Brought to you by MACE.
Get some inspiration for the August Bank Holiday.
Are you one of those people who tends to leave it too late to plan things for a bank holiday weekend? Well, worry not.
We have a perfect guide for the August Bank Holiday with thanks to our friends at MACE, who want to put a smile on your face for the long weekend. So check out this handy breakdown of events, festivals and more to make sure you don’t miss out.
1. Castlepalooza
When: 4 – 6 August
What: Charleville Castle in Offaly is the setting for a weekend’s entertainment that includes music from Wild Beasts, Waze & Odyssey, Le Galaxie, Daithi and much more. There’ll also be comedy from the likes of PJ Gallagher and Colm O’Regan.
2. Indiependence Music and Arts Festival
When: 4 – 6 August
What: Set against the backdrop of the Galtee Mountains, Indiependence features music from 90s icons Manic Street Preachers as well as Tom Odell, The Coronas and many more.
3. Beatyard
When: 5 – 6 August
What: Dun Laoghaire is the setting for two days of musical entertainment that features Mark Ronson, AIR, Bananarama, Toots and the Maytails, Morcheeba, Kila and more.
4. Beatlefest on the Lough
When: 4 – 7 August
What: This festival in Moville in North Donegal is a celebration of all things Beatles so it’s a perfect option for Fab Four fans. If a weekend of live Beatles music in a scenic seaside village is your thing, this is for you.
5. The Galway Races
When: 31 July – 6 August
What: One of the biggest events on the Irish racing calendar, the Galway Races is always a fantastic event. The city comes alive so it’s as much about atmosphere over the week as it is about seeing some great races.
6. The Giro De Baile
When: 6 August
What: This annual charity cycling event in North Mayo covers some of most scenic parts of the West and it’s open to anyone. The course covers part of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as taking in sights like the Nephin Mountains and Carrowmore Lake.
7. An Poc Fada
When: 5 August
What: An Poc Fada is a cultural throwback that combines hurling skills with a 5km mountain race in Co Louth. Competitors have to puck a sliotar to the top of a mountain and race between the pucks. It’s a crazy sport but it’s free to attend and it’s definitely something you won’t see every day.
8. Spraoi International Street Arts Festival
When: 4 – 6 August
What: This Waterford festival is a riot of street theatre, music and children’s events in the sunny South East. The city is transformed over three days for what has become an August Bank Holiday institution.
9. GAZE LGBT Film Festival
When: 3- 7 August
What: This programme of films and events celebrates LGBT storytelling. On its 25th anniversary, the festival will look at Ireland’s LGBT journey over the last quarter of a century with an extensive programme of films.
10. The Cahersiveen Festival of Music and the Arts
When: 4 – 6 August
What: This Kerry festival will feature music from the likes of Frank & Walters, Hermitage Green and more. The eclectic line-up of events also includes everything from deep sea fishing competitions to art exhibitions to walks and cultural events.
11. Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food Fest
When: 4 – 7 August
What: This festival is a unique combo of artisan food, taste trails, craft food and beer markets and 1950s rock’n’roll and hillbilly music. So you can eat great food, enjoy some tunes and soak up all the family fun that’s on offer.
12. Game of Thrones Tapestry Exhibition
When: 22 July – 4 September
What: The Ulster Museum is now hosting an incredible tapestry that depicts the key scenes, deaths, battles and memorable moments from the biggest television show in the world. The tapestry features scenes from the first six seasons but new scenes from season seven will be added every week.
13. Durrow Scarecrow Festival
When: 30 July – 7 August
What: Looking for something to make you smile? This quirky festival in Laois could be it. The highlight of the festival is the All Ireland Scarecrow Championships which will see over 120 scarecrow-makers go up against each other.
The people at MACE know how to provide the service you need so you always leave the store with a smile on your face. It’s all about going the extra smile! Drop into your local shop or one of the many MACE shops located on forecourts if you’re travelling for the bank holiday.
Brought to you by MACE.
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