Delve

Into Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival, Bloom, as it returns to the Phoenix Park this June bank holiday weekend. The eagerly anticipated five-day event showcases exquisite gardens from the very best of Ireland’s landscape gardeners and designers. With over 100 Irish food produce contributors, as well as exhibitions from top floral artists, experts on-hand for advice, children’s activities and floral display demonstrations, Bloom 2016 has something for everyone. Day tickets range from €13 to €20. For more information see www.bloominthepark.com

Watch

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A Farmer in Charge, RTÉ’s brand new one-off show where a successful Mitchelstown dairy farmer, Maurice Walsh, takes control of a struggling hairdressing business in Tallaght. Suddenly faced with a “farmer boss” who’s all over everything and hyper-practical in approach, this team of Dublin hairdressers is all in a twist. Add a beleaguered Dublin business owner who’s not all that thrilled at having a Cork farmer tell him what to do, and it’s pitchfork versus teasing comb, as this farmer tries to save the salon. The show airs on RTÉ One on Monday 6 June at 6.30pm.

Explore

the Cork Harbour Festival taking place in the second largest natural harbour in the world in this celebration of Ireland’s unique maritime culture and heritage. There is guaranteed to be something on offer that will spike your interest, either on or off the water. Watch the spectacular fleet of boats from the many vantage points along the race. Then go aboard the harbour cruise; enjoy the seafood market or visit Spike Island or Camden Fort Meagher. See the city like you’ve never seen it before by going for a paddle or try some sailing. There are also many free family events available throughout the week.

Visit

the Carrick Carnival in Co Leitrim during its annual 10-day festival offering over 60 free events for people of all ages including many for children and families. Running from 3 to 12 June, the carnival will open with a massive parade along with the popular Bar Mans Race and Stunt Air Display. Over the first weekend there will also be live music on the streets, a massive fireworks display, amusements, street performers, a raft race and also many more events on the River Shannon. During the week there will be outdoor activities for families, along with the ever popular Strictly Come Dancing.

Bring

The children along to see the myriad of motorbikes at this year’s Ireland Bike Fest. With upwards of 40,000 people expected to attend, this is one of Ireland’s fastest growing festivals. Ireland Bike Fest is renowned for its line-up of free live entertainment, which takes place across three stages. The Bike Village is the main hub of activity, where visitors can browse the many trader stands selling all kinds of specialised biker wares or dine at one of the festival’s many food outlets. The village is also the base for the daily ride-outs along the Wild Atlantic Way and the free Harley-Davidson demo rides. Bike Fest takes place in Killarney from the 3 to 6 June.