Weekend Guide: 9 of the best events happening across Ireland
Wondering what to get up to this weekend? Here, we’ve rounded up eight of the best festivals, pop-up shops, and fundraising initiatives happening around Ireland…
WellFest
Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12 at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, tickets here
WellFest is Ireland and Europe’s largest outdoor health, fitness and wellness festival – and it’s easy to see why. Chock full of wellness-focused talks, workout classes, workshops and nutritious, delicious food, it is unlike any other festival you’ve been to. With over 150 health and wellness experts across 15 different themed areas and an impressive line-up including Vogue Williams, Joe Wicks MBE, Rozanna Purcell, Maeve Madden, and your very own IMAGE Media, check out the weekend’s full line-up here and we’ll see you there!
Bealtaine Festival
All May, across Ireland, more info here
Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age, is bringing a vibrant, fun and contemporary festival to various locations across Ireland with an all-new theme, ‘Lust for Life’. Festival goers can expect an exciting array of events including ‘Prom Night’, in partnership with Street 66 and Outhouse, which is an opportunity for older LGBTQIA+ individuals and those who may have missed out on experiences in their youth.
Phizzfest
Friday 10 — Sunday 12 May, Phibsborough, more info here
Phizzfest is a vibrant community arts festival which brings the little urban village of Phibsborough alive each year. It was established to develop an annual celebration of artistic life around Phibsborough, to highlight the rich diversity of culture within our community and to provide a showcase for local talent.
The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024
Friday 10 May, The Clayton, Burlington Road, Dublin, more info here
The time has finally come for this year’s IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards! An opportunity to celebrate the success, talent and accomplishment of our female business peers across a wide arc of industries, professions and communities, this year’s festivities include a live performance from the one and only Imelda May.
Darkness Into Light
Saturday 11 May, across Ireland, more info here
Taking place at 4:15am on Saturday morning, Darkness into Light is an annual event with over 150,000 participants in aid of Pieta. You can take part in a Darkness Into Light official walk, or create your own DIL Fundraiser by holding a bake sale, a car wash, a sponsored silence, a run, or a swim and fundraising with your family, friends and colleagues in your local area.
ShareJoy pop-up in aid of Pieta House
ShareJoy is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to sharing the joy of pre-loved fashion for the love of mental health, and they’re hosting their next pop-up event this Sunday in The La-La in Balbriggan from 1pm, entirely in aid of Pieta House. Expect beautiful preloved dresses, casual clothing, and bargain buys aplenty, all in aid of a brilliant cause.
Culture Date with Dublin 8
Until 12 May, around D8, more info here
Culture Date with Dublin 8 is a neighbourhood initiative, which celebrates Dublin 8’s rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage with over 80 specially curated events including talks, walks, markets, and concerts. This year’s programme offers an opportunity for everyone to explore the area’s rich history, including local landmarks, heritage sites, museums, iconic breweries, churches, and hidden treasures.
Irish Pop-up Collective
Sunday 12 May, Royal Marine Hotel, Dublin, more info here
Building on the success of previous events, the Irish Pop-up Collective are set to make the upcoming summer event even more dynamic and inspiring for visitors. Featuring over 55 of the best in Irish lifestyle brands and businesses, this promises to be the biggest and best pop-up in Ireland. Expect the likes of Begley & Bowie, Capulet & Montague, Cleo Prickett, Dalkey Soaps, FAO Millinery, Kopper Kreation, Peelo Bags, Sock Coop and Úna Burke Leather.
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
Until 19 May, various locations, more info here
The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is a celebration of love, diversity, and creativity that brings together some of the best LGBTQ+ theatre talents from around the world. This year marks their 21st festival, and the lineup includes comedies, dramas, musicals, horrors and everything in between.
