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Cork’s iconic Folk Festival is set to return for its 45th year, running from October 2nd to 6th, 2024. The event promises an extraordinary mix of folk legends and exciting new talent, celebrating the best of traditional and contemporary folk music. What’s On The festival has a range of events, from workshops to concerts and more ! Headlining this year’s festival at the Cork Opera House will be the legendary Paul Brady, renowned for his involvement in major folk bands such as The Johnstones and Planxty. A highlight of this year’s festival is the launch of a new book at Cork City Music Library, Cork Folk Festival 1979-2024 – ‘Reeling Down the Years’, written by William Hammond. The book delves into the festival’s remarkable history and will be a must-read for fans of Cork’s vibrant folk scene. Friend of the festival, Frankie Gavin, returns to the Cork Opera House stage along with a new De Dannan set up, featuring Catherine Mc Hugh, Ian Kinsella, Diarmuid Ó Meachair, and Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz. One of Cork’s finest songwriters Jack O ‘Rourke will be the opening act for the concert. Cúil Aodha singer Iarla Ó Lionáird who has carved a long and unique career in music, will be accompanied by Cork pianist Cormac McCarthy anad Matthew Berrill along with Rosie McCarthy from Macroom. On Thursday Ger Wolfe in Coughlan’s is not to be missed. Seth Lakeman who was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 and has toured extensively with Robert Plant and Van Morrison, graces the stage at Triskel Chistchurch. Later on Thursday, see an all-star line up for a Denis Murphy Memorial Concert with Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch, Billy Clifford, Bryan O’ Leary, Peter Browne. That gets things nicely warmed up for a packed weekend: Friday Cork Folk Festival presents North Cregg with Christy Leahy, Liam Flannigan, Ciaran Coughlan, Martin Leahy and Claire-Anne Lynch. Saturday is packed with workshops and a nostalgic concert revisiting the Phoenix Bar, starring Jimmy Crowley, Mick Daly, Mick O’Brien, Coppinger Stang, Eoin O’Riabhagh, Conal O’Grada, and Colm Murphy. Musicians from Clare arrive on Saturday for an incredible set featuring Charlie Harris (accordion), Geraldine Cotter (piano), Eamonn Cotter (flute), and Maeve Donnelley (fiddle). That evening, festival-goers will be treated to performances by the brilliant fiddler Nollaig Casey, rising folk star Niall McCabe, and the incomparable Mike McGoldrick. Also on Saturday, the “Gals at Play” concert brings together an exceptional lineup of women artists, including Mary Greene, Leslie Dowdall, Christiana Underwood, Cáit Ní Riain, and Meadhbh Hayes. Festival venues also include The Corner House, An Spailpín Fanách, The Long Valley, Gallagher Theatre at MTU Bishopstown, UCC Music Department, and The Crane Lane. In addition to concerts, the festival will feature a range of other events, including a Céilí, an art launch, lectures, traditional music sessions, and three outdoor events: a singing tour of Cork City, a Cross Roads Dance, and a Food Market at Emmett Place on Saturday. On Sunday, a Community Concert will be held at Elizabeth Fort. Tickets The Cork Folk Festival is accessible to all budgets, with tickets for certain performances and events ranging from €10-€20 . For more details, full schedules, and tickets, check out the festival’s official website .

Celebrate the life & work of Maeve Binchy & other writers at Echoes Maeve Binchy Literary Festival ! On from October 4th-6th, the festival takes place in Maeve Binchy’s home town of Dalkey where Maeve’s writing & social commentary provides the inspiration for contemporary discussion & performances. Festival Friday – Maeve Binchy Double Bill ECHOES opens on Friday evening of the festival weekend with a performance of some of Maeve’s work. Rehearsed Reading of “ Chancery Lane ” from “Victoria Line, Central Line” by Maeve Binchy, in a new adaptation, directed by Conall Morrison. Wanting to sue rich banker Charles Benson for breach of contract, show-stopping dancer Jilly Twilly enlists a barrister’s help… It’s Binchy at her best! Maeve Binchy’s “ Minding Frankie ” adapted for stage by Shay Linehan, performed by Michael Heavey. This is a story about unconventional families, relationships which aren’t quite what they seem, and a child who finds a home at the heart of a caring community. Friday 4th October: 19.30 pm  Home Place An exciting day of conversations, interviews and readings featuring: Cecelia Ahern, Jan Carson, Colm O’Regan, Liz Nugent, Oliver Callan, Edel Coffey, Anne Griffin, Jamie O’Connell, Zoe Miller, Brian McGilloway, Andrea Mara, Kevin Curran, Melatu-Uche Okorie, Olha Khoroshevska, Sam Blake, Billy Keane, Andrea Carter, Caroline Erskine, Katherine McSharry, Niall MacMonagle, John Patrick McHugh, Sarah Binchy and Gordon Snell. Saturday October 5th: 9.30am – 17.30pm  Guided Walk – Marvellously Maeve Enjoy an exclusive immersion in the life and times of world-famous author Maeve Binchy in her adored hometown of Dalkey! Begin in the Writers’ Gallery with knowledgeable guides & a video of Maeve talking about her writing. “I thought everyone came from a place like this…until we went to see the world and discovered we were spoiled rotten”. Hear the story of the Gordon Snell rose.  Quench your thirst afterwards in the Queens next door. Sunday October 6th: 11.00am   Aches and Pains A performance of Maeve Binchy’s “Aches and Pains”, adapted for stage by Shay Linehan, directed by Margaret Dunne. Maeve regales us with both hilarious and poignant details of her hip operation. With Caitríona Ní Threasaigh as Ann and Michaeal Heavey as Stan. Sunday October 6th: 15:00 pm Tickets Half & full day tickets available from Wednesday June 12th Booking fees apply. Full programme and booking at  www.echoes.ie  &  www.dalkeycastle.com

