Iron Maiden have been confirmed as one of Dublin’s big summer concert draws for 2025. The metal icons have slotted in a return to the capital as part of their Run for Your Lives 50th Anniversary World Tour , which spans 2025 and 2026. They will play Malahide Castle on Wednesday, June 25 with support from Halestorm and The Raven Age . Tickets will go on sale, via Ticketmaster.ie, at the end of next week – Friday, September 27. The new tour will be a breath of fresh air for old timer Maiden fans, promising a set list solely taken from their original heyday – the band’s first 9 albums, from 1980s Iron Maiden to 1992s Fear of the Dark , with all the classics in between ( Killers, The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere in Time, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and No Prayer for the Dying ) included, to boot. As well as Dublin, the first leg of the tour takes in 28 dates across 16 European countries between late May and early August, when the initial jaunt wraps up in Warsaw.

Located in Temple Bar, Kasi Café does not serve your typical Indian cuisine. Kasi incorporates bold flavours and cooking styles from 3 key regions in Southern India, making it a must visit for foodies looking for culturally rich dishes, ranging from seafood to curries! Kasi Café , 3-4 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 F884 , was founded by brothers Daril Chamakkalayil Thomas and Dipin Chamakkalayil Thomas, who grew up surrounded by the the traditional cuisine of Kerala. Their vision was to share the authentic flavors of their homeland with Dublin and, eventually, the whole of Ireland. Their goal is not just to replicate Kerala dishes but to bring the true essence of Kerala’s culinary traditions to life, blending age-old techniques with modern presentations. Kasi Café is their way of introducing the rich and varied tastes of Kerala to a new audience, creating a bridge between their homeland and their new home in Ireland. The 3 Regions Inspiring Kasi The name “Kasi” refers to the sacred city of Varanasi, with restaurant’s focus firmly rooted in Kerala’s traditional cooking, with deep influences from three distinct regions: Malabar, Kochi, and Venad. These regions, each with their own history and flavour profile, provide the foundation for a really unique dining experience that blends the past with the present. Malabar Cuisine draws from the region’s historic trade with Arab merchants. This region is known for its rich, spice-infused dishes like Malabar Biryani and flaky Malabar Parotta, Malabar cuisine highlights the use of ghee, dried fruits, and rice in savory dishes, often paired with coconut-based curries. Kochi Cuisine is a reflection of the influence of Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlers, evident in dishes like Fish Moilee, a mild coconut milk curry that balances local spices with European techniques. Seafood, of course, is at the heart of Kochi’s offerings, and dishes like Kochi Prawn Curry bring together the best of local ingredients with global ideas. Venad Cuisine, from the southern region of Kerala is known for its rich, coconut-based gravies and slow-cooked meats, Venad dishes like Vembanadu Paal Konchu (prawns in coconut gravy) and Achayan Beef Roast are hearty, luxurious, and full of flavor. These dishes, often slow-cooked to perfection, pay homage to the royal feasts that once defined this region. And Kasi Café really does have it all, meshing these 3 regions together so expertly in the dishes that they create, that you can be sure to have a fantastic hearty meal here, whatever you’re craving! A Taste of Kerala at Kasi Café When the T2I team visited Kasi, it was clear to see that the menu itself was laid out as a foodie-journey through Kerala. Signature dishes like the Golden Rawa Prawns, a crispy delight of prawns marinated in a special rawa-infused sauce, reflect the café’s commitment to authentic flavors. Meanwhile, dishes like the Kochulli Konchu Varaval, a stir-fried shrimp dish with onions and coconut, embody Kerala’s seafood traditions. For those looking for the comfort of home-cooked Kerala meals, the café offers Kerala Paratha, a flaky, layered flatbread that pairs perfectly with the rich, coconut-based Nadan Kozhi Curry. And for an authentic Kerala dining experience, the Kasi Signature Thali brings together a variety of traditional dishes, offering a full spectrum of flavors in one meal. The team was impressed, with every dish having been crafted with care, using the finest ingredients to capture the true essence of Kerala’s cuisine. The Café promises an unforgettable dining experience, and delivers! Check out our reel from Kasi Café below.

