June Bank Holiday events, Midlands

Laois

Laois will be the event base for Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run. The historic vintage route, featuring over 100 vintage and classic cars will also travel through Carlow and Kildare, arriving back in Laois on Monday June 3 for a BBQ Finale at Treacys Pub, The Heath in Portlaoise. Highlights include visits to the Timahoe Heritage Festival and Kildare Town. Participants are encouraged to wear period-appropriate attire, with tweeds and vintage costumes to enhance the historic atmosphere.

Timahoe Heritage Festival

Step back in time into the Viking World this June Bank Holiday weekend at the Timahoe Heritage Festival. The event is all about celebrating the story of Timahoe Village in Laois, that is steeped in centuries of history; from monks, monasteries and Vikings, to the famine and the War of Independence. Activities include a 5K Heritage Run, thrilling battle reenactments, The Viking Village, and historical group displays, Don’t miss out on workshops, demonstrations, talks, and book launches. On Sunday 2nd, at 11:30am, the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run will stopover, with more than 100 vintage and classic cars. Save the date for a weekend of history, culture, vikings and fun at the Timahoe Heritage Festival.

Longford

Over the June bank holiday weekend, Longfordhosts the 40th annual Oliver Goldsmith Festival. The festival, one of the oldest festivals of its type in Ireland, celebrates the literary genius of Oliver Goldsmith and many aspects of Goldsmith’s life, society, and writings.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin, journalist and author Justine McCarthy of The Irish Times, are among the speakers that will formally open the festival at The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday, May 31. Music and poetry readings will take place over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ‘Goldsmith Live’ session is at Skelly’s Courtyard, Ballymahon, from 2.30pm along with a display of classical music, bookstalls, costumes, food and drink for all to enjoy, including a performance by returning string quartet Simply Strings.

Offaly

Africa Day takes place this Saturday, 1st June in O’Connor Square, Tullamore from1pm to 5pm. Experience African Culture & Cuisine and help to promote a sustainable African community across Offaly.

Hosting regular events across all genres including Indie, Rock, Pop, House and Family Events the Boatyard in Lukers of Shannonbridge is putting on a big weekend in music with performances from The Academic to Ye Vagabonds

Westmeath

Vintage Carousel Company has landed in Dún na Sí with an exciting array of thrills and spills!!

Kicking off at 2pm this Friday for a weekend of incredible fun! While you’re there Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park is a Community Park for all, encompassing ecology, play, heritage and is well worth a visit.

Summer Racing at Kilbeggan Races

Experience the atmosphere of Irish horse racing at this racecourse located in the heart of the midlands.

Situated in the heart of Ireland, Kilbeggan is one of four National Hunt (jumps) racecourses. As popular a racing venue as there is in the country, Kilbeggan is very much a summer track and the valuable Midlands National Handicap Chase is a recognised trial for the Galway Plate and other major festival races. The track has an afternoon meeting scheduled for Sunday, June 2 with the first race getting under starter’s orders at 2:20pm. Tickets here