The June bank holiday weekend is finally upon us and hopefully (fingers crossed) the rain will stay away for long enough so we can all get out and enjoy the warmer weather. If you haven't made any plans yet, here are 7 festivals to visit this weekend.
Forbidden Fruit
Orbital, Aphex Twin and Bon Iver are the headliners for the music festival taking place in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. Other acts on the bill include Booka Shade, Nicolas Jaar and Hot Chip. Once the festival wraps up for the day, you can head into the city centre for Forbidden Fruit by night. Weekend tickets are all sold out, but day tickets are still available.
Vantastival
Vantastival is a family friendly music festival taking place on the grounds of the beautiful Beaulieu House, Louth. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own campervans, with special places reserved for classic VWs. The line-up includes The Riptide Movement, Kila, Overhead, The Albatross and The Eskies. Tickets are still available whether you want to head down for the weekend or just a day.
Bloom
Ireland's biggest garden festival will be back in the Phoenix Park for five days from Thursday until Monday. There's the beautiful show gardens to explore, the food village with some of Ireland's top food and drink producers, live music and plenty of gardening stalls so you can pick up everything you need to create your own beautiful garden at home.
Hepburn Forever
Should the rain fall, or if you're looking to escape the heat and crowds, Hepburn Forever at the Lighthouse Cinema might be the perfect option. This season of films, celebrating legendary actresses Audrey and Katherine, kicks off this weekend with Breakfast at Tiffany's. On Saturday morning they're even hosting a boozy brunch prior to a screening of the film.
Dublin Port River Fest
Between Annalise Murphy and the O'Donovan brothers, water sports are having quite the moment in Ireland. The Dublin Port River Fest will give any budding sailors or paddle borders a chance to try these sports with 'give it a try' sessions throughout the weekend. You can also take a kayak tour of Dublin, explore the tall ships and watch Thundercat boats racing on the Liffey.
K-Fest
K-Fest is a unique festival that uses unoccupied spaces in the town of Killorglin, Kerry as venues for concerts, theatre and art exhibitions. The programme is a varied mix of music, art, theatre, spoken word and children's events. This year sees Farah Elle and R.S.A.G. perform in the town and street performers taking over the roads.
Cork Harbour Festival
Cork Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world, and this week long festival aims to celebrate the maritime heritage of both Cork and Ireland. Visitors will be able to try various water sports including paddle boarding, surfing and kayaking while also sampling some of the best seafood Cork has to offer at the seafood market.