The Limerick Jazz Festival is back from September 26th to 29th , and is set to be full of fantastic jazz performances, interactive workshops, and jazz trails! The festival, now in its 13th edition, promises a great line-up, bringing together a mix of international jazz icons, homegrown talent, and emerging artists. Here’s a look at what’s on. What’s On 1. Live Concerts and Performances Kicking off on Thursday night Romanian singer  Aleka Potinga  will take the stage to perform music from her 2024 EP  Romania: Songs of Love and Longing . Her style combines Romanian folk traditions with jazz and rock elements, creating a cosmopolitan blend that reflects her musical journey across borders. Following her performance, Chris Guilfoyle’s  Oxygen Thief  trio, known for their fusion of jazz, math rock, and electronica, will continue the evening. Aleka will also join the trio for a unique collaboration. Returning to Limerick is acclaimed American saxophonist and composer  Benjamin Boone . Boone, who was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music during 2022-2023. His performance will feature collaborations with local talents such as John Daly, Joe O’Callaghan, Dan Bodwell, and JaYne, making this one of the festival’s most anticipated events. London-based saxophonist and composer  Emma Rawicz will make her Limerick debut, with her performance promising to bring fresh energy to the festival. The festival will close on Sunday afternoon at Dolan’s with with Benjamin Boone taking the stage once more with his ensemble, followed by the much-anticipated return of internationally acclaimed guitarist  Andreas Varady  and his Trio. 2. Free Jazz Trails Saturday afternoon will see the return of the popular  Jazz Trail , which turns the streets of Limerick’s City Centre into a live music hotspot. The Jazz Trail will feature a variety of performances, including Steve’s Big Band and smaller groups drawn from the Limerick Jazz Workshop. This event highlights the strength of the local jazz scene and reflects the continued growth and development of jazz in the region. 3. Jazz Masterclasses and Workshops Ever wanted to learn how to scat sing like Ella Fitzgerald or get behind a double bass like Charles Mingus? This year’s festival features interactive workshops and masterclasses , where jazz experts will teach the ins and outs of various instruments and vocal techniques. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn something new! Workshops include: Improvisation Techniques Jazz Piano for Beginners Exploring Rhythm and Groove When and Where? The festival kicks off on Thursday, September 26th , and runs until Sunday, September 29th . Throughout the festival, performances and events will take place across Limerick’s most iconic venues, including: Dolans Warehouse The Belltable Theatre Pery’s Hotel Ticket Information Limerick Jazz Festival offers individual concert tickets for headlining performances starting from €15 – €35 . For full details on the programme, tickets, and venues, visit the official Limerick Jazz Festival website .

Lover of classical music? Looking to attend a baroque dance workshop? The Sligo Baroque Music Festival is set to take place from the 27-29th of September, promising a weekend packed full of unique baroque themed events and 17th-18th century music. Taking place in Sligo, this festival offers a rare opportunity to hear world-class musicians perform timeless compositions that have shaped the musical world we know today. Here’s everything that’s on! What’s On London Handel Players – Furies and Blessed Spirits Friday 27 September 2024, 7.30pm St John’s Cathedral, John Street, F91 E303 Tickets €25 from The Model, U18s half price The opening concert introduces this year’s festival theme of mystery and the spirit world, with outstanding performances of music by Bach, Gluck, Locke, Campra and more, including Vivaldi’s violin concerto L’inquietudine and his sublime aria Sol da te. Many will remember the London Handel Players’ extraordinary performance of Bach’s complete Brandenburg Concertos at the Festival in 2021. Baroque Dance Workshop Saturday 28 September 2024, 11.00am The Model, The Mall F91 TP20 Free, booking requested via The Model as capacity is limited Join renowned experts Mary Collins and Steve Player for this practical introduction to Baroque dance, its style and etiquette. For adults and children from age 11. Step back in time to experience an opportunity to reunite the music we love with the dance for which it was composed. Wear flexible shoes and clothing which allows you to move freely. Feldmusik – A Noble Noyse Saturday 28 September 2024, 2.30pm Queen Maeve Square, Stephen Street Free open-air performance Feldmusik is a historical wind