June Guide: 20 of the best events happening around Ireland this month


by Sarah Gill
30th May 2024

Pride celebrations, festivals of music, books, art and gardening, exhibitions and live theatre — June could well be the busiest month of the year. Here’s the best of what’s on…

Forbidden Fruit

1&2 June, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, more info here

Dublin’s first and longest-running city centre festival returns for its 11th year with a lineup that includes Nelly Furtado, Barry Can’t Swim, DJ Seinfeld, Gemma Dunleavy, and many more.

Bord Bia Bloom

Until 3 June, Phoenix Park, more info here

Bloom celebrates its 18th birthday this year with yet another spectacular gardening event that brings garden designers, flower growers, landscapers, plantaholics, garden-furniture makers, food fanatics and anyone who loves to garden.

Princess Diana’s Elegance, A Royal Collection

4-17 June, Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, Kildare, more info here

This exhibition features a large collection of garments and accessories once owned and worn by Princess Diana which have not been seen for nearly 30 years. Included are some of the most luxurious cocktail and evening gowns, suits, shoes, hats and handbags, worn by the Princess ahead of auction in LA.

Carlow Arts Festival

5-9 June, Carlow, more info here

Carlow Arts Festival presents a kaleidoscopic programme of works by local, national and international artists, across a variety of artforms including dance, street arts, spectacle, literature, circus, visual arts, film, music and theatre. This year’s 45th edition includes music from Basht., storytelling from Aindrias de Staic, circus performances, dancing, theatre, and more.

In the Meadows

8 June, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, more info here

The inaugural In The Meadows one-day festival is headlined and co-curated by mercury-nominated Irish band Lankum, who will perform their biggest show on home soil to date, and one of the only chances to see the band in Dublin in 2024. Among the other artists featured are Mogwai, Black Country, New Road, John Francis Flynn, Rachael Lavelle, and many more.

Bloomsday

11-16 June, various locations around Dublin, more info here

Celebrating the day across which James Joyce’s Ulysses is set—16 June 1904—and the character of Leopold Bloom, the celebrations include dressing up like the book’s characters in clothes from the era, concerts, readings, talks, art exhibitions and more, hosted in or around placed directly referenced in the book.

Cork Midsummer Festival

12-23 June, various venues around Cork, more info here

Exhilarating theatre, dance and music, trailblazing ideas, joyful spectacle and so much more await at Cork Midsummer Festival. Theatre, orchestra, visual art, circus performances and more await.

Dublin Pride Run

21 June, Phoenix Park, more info here

Dublin Pride Run isn’t your ordinary 5K race. It’s a celebration of movement, energy and physical activity that champions inclusivity, identity, self expression and queerness in an open, friendly, safe space where you can connect with others in the LGBTQ+ community, friends, family and loved ones.

Beyond the Pale

21-23 June, Glendalough Estate, Wicklow, more info here

In my humble opinion, one of the best festivals in Ireland, Beyond the Pale returns to the wild woodlands and stunning surrounds of Glendalough Estate for three days of music, arts and food. The lineup includes Jessie Ware, Alvvays, Romy, Rachael Lavelle, and a whole lot more, as well as the incredible foodie offering, Beyond the Plate.

Kaleidoscope

28-30 June, Russborough House, Blessington, Wicklow, more info here

This beloved family-friendly music camping festival brings global music stars and homegrown Irish talent alike to the stage, and this year’s lineup includes The Kooks, The Waterboys, King Kong Company, Lyra, The Academic, Somebody’s Child, and more.

Night & Day Festival

28-30 June, Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, more info here

A magical, musical medley of performance, art and interaction awaits you in the beautiful surroundings of our home at Lough Key Forest Park, the Night & Day lineup features Bell X1, Ash, Damien Dempsey, and Mick Flannery.

Mother Pride Block Party

29 June, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin, more info here

The Mother Pride Block Party is set across multiple stages on the historic grounds of the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, and this year’s lineup features Cobrah, Princess Superstar, Robin S, Sasha Velour, Blu Hydrangea, Mother DJs, Celaviedmai, and many more. With three stages, fairground rides and multiple bars, this pride celebration has it all.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival

29 June, The Curragh Racecourse, more info here

With stunning performances that appeal to all ages, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival is an unforgettable evening of singing and dancing following the thrilling action on the track. A huge highlight is The K Club’s Most Stylish Racegoer, judged by Lyra and our very own IMAGE Editorial Director Dominique McMullan stepping out in search of the most a la mode attendee embracing this year’s theme of ‘Power Chic’.