Bloom - Dublin - all weekend
Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event takes place in Dublin’s Phoenix Park and has already proved to be a crowd favourite. Last year attracted almost 80,000 visitors to the 70 acre site at the Visitor’s Centre and this year looks like this year.
An Taoiseach and the President have already visited the festival, which kicked off earlier in the week. A total of 28 showgardens will be judged at this year’s festival, which will have to be seen to be fully appreciated. Ticket prices range from €12 to €20 and children’s tickets are free.
bloominthepark.com
Cat Laughs Comedy Festival - Kilkenny - All Weekend
One of Ireland's most popular comedy events, the Cat laughs Comedy Festival has been running since 1994. This year, acts such as Dylan Moran, Colm O'Regan, Eleanor Tiernan and 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander.
Although many of the shows and workshops have long since sold out - including one on how to animate the characters of Martin and Sean from Moone Boy - there are still a number of tickets available. Tickets prices vary and can be found on the festival’s website.
thecatlaughs.com
Irish Coffee Festival - Foynes - All Weekend
Caffeine enthusiasts from across Ireland will have the opportunity to put their coffee taste to the test in the small Limerick village of Foynes this weekend. It's not just about the coffee though. During the festival weekend, there will be parades, fireworks, family fun days, street entertainers, live bands on the festival stage and the grand final of the world famous Irish Coffee Making Championship. Entry to most of the festival are free, but tickets to Sunday's coffee making championship cost €35 and includes a buffet meal.
foynesfestival.com
Forbidden Fruit Festival - Dublin - Saturday and Sunday
One of Ireland’s newest music festivals, Forbidden Fruit festival contains one open air stage and four tented indoor areas including a newly added comedy tent.
The festival takes place on the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and includes acts such as Kasabian, Primal Scream, Crystal Castles and James Blake. A day ticket to the festival costs €54.50, while a two-day tickets costs €99.50. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
forbiddenfruit.ie
Ireland Bike Fest - Killarney - All Weekend
Bike fans from around the world are expected to descent on Killarney this weekend for the Ireland Bike Fes. One of the festival highlights will be the opportunity to see the beautiful surroundings of Kerry on daily guided and self-guided ride outs, which can pass the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head.
There will also be a parade, bike dealers, bike shows and the chance to win at Harley-Davidson. Entry to the festival is free.
irelandbikefest.com
Cork City Marathon - Cork - Monday
It may be too late to take part in the Cork City Marathon, which will take place this Monday, but those taking part will need plenty of support to see them through the race. The 26-mile run will begin and finish on St Patrick’s Street, ensuring runners have plenty of support from on-lookers, while the route takes participants through some of the more scenic areas of Ireland’s second city.
corkcitymarathon.ie
Carrick Carnival 400 - Carrick-On-Shannon - All weekend
This Leitrim festival will see a variety of family, water-based and night-time events, including performances from national and international artists, as well as the best the locality has to offer.
Favourites from previous festivals will return, such as Phil the Fluter’s ball, a riverside fireworks display, raft race, parades, family fun day and world record attempts.
carrickonshannon400.ie
Dublin Port’s Riverfest - Dublin - All weekend
Dublin Port’s Riverfest is Ireland’s premier riverside and sailing festival. This family-friendly festival will include events both on an off land. One of this year’s festival highlights will be a rare demonstration of skills with the Howth 17’s racing on the River Liffey.
Some of the weekend’s water activities include the arrival of six tall ships, curragh racing and boat racing on the Liffey and tug boat demonstrations. Street performers, music, bars, face painting and carnival attractions will keep the family amused.
dublinriverfest.com