band formed by students of MUK, the Music and Arts University of Vienna, and led by celebrated oboist Andreas Helm. Made up of oboes, recorders, bassoons and drums,  the oboe band is now rarely heard, but was very popular throughout Europe between 1690 and 1720. This free concert at the new public performance space in Sligo presents an attractive selection of dance music and airs from the period. Croatian Baroque Ensemble Saturday 28 September 2024, 7.30pm St John’s Cathedral, John Street, F91 E303 Tickets €25 from The Model, U18s half price On their first visit to Ireland, the excellent Croatian Baroque Ensemble bring us Bach’s famous fifth Brandenburg Concerto, a trumpet sonata by Telemann, and concertos by composers less well known, such as Gaetano Schiassi and Carlos Seixas. Rachel Brown, flutes and recorder, and Silas Woolston, harpischord – Spirits of the Night Saturday 28 September 2024, 9.30pm St John’s Cathedral, John Street, F91 E303 Tickets €17 from The Model, U18s half price The concert programme takes the form of a musical journey through the night from sunset to sunrise, linking pieces from Vivaldi’s atmospheric flute concerto, La Notte , through other composers’ evocations of ghosts, the night sky, songs of the nightingale, and sleep, and coming to rest in the serene tones of Bach, father and son. Sligo Academy of Music Sunday 29 September 2024, 1.00pm The Model, The Mall F91 TP20 Free, booking via The Model In this recital of historically informed performances by students of Sligo Academy of Music, together with Sligo Baroque Orchestra, we will hear favourite Baroque pieces from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Purcell’s Fairy Queen , a sonata by Fasch, and Handel’s aria Lascia ch’io pianga , as well as his harp concerto. Sligo Baroque Orchestra – The Enchanted Forest Sunday 29 September 2024, 2.00pm The Model, The Mall F91 TP20 Tickets €12 from The Model, U18s half price The Enchanted Forest was Geminiani’s only composition for the theatre, originally written in 1754 for a pantomime, a kind of dramatic ballet, telling the story of the crusader Godfrey of Bouillon besieging Jerusalem, who needed to cut down a forest for the timber, but was prevented by sorcery, which was overcome by the hero Rinaldo. The music for the pantomime has not survived, but SBO will perform this orchestral work which Geminiani arranged from it in 1761. It is in two parts, with eighteen short, highly varied movements. Nicholas Milne – The Puncke’s Delight Sunday 29 September 2024, 4.00pm The Model, The Mall F91 TP20 Tickets €17 from The Model, U18s half price In this lecture recital, Nick Milne explores the large but rarely performed solo repertoire for the lyra viol, a small 17th century bass viol with a special playing technique. He will play airs and dances by Corkine and Hume from books they published in 1605 and 1610. Nick grew up in Dublin and now lives in Utrecht. Festival Reception Sunday 29 September 2024, 5.30pm The Model, The Mall F91 TP20 Tickets €20 from The Model In the interval between the Sunday afternoon and evening performances, a delicious informal two-course meal is available at The Model, catered by Ósta Café. Main course options are Dexter Beef Bourgignon or Squash, Cashew and Coconut Curry, with dessert of Apple Crumble with custard or ice cream. Wine and other beverages may be purchased separately. Please note that booking is essential and must be made by noon on Friday 27 September. The meal is not covered by the Festival Pass.  People who just want  to have a convivial drink or meet friends are welcome to the Reception too, but the meal is only available with prior booking. The Fairy Queen Sunday 29 September 2024, 7.30pm The Hawk’s Well Theatre, Temple Street, F91 CFY7 Tickets €30 from The Hawk’s Well, U18s half price With love, enchantment, a drunken poet, fairies, night, mystery, and the seasons, Purcell’s  delightful scenes inspired by Shakespeare’s  A Midsummer Night’s Dream  have some of his finest and most tuneful music. This unique new production for Sligo Baroque Music Festival features a cast of outstanding young Irish and international singers, with baroque dancers and a full period orchestra, comprising London Handel Players and the Croatian Baroque Ensemble. Tickets Tickets are available online, by phone and in person from The Model and The Hawk’s Well box offices, for the events as noted above. Half-price tickets available for under-18s. The Festival Pass admits to all events 27-29 September, except the Festival Reception. Price €100, a discount of over 20%, available from The Model. For more information, visit the official festival website , where you can also find more details on each performance and workshop.