Open House Dublin will take place from the 12 th -20 th  October, featuring 200+ events for everyone to experience free of charge! Guided tours of buildings, outdoor spaces and private houses, conversations on current topics, exhibitions, architects’ studio visits, workshops and more! Many new events feature this year, among them a mystery tour of an OPW building, a LEGOⓇ competition, tours of The Wayfinding Centre located in the former Smurfit Kappa Printworks site on Botanic Road, Glasnevin, and tours of the award-winning Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, designed by Stephen Foley Architects and CAMPUS. What’s On This year’s  Open House Dublin  will start with a dedicated  Junior Weekend  for children and families on the 12 th  and 13 th  of October, with the main programme of events, including tours of buildings, outdoor spaces and residences  taking place from 18 th  to 20 th  October. In between, the  Open Table conversations series is returning and will take place daily from 14 th -18 th  October at this year’s festival Info Hub at Charlemont Walk, in Dublin 2, which will also be hosting festival events.  Key festival highlights this year include: Open Table:  The popular lunch-time conversation series is coming back to delve into urgent topics relevant to life in Dublin, with guest experts hosting each of these five events at OHD Info Hub on Charlemont Walk. New Now Next at Open House Dublin : Open House Dublin is hosting a special evening in the Lighthouse Cinema on 19 th  October titled When Dublin Met Paris, with visiting guests Marion Waller, director of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal centre for architecture and urbanism in Paris and French architect Nicolas Guérin from NP2F-architectes, which designed the flagship venue for the Paris Olympic Games, the Adidas Arena. The audience can expect a compelling event that will touch on the possibilities of urban transformation in Dublin and myth-busting common perceptions of the city of Paris. New events for this year include: Open House Extra at Charlemont Walk:  Exhibitions specially designed for the Open House Dublin programme will be taking place in the OHD Info Hub from 12 th -20 th  October.  Open Studios:  Twelve studios and offices of architects dotted around Dublin city and county will be opening their doors to the public and giving behind-the-scenes access to how architects design Dublin and its buildings, between the 15 th  and 20 th  October. New Tours : Over 20 added tours for this year happening over 19 th  and 20 th  October, such as rhe Lark Concert Hall in Balbriggan, voted the public’s favourite building; Tún Architecture’s Harcourt Terrace Primary School; Glencar House in Ballsbridge, an office development by Reddy Architecture + Urbanism; 49-51 Amiens Street, apartments by Lawrence and Long and more. a walking tour with City Architects of north-west inner-city housing. LEGO Ⓡ Competition : A LEGO Ⓡ  competition will run online as part of the festival, inviting children everywhere to get building, with special prizes up for grabs.  Mystery Tour : For people who like surprises, a Mystery Tour has been added this year of an OPW-owned building on 19 th  October. Themed Events Events that reflect this year’s Open House Europe access and inclusion theme are taking place including: Tours of The Wayfinding Centre, located in the former Smurfit Kappa Printworks site on Botanic Road, Glasnevin, on 18th October. Developed by Vision Ireland and Dublin City Council, it replicates the real-world experience of using public transport to empower people with an access need through practical training and hands-on experience. Tactile Tours with 3D Models for people with visual impairment, developed with architect Tadhg Charles and Emilie Conway, a visually impaired artist and art activist, will take place on 20 th  October at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and the Museum of Literature of Ireland (MOLI). Tours of Graphic Studio Dublin featuring a collaborative art exhibition with the Simon Community of Dublin. Writing and Drawing in the City, a workshop exploring buildings and spaces through smell, touch, hearing, taste and sight. Irish Sign Language Tours will also be happening at several locations during the festival. All Open House Dublin events are free. Pre-booking is required for some events. Pre-booking for ticketed events opens at 9:00am on the 19th September on www.OpenHouseDublin.com , where full details of the programme, including which events require pre-booking, can be found.

