Music Festivals this June Bank Holiday
They say that the Irish have music in our soul. And there is plenty of music to be heard around the country this June Bank Holiday weekend. Here are a few of our favourites. But be sure to check out Inspireme.ie for even more inspiring ideas for music fans young and old.
Time to celebrate in Tipperary
To Tipperary first where Carrick-on-Suir is hosting the 11th Clancy Brothers Festival of Music and Art. The home of the legendary Clancy Brothers will come alive to the sound of folk music on every corner. On Festival Family Day (Sunday 3rd) there will be an outdoor stage with the best of music playing, kayak tours, busking on the streets, lunchtime theatre and children’s workshops. Inflatables, food and craft stalls will ensure that there is something for everyone. And with an Art Trail, walks and cycles, storytelling and poetry you will be spoiled for choice at this magical festival.
Dance your heart out in Donegal
One of Donegal’s most famous sons, and one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Rory Gallagher, was born in Ballyshannon. And every year since 2002 fans make the pilgrimage to celebrate his life and music. The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival kicks off on Thursday 31st and the programme has something for everyone. There are non-stop free open-air concerts, busking on the streets and free pub gigs throughout the weekend. And in the big top, the best of national and international acts will be delighting the crowds.
Brilliant music in Bandon
For the past 22 years, the Cork town of Bandon has come alive each June Bank Holiday with the fantastic Bandon Music Festival. And this year there is a fantastic line-up in store. Headline acts include The Academics of Friday, Ryan Sheridan on Saturday and Ronan Nolan on Sunday. There is also a free music trail with bands playing in pubs across the town until the wee hours. Joe Dolan fans can bop along to a tribute band on June 1st and there will be lots of child-friendly events on the Bandon Family Fun Fest.
Loving Leixlip
The Court Yard Hotel in Leixlip will be hosting the Leixlip Music Festival 2018. There are some fantastic musical treats in store. One of Dublin’s best kept secrets presents Kormac’s Big Band, Hudson Taylor, the Riptide Movement and many more. This looks like the place to be this June Bank Holiday weekend.
A little bit of Country in Cork
The beautiful seaside village of Ballydehob in West Cork will be rocking to the beat with the Ballydehob Country Music Festival. There will be free gigs in the pubs and concerts in the Village Hall throughout the weekend. Concerts feature Country & Western stars Bernie Heaney and Michael English. The famous Bar Trail is sure to delight. There will be a Country & Western Christening and someone will be crowned the Ballydehob Wild Atlantic Country Queen.
Musical treats in Moate
The Midlands Country Music Festival will be kicking off in The Well in Moate. Country and Western stars such as Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Michael English, Bagatelle and Robert Mizzell are just some of the top acts appearing on the big stage. There will be dance classes and competitions. On Monday 4th there is a free fun day for all the family to enjoy.
Wonderful times in the West
The first ever Benbulben Carnival will be taking place on Sat 2nd and Sunday 3rd June in Sligo Town. There will be a weekend of music, dancing and pub and street parties. The gig rig will feature some fantastic live music such as the Hot House Flowers, Dervish, Charlie McGettigan and Sandy Kelly. Funds raised will be used to support four local charities – MS Therapy Centre Sligo, North West Hospice, Alzheimer’s Society Sligo and the Friends of Sligo University Hospital Cardiac Services. So you will be doing good while having fun.
Operatic delights in Lismore
The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is one of Ireland’s most beautiful summer music festival. Why not experience Opera at Lismore Castle and music in the great houses of the Blackwater Valley from May 30th to June 3rd. The Opera for 2018 presents Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri. There are lots of other beautiful concerts and fringe events to ensure this is a weekend you will never forget.
Finally, all of these events are correct at the time of publishing. However we recommend you check with the event organiser before you travel. We have lots of more on InspireMe.ie. Sign up here and save your favourites!
