Festivals, zip lines and BBQs – 10 things to do across the country on this May holiday

After two years of lockdown and Zoom festivals, in-person events are finally back, and celebrations are plentiful across the country on this May bank holiday.

From the Bray Jazz Festival to the Kerry Camino, there are ten things happening this weekend.

Dublin

Dublin Ska Festival (April 30th – May 1st)

For music lovers, the Dublin Ska Festival returns to Whelan’s pub and venue on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, four groups perform from 5pm to 9:30pm with live DJs late into the night.

On Sunday evening, four more groups will play from 6:45 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m. with more live DJs to follow.

There will also be some interviews starting at 4pm on Sunday, including Aidan Sterling, the riffs’ former lead singer.

Happy Days Beer and Food Festival (April 30th – May 1st)

For the foodies out there, there’s a beer and food festival at Rascal’s Brewery and Pizza Restaurant in Inchicore.

Tickets cost €20 for a day and it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 9pm.

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There are five distinct sections to the festival, which organizers say will feature “top beer, loads of great food and a huge amount of weirdness.”

Live DJ sets will be played on both days featuring beers from Irish breweries including Galway Bay, Wicklow Wolf, O Brother and DOT Brew.

Wicklow

Bray Jazz Festival (April 29th – May 1st)

After two years, one of Bray’s most anticipated events is back – the annual Jazz Festival.

Headlining this Friday, April 29th through May 1st, headliners include Bill Frisell, Yazz Ahmed and Tord Gustavsen.

It’s the 21st year of the festival and tickets for each performance are on sale. Unfortunately, some are already sold out, but there are still some available at brayjazz.com.

cork

Music Heals (May 1st)

For music lovers in the south of the country, a family-friendly festival is taking place at Black Market Cork on Sunday 1 May from 2pm.

Myles Gaffney, The Kabin Crew, Misneach, Emily 7, Donna B and other local acts will perform at the festival, while family activities will include face painting, magicians, balloons, a photo booth, raffles and giveaways.

Tickets cost €10 for an adult and €5 for a child. Proceeds will benefit the release of a commemorative CD benefiting The Kabin Studio, The Cork Life Center and Anam Croí House.

Wexford

Shine a Light Festival (April 30 – May 2)

Wexford’s Shine a Light Festival celebrates all things nautical in the grounds of Hook Lighthouse from 30th April to 2nd May.

The festival features many family games, including an experience with the pirate princess and her crew.

Activities and food will be available on the lighthouse grounds for three days from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There is a sunset tour and culinary experience on Sunday evening. Tickets cost €60 and can be purchased from hookheritage.ie, with advance booking required.

Kerry

Kerry Camino Walk (April 29 – May 1)

For those looking to do something active on this May bank holiday while still enjoying the stunning scenery, the Kerry Camino takes place throughout the weekend.

Those taking part in the Dingle Way walk between Tralee and Dingle and receive a passport and there are stamping stations along the route to mark their progress.

The guided walk takes place over the three days and buses back to Tralee are organized every day.

limerick

River Festival (April 29 – May 2)

One of Limerick’s most anticipated festivals takes place on the banks of the River Shannon from this Friday, offering four days of fun for all the family.

A plethora of activities will be on offer as part of the festival, including a scavenger hunt, fireworks and BBQ on the promenade.

For those who are a bit more adventurous there is also the option of ziplining over the Shannon.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny Roots Festival (April 29th – May 2nd)

For music lovers in Kilkenny on this May bank holiday there are a number of small concerts at venues across the city from Friday to Monday.

Since 1998, the festival has attracted big names in the Americana/Roots genre, with artists such as TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, The Hanging Stars, Margo Cilker and Jesse Dayon.

Tickets for the individual gigs can be booked on kilkennyroots.com.

Galway

Inishbofin Arts Festival (April 29th to May 2nd)

Located on the historic island of Inoshbofin, this festival is not only packed with fun family activities but also boasts incredible scenery.

A series of dance, arts and crafts and poetry workshops for the whole family will be held from April 29th to May 2nd.

There will also be a lineup of live Irish music, including performances by Joshua Burnside, Síomha, Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly and Clare.

meat

Drogheda Arts Festival (April 28th to May 2nd)

The Drogheda Arts Festival brings a mix of outdoor and indoor activities to the city for the May bank holiday.

From music workshops, poetry readings and outdoor family fun days, there is something for everyone.

At St Dominic’s Park, families can enjoy a free day of music and activities on Mondays from 1pm to 5pm, including a theatrical performance entitled ‘Out Of The Deep Blue Sea’ by Autin Dance Theatre.