Taste AND at Clandeboye, a speciality food and drink market , will be on from October 12-13th! This family-friendly market event will showcase the best artisan produce from Ards and North Down in the exquisite grounds of  Clandeboye Estate , Bangor in County Down. Indulge your tastebuds with something from the local makers and providers stalls on site, in the ambience of live music, and entertainment to amuse the little ones! Here’s what’s on: Meet the Maker Lounge & Kitchen Theatre Head to the Courtyard of the Estate to enjoy an artisan food and drink speciality market where you will find the Meet the Maker lounge and Kitchen Theatre featuring food and drink demos led by Paula McIntyre (Saturday) and leading local chef’s (Sunday). Recipe inspiration Food demonstrations and unique foodie experiences make up the programme and we want to inspire you with some dishes you can try for yourself at home, which have kindly been provided by our local chefs, producers and SERC lecturers, and may feature at some of the events.-  Taste Autumn Recipes  Live Music Saturday Alex Da Costa You might recognise Alex from his fabulous performances entertained the crowds at some of our local events like the Comber Earlies Food Festival and the Chilli Festival in Bangor Castle Walled Garden. Outside of that, Alex performs with a couple of different bands including ‘ Stick with It ‘.  Bangor Ukes Self described as “A bunch of ukulele loving folk”, the Bangor Ukes are renowned in the city for their regular meet ups in the long time established local bar, Fealty’s in the city centre. Many might remember them for their performances in Ward Park and other events through the year, often in collaboration with Open House Festival.  Find out more  about Bangor Ukes. Sunday In Full Swing, with Ada Storm and Dave Arthur In Full Swing are a new jazz duo performing classic swing hits. Covering the artists that defined the era, expect songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.  Find out more  about In Full Swing Plan Your Trip To make your day our as enjoyable as possible, please use this  Plan Your Trip Section . This is a free to attend event, but charges may apply to some activities and purchases at the event.

The Nightmare Realm’s Village of Fear XV embodies everything that haunts your nightmares – from haunted houses, mazes, coffin-stays and dance performances, we review Ireland’s only indoor scream park! The Nightmare Realm (now in its 15th year) showcased this years Village of Fear XV, which has returned to Dublin’s historic City Market on Mary Street for just over three weeks from 4th October-1st November! The brand-new show Village of Fear XV has five thrilling new mazes, interactive secret rooms, an expanded Museum of Horrors, a food court, and an even larger Halloweentown. Travel2Ireland’s team was thrilled – pun intended – to be a part of the launch, and we were rightfully terrified after going through their spooky offering – here’s what’s in store! What’s On The Nightmare Realm has absolutely everything Halloween you’d want and need – from the Butchers’ Slaughterhouse, to the Ouija Board closed room, the coffin experience (if you’re claustrophobic, beware!) and the clown-filled abandoned circus, it didn’t disappoint! It will have you laughing and screaming as you explore new mazes like ‘House of Little Red’, ‘Possession 1692’, ‘The Meat Market’ ‘Slappys Birthday BASH’ and ‘The Last Gas Station on The Left’. You’ll meet unsavoury characters along the way including fan favourite Molly Mayhem just in time for the spooky season. No two experiences are ever the same. The truly immersive experience lands you inside an expanded Victorian-themed Halloween Town – a festival village where Halloween is celebrated every day. Like us, you’ll be blown away by this year’s offering which includes more spooky shops in Halloweentown, like ‘Obscura’ antique and oddities shop, ‘White Witch Creations’, ‘Trick or Treat’ shop, and ‘Fall FM’. The little museum of horrors is also back, and is the best spot to capture your Halloween selfies with an abundance of childhood monsters and cult horror movie props on display. Between two screaming sessions, we caught our breath while enjoying a dynamic dance performance from House of Swag – there’s additional stage and circus performances throughout the event, too! We grabbed a bite from one of the food trucks at the dedicated foodcourt, which apart from post-screaming grub also had Halloween-themed treats, tarot reading, and a temporary tattoo studio. Don’t let your guard down though, because even out of the scare mazes, you will get spooked by the Nightmare Realm’s performers sneaking up on you around the venue!  Our Takeaway  Exciting and perfectly spooky – this years Nightmare Realm Village of Fear XV delivered on all fronts! Our personal favorite was The House of Little Red – it was the first haunted house we walked through, and boy did we catch on quick to just how terrifying the Nightmare Realm can be. No wonder it was voted as Ireland’s Best Halloween Experience and Europe’s Best Scream Park! The Ouija Board was a little much for us – but we are very glad to have experienced it. Additional Information & Tickets The experience is suited for both kids and adults, although children under 13 are required to be supervised by an adult. Tickets are priced from €24 to €38 (depending on the ticket type and day) include all 5 mazes and entry to HalloweenTown, are now on sale at  thenightmarerealm.ie . Be warned, this event sells out quickly so pre-booking is essential!

