From live music to festivals of dance, food and the arts, June is absolutely jam-packed with top-tier summer events.
The Whiteheaded Boy
3 June – 25 July, Abbey Theatre, more info here
Lennox Robinson’s The Whiteheaded Boy, a hit since its Abbey Theatre premiere over a century ago, is reimagined by award-winning director Annie Ryan in a sharp, contemporary take on this raucous Irish classic. Denis returns home from Dublin, where he is studying Medicine at Trinity College, to a family both proud and divided, while his academic struggles threaten to upend the household balance. As tensions rise, threats, schemes and counter-schemes spiral in a chaotic battle over his future.
Taste of Dublin,
11-14 June, Merrion Square, Dublin, more info here
From sourcing standout ingredients from artisan producers to meeting Ireland’s top chefs and enjoying inspiring masterclasses, Taste of Dublin invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the summer’s ultimate food and drink celebration, and this year is set to be better (and tastier) than ever.
Visions of America 1978-79
11-19 June, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, more info here
A major new photography exhibition by Eamon Carr opens in the Music Room in collaboration with SO Fine Art Editions and Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Visions of America 1978–79 presents a striking collection of photographs taken while Carr toured North America with Horslips, capturing the energy, contradictions and vast landscapes of late-1970s America through candid roadside scenes, urban textures and fleeting encounters from New York to Los Angeles, Texas to Miami.
Beyond the Pale
12-14 June, Glendalough Estate, Wicklow, more info here
Step into the woods, lakes and open skies of Wicklow’s Glendalough Estate for the return of Beyond The Pale. Three days of music, art, food, and wellness collide, and boutique luxury meets festival adventure. This year’s lineup includes Caribou and Father John Misty.
Belsonic
12 June – 1 July, Belfast, more info here
One of Northern Ireland’s biggest summer music events, Belsonic, returns to Belfast this June with a star-studded line-up. Opening with the Farmers Bash on 12 June, featuring Boyzlife, Hugo Duncan and Lisa McHugh, the festival will also welcome major acts including The Cure, Pitbull, Kings of Leon, Teddy Swims and Def Leppard, before closing with Michael Bublé after 10 nights of live music.
The Story of The Cure, Simon Price in conversation with Dan Hegarty
14 June, Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, more info here
Ahead of The Cure’s Marlay Park concert, acclaimed music journalist Simon Price discusses Curepedia: The Story of The Cure, his acclaimed and comprehensive celebration of the iconic band. Expect an insightful, entertaining and revealing exploration of The Cure’s enduring legacy, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.
An Evening with Lisa Jewell and Andrea Mara
16 June, Royal Irish Academy of Music, more info here
Bestselling authors Lisa Jewell and Andrea Mara join crime writer Sinéad Crowley in Dublin for an evening exploring the dark worlds of their latest psychological thrillers. Jewell’s It Could Have Been Her unearths long-buried secrets linked to a mysterious house, while Mara’s Such a Nice Girl follows the disappearance of two young women during a luxury wedding getaway. Expect gripping conversation, shocking twists and insights into the art of crafting a page-turner.
Tunefest Dungarvan
17-21 June, Dungarvan, more info here
Founded by Donnchadh Gough and Valerie O’Gorman, TuneFest Dungarvan is a five-day celebration of Irish traditional music, culture and community. Since its launch in 2019, the festival has grown into a major summer highlight, transforming Dungarvan into a vibrant hub of sessions, performances and events. The programme features everything from headline theatre concerts and CD launches to lively pub sessions, workshops, busking competitions and the open-air Gig Rig in Grattan Square, offering an immersive showcase of the very best in contemporary trad.
Dalkey Book Festival
18-21 June, Dalkey, more info here
Founded in 2010 by Sian Smyth and David McWilliams, the Dalkey Book Festival celebrates literary talent in Ireland while welcoming some of the world’s leading writers and thinkers to Dalkey each June. Drawing on the town’s rich literary heritage and scenic coastal setting, the festival has hosted internationally renowned authors, world leaders, Oscar winners and Nobel laureates. This year’s line-up includes Salman Rushdie, Sebastian Faulks, Lea Ypi, Tim Berners-Lee, Neil Jordan and Roddy Doyle.
Louth Contemporary Music Festival
19-20 June, Dundalk, more info here
Louth Contemporary Music Society marks its 20th anniversary with the Coming Together Festival in Dundalk on 19–20 June, featuring five concerts across venues including St Nicholas’ Church, The Oriel Centre at Dundalk Gaol, St Vincent’s Chapel and The Spirit Store. The programme opens on Friday evening with works by Beat Furrer and Frederic Rzewski, continues on Saturday with a midday focus on Swiss composer Jürg Frey and American composer Harry Partch, and concludes with a performance by Grammy-nominated opera singer Davóne Tines.
Romy at the Guinness Storehouse
20 June, Guinness Storehouse, more info here
This summer, SETS at the Guinness Storehouse transforms the iconic Gravity Bar into Dublin’s highest dancefloor, launching a month-by-month live music residency in a panoramic 360° setting over the city skyline. Kicking off on 20 June, Romy, best known from The xx and her acclaimed solo debut Mid Air, brings her euphoric blend of house and trance to an intimate sunset set, setting the tone for a summer of late-night sessions, returning guests and elevated city energy.
The Bobbi Brown Bridal Experience
June 25-26, Brown Thomas Cork & Dublin, more info here
Brown Thomas hosts two exclusive bridal beauty events in partnership with Bobbi Brown, featuring makeup artist and influencer Amy Conway. Taking place in Cork on 25 June and at Brown Thomas Grafton Street in Dublin on 26 June, the experiences offer expert bridal beauty advice, live demonstrations and insider tips from leading industry professionals. The Cork session will also feature bridal hair specialist Christine O’Sullivan, covering complete wedding-day styling from flawless skin to long-lasting makeup and hair. In Dublin, Amy Conway will host an intimate masterclass in The Drawing Room, sharing signature techniques, product recommendations and professional beauty insights for brides-to-be.
Foyle Maritime Festival
25-28 June, Derry, more info here
The Foyle Maritime Festival returns to Derry’s iconic riverfront, transforming the River Foyle into a vibrant celebration of maritime culture. Northern Ireland’s premier maritime event will welcome tall ships from across Europe alongside a packed programme of circus and street performances, live music, family workshops, on-the-water activities, continental markets and food experiences showcasing award-winning local produce.
West Cork Chamber Music Festival
26 June – 5 July, Bantry, more info here
The West Cork Chamber Music Festival is Ireland’s leading chamber music event, and it returns to Bantry, Co. Cork, for its annual 10-day programme. Established in 1995, the festival features over concerts, masterclasses and talks, with a host of internationally renowned soloists and string quartets taking part.
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