Stuck for bank holiday plans?
A long weekend of music, food and marathons lies ahead, with dry, sunny weather stretching into tomorrow.
Rain is forecast for many areas on Sunday and Monday, bringing heavy downpours on both evenings, but temperatures will at least remain high until the end of next week.
If you’re looking to get out and about, here are our top recommendations.
- Bloom 2016 (June 2nd-6th)
Our beautiful Sculpture Garden greets you at #Bloom! pic.twitter.com/YYksDRony6
— Bloom (@bloominthepark) June 3, 2016
Record numbers are expected to visit the five-day garden festival in Dublin’s Pheonix Park this weekend.
Explore 23 immaculate show gardens, designed by some of the cream of Ireland talent, before refuelling at the revamped food village.
- Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June 2nd-6th)
The annual extravaganza has grown from a small event a decade ago to what is now an international festival showcasing the best in Irish comedy.
The big names in this year’s lineup include Jason Byrne, Maeve Higgins, Neil Delamare, Tara Flynn, Eleanor Tiernan, Jason Manford and PJ Gallagher.
- Dublin Port Riverfest (June 4th-6th)
Tall ships and schooners will be docked at North Wall Quay for the weekend as crowds gather for waterside fun.
Now in its fourth year, the Riverfest programme features kayaking sessions, wakeboard sessions, kids’ workshops and free tours of the Jeanie Johnston famine ship.
- Cork Harbour Festival (June 4th-12th)
The week-long festival kicks off this weekend with the Ocean to City boat race, a long-distance rowing competition tipped to attract hundreds of participants.
Among the other big draws: surfing, family orienteering, haunted harbour tours, sailing trips, crab fishing and interactive street performances.
- Forbidden Fruit (June 3rd-June 5th)
Music, art, comedy and late-night dancing combine as the Dublin festival returns for its sixth installment.
Dizzee Rascal, Katy B and Groove Armada are among the big acts this year, and tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available.
- All-Ireland and All-Nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships (June 4th-5th)
More than 120 competitors will shear 2,500 sheep across 19 different categories in this “intense” competition, organisers say.
Set on the grounds of the grand old Tullynally Castle in Westmeath, the event also boasts a dog show, vintage farm machinery display and a children’s fun area.
- Women’s Mini Marathon (June 6th)
Meanwhile, in another world, tens of thousands are gearing up to take on the world’s biggest female event of its kind in Dublin on Monday.
Bands and DJs will line the route as runners of all levels race (or amble) through the city centre, bringing good cheer whatever the weather.