Now in its 24th year, The National Circus Festival of Ireland returns to Tralee from October 31st to November 3rd, and will be full of captivating homegrown and international talent. Visitors of all ages will enjoy performance workshops, colourful conventions, a spectacular parade, fireworks and more! The NCFI is a four day celebration of contemporary circus that is thrilling and  challenging and continues to set the standard for contemporary circus performance in Ireland. Each year, the NCFI sees some of the world’s most talented circus with jaw-dropping handpicked acts at the top of their game from all over the world, including Canada, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium and France who are set to thrill, delight and amaze the lucky audiences. Festival Highlights Parade and Fireworks  – Fang-tastic Fireworks and Fun for all the Family in the capital town! The Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween and the National Circus Festival join together for an unforgettable parade and pre fireworks show in Tralee on Friday 1st November. Enjoy all the spectacle of the circus along with spectacular Friday fireworks on Denny Street. Children’s Circus Workshops  –  Learn how to juggle, spin plates, to the hula hoop and throw the Diablo. Run away with the circus for a day! Circus Siamsa  –  At the heart of and always a highlight of the festival is Circus Siamsa, a variety show. It brings the stars of contemporary circus, street and variety performance to the stage in Siamsa. This year acts from France, Germany, Spain, America, Sweden and the UK will delight the lucky people of Tralee for one day only. It’s a family show but not just for kids!  The Whistle II –  Like its predecessor, ‘The Whistle II’ explores interactive performance that takes the audience down a rabbit hole of intertwining plotlines. It invites the audience to take charge of their own experience as the complex layers of the game start to unfold. The Whistle II, performed by a juggler, a dancer and a musician, opens up a multitude of new worlds to experience. Taking inspiration from cinema, game design and cognitive behaviour studies the work will play with the fallacies of our minds to bring us to weird and wonderful places. This is the world premiere and proudly commissioned by the NCFI, thanks to support from The Arts Council of Ireland. Circus, Juggling, Acrobatic and Aerial Convention 2024 –  There’s a four-day convention full of intensives and adult workshops in the KDYS Hall on Denny Street (Circus and Juggling Convention) and the Moyderwell Hall in Boherbue (Aerial and Acrobatic Convention). Over 45 workshops are included as part of the Convention Pass. You’ll be spoiled for choice! Film Night  –  Join us for NCFI’s much celebrated film night, Thursday 31st October, 7pm at the Kerry County Museum. This year the festival presents ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’, a 1920 German silent horror film directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer. Considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, the film features a dark, twisted visual style, with sharp-pointed forms, oblique, curving lines, structures and landscapes that lean and twist in unusual angles, and shadows and streaks of light painted directly onto the sets. Admission is €5, free with Convention Ticket. Future Producers Industry Day  – Are you an aspiring producer, artist, or arts enthusiast eager to delve into the dynamic world of creative production? Join NCFI for the Future Producers Industry Day, a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. View the full programme and purchase tickets from €5 – €70 at  www.circusfestival.ie

If you’re a film lover craving more than just the latest blockbuster releases, then the OFFline Film Festival in Birr, County Offaly, is the event for you! This charming, one-of-a-kind festival returns October 9th-13th, offering the unique opportunity to see the best of Irish and international cinema! The festival, now in its 15th edition, promises to be bigger and better than ever, combining films, workshops, and events to create the perfect long weekend! What’s on Expect a well-curated lineup of feature films, documentaries, and short films, with a special focus on emerging Irish filmmakers. As always, the OFFline Film Festival prides itself on bringing a diverse and thought-provoking selection of cinema to the big screen. Here’s a look at what’s in store for this year: Feature Film Screenings Short Films Competition Documentaries Children’s Workshops Mini Movies! ( For Schools ) The festival prides itself on being a community-driven event with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. When and Where? The OFFline Film Festival takes place from October 9th to 13th, in Birr, County Offaly across various different venues. Tickets and Pricing Tickets are priced from as low as €3 to €10 depending on the viewing, and whether you’re a teacher/student. You can check the price for individual screenings and book directly from their website, here.

