Get ready to embrace a whirlwind of cultural celebrations and vibrant experiences gearing up for Irish Bank Holiday Weekends this Spring and Summer. From tracing the footsteps of St. Patrick to celebrating the musical legacy of Christy Dignam, each bank holiday weekend offers a unique opportunity to delve into Ireland’s rich history, arts, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re drawn to historical tours, music concerts, or family-friendly Easter adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during these Irish Bank Holiday Weekends 2024.
Here’s a list of our top picks for events around Dublin this year’s Spring and Summer Bank Holiday Weekends!
March 15th to 17th: St. Patrick's Festival Bank Holiday
This Spring Season, why not immerse yourself in all things Irish and discover the history and charm surrounding our beautiful Emerald Isle! St. Patrick’s Festival is the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage in the world!
Friday 15th: You can follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick himself as you learn about the history of our Patron Saint on an informative walking tour following the route taken over 1,500 years ago! Discover hidden gems and learn about the myths and legends that most tourists and many Dubliners miss out on!
Saturday 16th: Spend your day on the grounds of a historic, heritage site at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. An area transformed into a day-to-night urban Festival for all locals and visitors! See a unique exhibition of performances, displays and a dedicated Irish Food and Craft Village.
Sunday 17th: Your weekend will be drawn to a close with a truly bucket-list worthy experience with the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The parade proudly demonstrates the talent, creativity, laughter, and joy that Irish people are so fondly known for!
March 29th to 31st: Easter Bank Holiday
Friday 29th: Learn about the Irish Patriots who declared Ireland’s Independence to the world on Easter 1916 with an Educational Historical Tour hosted by historian, Lorcan Collins. The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour is not to be missed this Easter Bank Holiday weekend!
Saturday 30th: Continue your weekend with the theme of historical tours and experiences, visit Kilmainham Gaol, one of Europe’s largest unoccupied prisons. This prison was once the holding place for thousands of criminals, both common and political prisoners including those involved in events like the 1789 rebellion and 1916 rising.
Sunday 31st: If historical walking tours and outdoor events are not to your taste this Bank Holiday weekend, spend your Easter Sunday exploring the Easter Adventure trial at Emerald Park!
All park entries on March 30th & 31st include a participation in Emerald Park’s Easter Adventure. The family will receive a map of questions and clues with answers to be found by exploring the park. Complete each question along the hunt and you will receive an Easter egg at the end.
May 3rd to 5th: May Day Bank Holiday
As the days start to get brighter and longer, Festival Season makes its return with some brilliant musical events across Dublin! You can also check out some fun active events for the warmer days this Summer.
Friday 3rd: This year one of Dublin’s iconic concert and performing arts venues, Vicar Street, will be hosting a night to celebrate the life and music of Christy Dignam. ‘Christy Dignam: A Celebration’ will feature a lineup of some of the biggest names in Irish music and is set to be a night filled with songs and stories celebrating the legacy of Christy Dignam.
Saturday 4th: ‘May the Fourth be with You!’ With the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presenting an evening of epic music from Star Wars movies. The force is strong with this May Bank Holiday weekend concert at The Helix, DCU.
Sunday 5th: Sticking with a theme of music and dance, you can check out the return of the 23rd Bray Jazz Festival this May Bank Holiday weekend. This year's lineup features performers across the weekend, including international guests from the US, UK, France, Syria, Holland, Finland, Switzerland, Armenia, and West Africa. Immerse yourself in an action-packed weekend of great ‘free to attend’ shows at one of Ireland’s stunning harbour locations.
June 1st to 3rd: Summer Bank Holiday
Friday May 30th to June 3rd: Bord Bia’s Bloom takes place in Phoenix Park for five days over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. The spectacular gardening event celebrates its 18th year in 2024 with a range of horticulture, garden design, food and drink and entertainment with nature and sustainable living at its heart!
Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd: Dublin’s first summer festival takes place this June Bank Holiday weekend on the incredible grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. Get ready for Forbidden Fruit’s 11th year as the city-centre's longest running festival! Some of this year’s biggest acts include Nelly Furtado, BICEP, Barry Can’t Swim, Le Boom and much more.
Sunday 2nd: The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is the largest all-women’s event of its kind in the world taking place this June Bank Holiday Weekend. The 10km road race is estimated to have raised €230m euro for charitable causes since its beginning in 1983! Women of every age and walk of life take part, aged from 14 upwards. One of eldest recent participants was an amazing 93 years old! This year’s Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon promises to be the ultimate celebration of fun and fitness.
Bank Holiday Mondays!
Make the most of all your Bank Holiday Weekend plans by joining us at Runway28 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, now open EVERY Bank Holiday Monday! Whether you're seeking a relaxing spot to unwind after exploring Ireland's rich history or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal with stunning and exclusive views of Dublin Airport's Runway, our restaurant offers the perfect setting for your Bank Holiday celebrations. Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience and elevate your bank holiday plans to new heights!