returns on Sunday with a supporting half marathon and 10km event.
This year’s event is extra special, as people are asked to come out in support and to wear the colour yellow in memory of Ellen Cassidy, who lost her life after running the half marathon last year at just 24 years old.
Starting from Grand Parade, the marathon is an official 42.195km marathon course that serves as a Boston qualifier. The half marathon starts from Monahan Road and the 10km course starts from South Mall.
The Cork City Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 31. Visit
www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-city-marathon/.
Headfest invites people to experience The Corrib: Land, Water, Air, a celebration of the River Corrib and the biodiversity, heritage and culture that shape Headford and the surrounding area.
Taking place over the June Bank Holiday weekend, the festival brings together music, sport, community events and local enterprise, with something for all ages.
On Friday, Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones will deliver a powerful performance of Irish patriotic songs and traditional music. All Folk’d Up, known for their dynamic stage presence and modern twist on classic Irish tunes, will also play on Friday.
Saturday will see Jenny Greene, one of Ireland’s most successful DJs, play the festival, along with Qween, Ireland’s premier Queen tribute band, who will return by popular demand.
Sunday will see Tradstone kick off the night and set the tone with their mix of traditional tunes and modern folk rhythms.
The lively four-piece trad rock and folk band from Tipperary and Galway will play ahead of Ruaile Buaile, a five-piece trad band known for their upbeat live shows, and The Tav Jam Band, who bring together a diverse range of musicians connected through the legendary Campbells Tavern in Cloughanover.
Visit www.headfest.ie.
Cork Harbour Festival returns, from May 30 to June 8, celebrating maritime culture, heritage and family fun with events across Cork City and County.
Cork Harbour Festival is a celebration of Cork’s unique maritime heritage as the second largest natural harbour in the world.
Festival visitors can explore the history, heritage, and the stunning landscapes of Cork Harbour, as well as the flagship Ocean to City – An Rás Mór, Ireland’s premier long-distance rowing race, on Saturday.
From on-the-water adventures to music, art, poetry, workshops, talks and seminars and family-friendly events, there is something for everyone.
Visit
All dog lovers are invited to a fun event where Pilates meets furry friends at the Marina Market in Cork on Monday.
The event is all about stretching, strengthening, and sharing smiles with your dog by your side. Whether you’re a Pilates pro or just starting, a dog owner or a dog lover, the event is open to all.
Top Barks will be at hand to supervise the dogs during the class and refreshments will be available at the end of the class.
Visit www.eventbrite.ie/e/pilatespaws-tickets.
Wexford Maritime Festival will take place at Commercial Quay in Wexford from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31.
A celebration of the maritime heritage, culture and the spirit of Wexford, the festival features a maritime village, a music village, a food village and a family village.
Highlights include The Ruben Buggy Band and Derek Warfield and The Young Wolf Tones.
People will also have the chance to try paddleboarding and circus skills training, and there will be face painting and a puppet show for the kids.
Visit wexfordmaritimefestival.com.
Set in the heart of one of Ireland’s most beautiful seaside towns, Kinsale Trad Fest is a bank holiday weekend celebration of traditional Irish music, culture, and community.
This year’s line-up includes The Rising, known for their fusion of traditional Irish music, folk, and contemporary pop features, as well as multi-international award-winning singer-songwriter Barry Tierney, and Irish singer and musician Máire Ní Churraoin.
The festival takes place from Sunday, June 31 to Monday, June 1.
People will have the opportunity to see one of Ireland’s most loved bands in an intimate setting in Donegal on Sunday.
The Coronas will play The Social Gaoth Dobhair, marking the opening of the new venue which throws open its doors for the first time this weekend.
Organisers said they cannot think of a better band to officially open the venue, and look forward to The Coronas’ electric energy, playing their endless hits in such an intimate setting.
Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-coronas-the-social-donegal-tickets.
For the adventurous type who likes an outdoor challenge, there are still some tickets available for The Dingle Way Challenge this weekend.
The event, which takes place on Sunday, allows people to enjoy a day of walking, hiking and talking with friends while admiring the landscapes and seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula.
There are two routes to choose from – The Ultra Route (46Km Glenahoo to Blennerville) and the Standard Route (33Km).
Visit www.dinglewaychallenge.ie/
Lap the Lough is back at The Lough on Monday, June 1, in aid of Cork City Children's Hospital Club. Last year saw the whole circumference of the Lough lined with coins, with the local community getting involved.
This year, organisers plan to make it bigger and more family-friendly than ever. This year’s event will feature exercise bikes from Revelate, with a live leaderboard offering people the opportunity to race for the quickest lap of the Lough on the bikes, as well as face painters, an on-site ice cream truck, fresh cakes from The Old Mill Bakery and live music from Pat Fitz.
Lap the Lough takes place at the Lough in Cork City on Monday, June 1.
Midleton-based Peach Vintage is celebrating two years in business in the town with a free event on Saturday.
To help celebrate, there will be a DJ, tarot card reader, and face painter on site with street food from Cush and desserts from Messy Buns.
The event will take place at Peach Vintage on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm.
Visit Peach Vintage Instagram here.
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