Did you know you can save on great trips with Travel2Ireland through our Tripadvisor affiliate link? To celebrate, we’ve put together a top 10 list inspired by the most intriguing recommendations from Tripadvisor . This guide covers all corners of Ireland, making sure there’s something for everyone! 1. The Little Museum of Dublin – Dublin While Dublin has its share of grand attractions, The Little Museum of Dublin stands out as a hidden gem. This quirky spot offers 29-minute guided tours packed with witty Irish storytelling and charming exhibits detailing Dublin’s past. The setting makes for a personal and entertaining history lesson, but book early – it often sells out! Perfect for those who love a dash of humour with their history. More information here . 2. The Bog of Allen Nature Centre – County Kildare If you’ve never thought a bog could be fascinating, think again. The Bog of Allen Nature Centre offers a deep dive into Ireland’s unique boglands. You can explore exhibits on peatland ecosystems and even try your hand at turf cutting. This immersive and educational experience is great for nature enthusiasts looking for something truly off the beaten path. More information here. 3. Glengarriff Bamboo Park – County Cork Fancy a bit of the exotic in Ireland? The Glengarriff Bamboo Park is a surprising oasis of Asian plants, including bamboo forests and tropical flowers, all overlooking the gorgeous Bantry Bay. Wander along the many walking paths, enjoy the landscapes and take in the unique flora – it’s a nice peaceful spot that’s a far cry from the usual tourist hubs. More information here. 4. Tropical World – County Donegal Yes, you read that right – tropical wildlife in Donegal! Tropical World is a fun, family-friendly zoo where you can meet butterflies, birds, reptiles, and other exotic creatures. This zoo offers something completely different from the beauty of Donegal’s famous beaches. More information here. 5. The Arigna Mining Experience – County Roscommon For a step back in time, visit the Arigna Mining Experience, which dives into Ireland’s industrial heritage. This underground tour is led by former miners who share personal stories about working in the Arigna coal mines. It’s a powerful and educational experience that showcases the grit of those who once laboured in the depths of the earth. More information here. 6. The Burren Perfumery – County Clare Located in The Burren, this perfumery is truly fantastic for the senses! Learn about the native plants of the area and how they are transformed into natural perfumes, skincare, and candles. Complete your visit with a walk through the herb gardens or a stop in the organic tea room – a lovely way to experience Ireland’s countryside in a new way. More information here. 7. Blasket Islands – County Kerry For the adventurers, the Blasket Islands offer amazing authentic Irish landscapes and fascinating history. The island’s remote beauty is coupled with stories of the Irish-speaking community that lived there until the 1950s. While uninhabited now, it’s an incredible place for hiking, birdwatching, and soaking in the beauty of the Atlantic coast. More information here. 8. Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre – County Offaly Combining history, nature, and science, Birr Castle offers an extraordinary mix of experiences. Not only can you go through its beautifully maintained gardens, but you can also explore the Science Centre, which houses one of the world’s largest telescopes. It’s an ideal visit for families or anyone with a curiosity for both nature and astronomy. More information here. 9. Lough Gur Visitor Centre – County Limerick One of Ireland’s most fascinating archaeological sites, Lough Gur is steeped in history dating back over 6,000 years. Explore ancient stone circles, tombs, and crannogs, all set around the shores of Lough Gur. The visitor centre offers interactive exhibits that dive into the myths and stories surrounding this place. More information here . 10. Dursey Island Cable Car – County Cork For a truly unique adventure in Ireland, hop on the Dursey Island Cable Car —Ireland’s only cable car, and a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you to the remote Dursey Island off the southwestern tip of the Beara Peninsula. The cable car crosses the Atlantic Ocean, giving you amazing views of the coastline. Dursey Island itself is uninhabited, making it a really peaceful escape for walkers and birdwatchers, where you can explore at your own pace. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is it! More information here . Did you know you can book your next adventure directly via Tripadvisor through our affiliate link? It’s never been easier to have a fabulous trip at a discount!

Ireland’s oldest City and Europe’s City of Christmas is set for its place in the spotlight this festive season as the details of the 2024 Winterval Festival which will offer a host of festivities in the City from November 15th have now been unveiled. What’s On Getting the festivities underway will be the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Jason Murphy and of course, Santa Claus will be arriving just in time from the North Pole to switch on the Christmas lights in the city at a fun-filled ceremony on November 15th at 6 pm and declaring the festival open! On Saturday, November 16th the now famous Winterval Parade will take place in the City with a ceremony to officially declare the European City of Christmas title. In what is set to be an epic celebration with a festive parade arriving at Parnell St onto The Mall and spectacular special effects display from the roof of the beautiful Bishop’s Palace audiences will be awed with sounds, light, colour and performance. New events at Ireland’s largest Christmas festival include ‘Snow Play’ an icy snow centre where the young and the not-so-young can enjoy some snow play & throw some snowballs; an Igloo Dome offering a 5D experience with audiences travelling through time inside; a gigantic Circus Museum will be on offer at City Hall’s Large Room; what is sure to be a sell-out at Garter Lane is a new show titled ‘Trash Test Dummies’ by the award-winner Dummies Corp., the Australian leader in slapstick children’s comedy, there will be a huge Monster Truck and stunt show in Ireland’s largest circus tent and lots lots more. In all, there is a programme of over 60 events on offer with at least half being free of charge.  To attract new audiences to Winterval and scaling the festival up after dark is a brand-new after-dark programme of events for adults, ‘The Winterval Big Top Live’ will host a series of events, artists and performances throughout the festival with gig tickets available for sale on  www.winterval.ie  from today. Artists include Gavin James, Mick Flannery, Stereo MC’s, EMF, and 30 Years of House Music with Tasty Choons for Tasty People. The Jack & Jills Children’s Foundation Christmas Market at Winterval will span from O’Connell Street through the spine of the city onto George’s Street, into John Robert’s Square and connecting to Arundel Square offering a market of over 80 vendors with wares from wooden toys, to knitted wares, to hand-crafted candles, to art to wood turned bowls along with Gluwhenin and of course hot chocolate and delicious treats along the way. Firm favourites are also back for the festival, including the Winterval ice rink and fairground set for the city’s quayside while the wonderful Winterval Illuminates Lightshow is bound for the city centre plus there will be Gingerbread making workshops, the Glow Gardens with over 10,000 twinkling lights at New street, a Wobbly Mirror installation at The Apple Market, the Port of Waterford Eye and one-off events like the Jingle Bells Cycle, Carol concerts, Suircon, a Light up Tractor parade and more.  Santa will be in 12th-century caverns that lie beneath the city’s Medieval Museum in the Viking Triangle where he will spread joy and holiday cheer to boys and girls of all ages. Winterval is delivered by Waterford City and County Council with support from sponsors and the Waterford business community. For further details on Winterval in Waterford, running on key dates from November 15th to December 23rd see  www.winterval.ie

With Halloween just around the corner, there’s no place more fitting to visit than the historical  Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland! Located on the Antrim coast, the real-life haunted castle invites guests to embrace spooky season with a n overnight offer  – special guest and devilish afternoon tea included… The castle at Ballygally Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland. Legend has it that Lady Isabella, wife of James Shaw who built Ballygally Castle, was locked in a room at the top of the castle after Shaw snatched their son away, leaving her to die tragically while attempting to escape. While the Ghost Room in the tower can still be visited, no guests are allowed to stay there anymore, adding to the mystery and allure of this remarkable castle. A Haunting Halloween Experience at Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland Guests can choose the hotel’s unique  ‘Ghostly Nights & Delicious Delights’ package , thoughtfully crafted to provide a true spooky stay. They can enjoy a Halloween-themed afternoon tea filled with treats and savory snacks. As the sun sets, guests can retire to their rooms, where echoes of ghosts are reported to have been heard, before waking up to hearty full Irish breakfast…if they wake up, that is. The ‘Ghostly Nights & Delicious Delights’ package includes an Overnight Stay, Afternoon Tea and Breakfast from €185 per room. For more information visit  www.ballygallycastlehotel.com .

With over 40 free activities and events, the Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween takes place from the 18th October to 1st November, making it the perfect opportunity to visit Kerry! Get ready for street spectacles, Jack-o-Lantern carving, heritage talks, star-gazing, live gigs, fireworks and much, much more! When the veil between our world and the next grows thin, what better way to spend the season than at the Kerry Homecoming Festival with so many events suited for all tastes? The festival’s centrepiece involves four specially commissioned street spectacle performances between October 29th and November 1st, with the performances being based on the legend of the Cailleach (Hag / Witch) who is the goddess of the winter months, whose season begins on Samhain, October 31st. The spectacles will see the dramatic arrival of the Cailleach accompanied by drummers, performers and fire elements. During the festival, a selection of workshops and activities for both kids and adults are scheduled, with the finale of the Kerry Homecoming Festival being a Fireworks Display in Tralee on November 1st. Spectacles, events and activities will take place all across Kerry, with plenty of dates available in each location to get involved! Here’s exactly what’s on: Seasonal Festivals, Events & Activities Music Music lovers can head to Castle Island for the  Patrick O’Keeffe Music Festival  that boasts “Ireland’s biggest and best session trail” and an eclectic atmosphere. Film Film lovers should head for Killarney where the  Kerry International Film Festival  celebrates its 25th anniversary. Every year, KIFF reveals new talent with their comprehensive short film selections.  The Kerry International Film Festival also screens a small but carefully considered number of feature films, narrative and documentary, very often with Q & A sessions afterwards. Culture For those yearning for a taste of traditional Irish Culture,  Oireachtas na Samhna  takes place in Killarney from October 30th – November 3rd. Thousands are expected to attend Ireland’s oldest Arts Festival, as established and emerging talents from the worlds of music, poetry, literature, debate and storytelling take part in 60 competitions showcasing the traditional arts. Sport The Tralee Half Marathon  (13.1 miles) will bring the 2024 Tralee Marathon Series to a great end. The route starts in Tralee taking in the town of Ardfert, and running through the Spa and the Kerries. Why not bring the whole family to Tralee for the Bank Holiday Weekend and enjoy all that Tralee and Kerry has to offer; and at the same time run the Tralee Half Marathon! National Circus Festival Tralee is the place to be if you want to laugh, cry and marvel at the mind-boggling antics of  The National Circus Festival  as they gather talent from all over the country to amaze audiences with their incredible celebration of all things Circus! Iveragh Peninsula Visit the beautiful Iveragh peninsula in south Kerry for a weekend of fascinating talks and workshops on the period of change from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age in southwest Ireland, as a part of the  Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival . Immerse yourself in the archaeology of this period with visits to stone rows and in situ rock art panels; experimental archaeology workshops; children’s workshops; and expert lectures. Street Spectacles All around the county, spectacle events will terrify and delight in equal measure as performers and carousers roam raucously around the towns and villages of Kerry! The spectacles will see the dramatic arrival of the Cailleach accompanied by drummers, performers and fire elements. The finale of the Kerry Homecoming Festival spectacles will include a Fireworks Display in Tralee on November 1st. Street Spectacle Schedule: Genealogy & Folklore Join historian, educator, and journalist Tom Dillon as hosts a number of folklore and genealogy workshops during the Kerry Homecoming. He will explores the rich folklore surrounding life’s key moments—births, deaths, and marriages along or if you are keen to lean more about Samhain, Tom will explore the ancient roots of Halloween in Ireland , as he reveals the folklore surrounding Samhain—the Celtic festival of spirits, myths, and supernatural encounters. With a deep passion for his native County Kerry’s history, Tom has written and lectured extensively on local traditions and customs. As the Kerry County Council Historian-in-Residence in 2020 and 2021, Tom brings his expert knowledge to life in this engaging talk, blending folklore with history. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a graduate of the University of Limerick’s MA in History of the Family and a certified local historian. All of these workshops are free, but you must reserve a place here. Tour of the library Join County Librarian Tommy O’Connor for an exclusive tour of the Tralee Library archives on October 19th, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Learn how to trace your ancestors and uncover your family history through the library’s rich collection of historical records. The Kerry Library Local History and Archives Department is dedicated to collecting, preserving and making available for reference, material related to the printed history of County Kerry.  A Guide to Family History Sources: Download HEREPDF File The Kerry Library reference collection includes:   Over 7,000 titles on Kerry and by Kerry authors (searchable on the library online catalogue  here ) Áitainmneacha Chiarraí/ Kerry Place Names Survey Periodicals including Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society Journal, Journal of the Royal Society of the Antiquities of Ireland, Cork Historical Journal. Map collection including 1st edition Ordnance Survey maps of Kerry (1841- 1842), Maritime Maps of Kerry (1861-1914), Godfrey Estate Survey Maps (1750-1825).  19th & 20th century Commercial Directories Index of obituaries from Kerry Newspapers.  Dr. Albert Casey’s O’Kief, Coshe, Mang volumes Irish Life and Lore Collections: Oral History recordings in conversation with local historians, archaeologists, folklorists and storytellers detailing aspects of Irish life in times past. Details of available collections can be viewed on the library catalogue  here.  Local Historical Photographs including Lawrence and Eason Collections. Global Gaelic Games Social Festival, Killarney On the weekend of October 18th & 19 th , Fitzgerald Stadium in  Killarney  will host the ultimate GAA extravaganza in the form of the  Global Gaelic Games Social Festival. This truly unique celebration  Kerry GAA  will bring together Gaelic Football enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a social player in a club or with a group of friends, a retired seasoned player, or simply looking for an incredible weekend filled with excitement, this is the event you won’t want to miss. Picture this: non-competitive 9-a-side Gaelic games that emphasize inclusiveness and integration, where ‘Mums and Gals’, ‘Dads and Lads’ come together to showcase their skills and build lasting connections. Throughout the weekend, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of music, delicious food, and lively entertainment from bands and DJs. From the opening ceremonies to the after-party, every moment is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. You can book here but be warned – tickets are selling out fast! Féile na Samhna – Bígí linn a chairde Chiarraí! Halloween comes from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, which celebrates the end of the annual harvest season and the coming of winter – and the Kerry Homecoming Festival have prepared a fantastic lineup of Halloween inspired events and activities, kids included! Jack-O-Lantern Carving & Samhain Mask Making Believe it, or not, the custom of pumpkin carving at Halloween originated in Ireland! In ancient times however, we did not have pumpkins and in fact the lanterns, to ward off spirits trapped between two worlds, Jack in particular, used to be carved from root vegetables such as turnips, sugar beets and even potatoes. Throughout the Kerry Halloween Homecoming Festival, The Dingle Druid, Julie will be presenting Jack-O-Lantern carving workshops, using the traditional sugar beet.  These will also include mask-making from natural materials.  Workshops are free and all materials will be provided. Or, if you prefer a Samhain mask why not design your own carved face or Púca and create your natural mask using traditional techniques and natural materials? Participants are also invited to bring their lanterns and masks along to any of the Samhain street spectacle events and become part of the cast. Admission is free for the all of these workshops however you must register to book your place via  Eventbrite .  Storytelling Irish storytelling is famed throughout the world, and for good reason! Well, where better to hear tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Tir na Nog and the Hag of Beara than in a place where their legend is enshrined in the landscape. Join us for a series of fireside storytelling sessions as the nights grow colder and the spirit of Samhain seeps into the air.  Niall de Búrca  is coming to Tralee for a celebration of Samhain as part of the Kerry Homecoming Festival. Niall, a master seanchaí, brings ancient Irish tales to life with unmatched charisma and a deep connection to the wild west coast where he was raised. Join us for an enchanting evening that will transport you through centuries of folklore, captivating audiences of all ages with stories that have stood the test of time. Don’t miss this spellbinding event! A second story teller,  Sean O’Laoghaire  is a goatherd and storyteller. Born and raised in Portmagee, Co. Kerry, He has worn many hats and has travelled many roads, listening, learning and laughing as he has travelled. Gather around for an enchanting evening of Samhain tales with Seán at Halloween in Waterville and Sneem whose unique blend of folklore, nature, and life wisdom captivates audiences of all ages. This family-friendly event brings adults and children together, just like sitting around the fireside, to explore the ancient myths and traditions of Samhain. Join us for an unforgettable night of storytelling as we celebrate the Celtic New Year! These are all free events but reserve your place via Eventbrite  HERE . Childrens’ Art Workshops The talented gang from  Me and the Moon  will also be bringing their inspiring childrens’ art workshops to Muckross House and Kerry County Museum, so sign up the little ones and let them express themselves by enjoying the creative process as much as the finished product! Live Gigs In addition to the extensive programme of events taking place as part of the Kerry Homecoming, there is a wide variety of music gigs taking place over the Halloween period. Amble – October 25th In only ten months, Amble have garnered over 135k monthly Spotify listeners and is fast approaching the 4,000,000-stream total, averaging over 30,000 streams a day. To date, Amble have sold out all shows. The unique perspective of three individual songwriters creates a peerless body of work that only enhances the now familiar ruminative observations on the world and, more pertinently – the stories unfolding each day within it. Mack Fleetwood – October 19th Europe’s premier tribute to the supergroup FLEETWOOD MAC, brings you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling band that still tours today. MACK FLEETWOOD bewitch their audience with authentic renditions of all your favourite classic FLEETWOOD MAC hits. Their love of the material and musical prowess shines through each song! Kingfishr – October 26th In 2 short years, they have racked up over 10 million streams on Spotify to date, were included in Spotify’s Fresh Finds UK & IE: Class of 2023 and began 2024 as Spotify RADAR: First Listen UK & IE Artists. The trio have started the year strongly, a festival performance at  Eurosonic  was quickly followed by  eight sold-out headline shows  across the UK and Ireland.  Kneecap – October 26th Merging Irish with English, satire with socially conscious lyrics, and reality with absurdity, theirs is  a voice which comes screaming from the too-often deprived areas of the North of Ireland , speaking in a language which is too-often ignored, and it makes for suitably electrifying stuff. There seems to be  no stopping their spectacular rise , with sold out tours in the US and UK and even bigger plans to come.  Whether you understand half of what they’re saying or not, you won’t want to miss them… David James Dance – October 27th David James is 25 years old and hails from the small village of Killea Co.Donegal. He started performing at the tender age of 14 around the local pubs and clubs in counties Donegal/Derry & Tyrone. His live shows carry an infectious energy which has seen him win numerous awards such as ‘Irelands Best Young Entertainer’. In his short career he has even performed for Prince Harry & Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. David will be joined by the fantastic Ryan Turner Band for his performance. All live gigs will take place at the Gleneagle INEC Arena Killarney, the largest music and multi purpose venue in Ireland outside Dublin, and Ireland’s only residential event centre. Additional Information The Kerry Homecoming Festival truly has something for everyone – each event and workshop has multiple listings available too, meaning its never been easier to take part! All listings are subject to availability and change – please check the official festival website linked here for full details.

Lover of all things literary? The Redline Book Festival is the place to be! On from the 14th to the 20th of October, this festival is a celebration of everything books, with events across South Dublin that are sure to spark something in your imagination. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or simply enjoy a good yarn, there’s something for everyone at the Redline Book Festival. What’s On Prepare to be spoiled for choice with a jam-packed schedule of events! The Redline Book Festival has plenty of readings, discussions, workshops, and performances scheduled. Here’s what you can expect: Author Readings and Conversations : Meet and speak to some of your favourite authors! Workshops : The festival has workshops that cater to all skill levels. Panel Discussions and Debates : Engage with thought-provoking topics and discussions on current issues in literature, culture, and society. Children’s and Family Events : The little ones aren’t left out! The festival features a range of family-friendly events, including a family fun day. Guided Walks : For those who love a bit of fresh air with their literature, sign up for one of the festival’s walks. When and Where The Redline Book Festival runs from October 14th to 20th , with over 40 events taking place in fascinating performance venues including the Civic Theatre, Rua Red, Work IQ,  Rathfarnham Castle, Pearse Museum, Brú Chrónáin-Round Tower Visitor Centre Clondalkin, The Old Courthouse, Rathcoole and The Coach House, Palmerstown with a variety of local cultural and historical offerings of events and workshops that will appeal to people of all ages and interests, from children to adults, casual readers to bookworms. Check the Redline Festival website for the full schedule and venue details. Ticket Information While some events at the Redline Book Festival are free, others require tickets. Prices vary depending on the event, usually ranging from €5 to €15 . It’s highly recommended to book in advance, as spaces for the more intimate events tend to sell out quickly. For all the details and to secure your spot at the events that tickle your fancy, head over to the official Redline Festival website .