Inchicore has earned a place among the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, according to Time Out magazine. Joining Dublin favourites like Stoneybatter and Phibsboro, this Dublin 8 gem is now officially recognised as one of the country’s most happening spots. Situated across the River Liffey, near the Phoenix Park and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Inchicore has quietly thrived as an underrated hotspot. Longstanding businesses such as Rascal’s Brewery, along with newer arrivals like Tacos Lupillo—both highlighted by Time Out contributor Rory Cashin—capture the area’s charm as a “vibey, walkable district.” Cashin’s local guide also praises Richmond Barracks, Richmond Park, Riggers café, the traditional Glen pub, and Stillgarden Gin Distillery. Ranking 25th on the list, Inchicore stands alongside neighbourhoods from places like Osu in Accra, Ghana, the Palace District in Budapest, and Strathbungo in Glasgow. Topping the global rankings is Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France, which impressed with its vibrant cul-de-sacs, graffiti-filled alleyways, and charming tree-lined streets. Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco, and Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia, took second and third spots. Time Out , a travel and hospitality media giant, started in 1968 as a London guide and has since expanded into a global network. The list was compiled by quizzing its international team of experts on the coolest enclaves to visit across the globe.

Celebrating the finest shellfish, the Galway International Oyster Festival is on from the 27-29th of September. The festival a delicious mix of food & fun, a place where oysters aren’t the only ones coming out of their shells! With shucking competitions, live music, and plenty of Guinness to go around, this is a weekend that combines the best of Ireland’s wild spirit and food! Get ready to celebrate all things oysters. What’s On The festival isn’t just about eating oysters—it’s about everything oysters. Traditionally, over the three days, the festival hosts the World Oyster Opening Championship, a Party of Champions, a Guinness and Oyster reception and an electrifying line up of top class artists, and an afternoon Marquee Reception (with more Guinness and Oysters). Here’s a taster of what you can expect: The World Oyster Opening Championship Saturday 28th September brings the core unmissable event, the World Oyster Opening Championship , commencing with a lively parade of competitors weaving its way through the narrow medieval streets of Galway City down to Nimmo’s Pier. Oyster openers from all over the world showcase their unique technique, talent, and precision as they battle it out through the intense excitement for the World title. It’s fast, furious, and fascinating! Party of Champions The ‘Party of Champions’ on Saturday evening is a highlight of the festival calendar where revellers and competitors gather to celebrate our newly crowned victor whilst enjoying oysters and bubbles all the while showcasing their best moves on the dance floor to a jam-packed live music programme. To avail of 10% off ticket prices for the Party of Champions, use the promotional code – THISISGALWAY24 . Oyster Tastings Of course, the oysters are the stars of the show, and tastings throughout the weekend will offer you a chance to try some in their freshest form, locally sourced from Galway Bay. These oysters are known for their rich, salty-sweet flavor that’s unlike any other. Féile Bia Na Mara – Family Fun Included! Sunday is a family day of fun, workshops and talks and above all a celebration of the wonderful bounty of delicious seafood that can be found all along the Wild Atlantic Way. Our festival kitchen has a jam packed programme of Cooking Demo’s from an impressive line-up of lauded local and national chefs. Come and learn about our local produce and pick up a few culinary tips to impress your loved ones along the way. Live music will help you to unwind, take in the iconic views of Galway’s Long Walk and keep you entertained as you try to decide what to taste next; oysters, mussels, clams, fish tacos, smoked salmon? We suggest you arrive hungry and try them all! The Seafood Trail A Seafood Trail will be on, which is a selection of Galway’s best restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients & seafood; each restaurant will have Galway Oysters available from Thursday to Sunday during the festival. In total, the Seafood Trail involves 16 of Galway’s leading seafood establishments from McDonagh’s world-renowned seafood restaurant on Quay St, to the city’s best known oyster houses Tigh Neachtain. You can find the list of participating venues here. Additional Information & Tickets The Galway International Oyster Festival takes place over this weekend, from September 27th to 29th in the Claddagh on Ninmo’s Pier. General Admission : Friday & Saturday are both ticketed days, and Sunday is free. World Oyster Opening Championship : Priced at €90, this pass gives you access to the championship. Party of Champions : Looking to celebrate in style? The Party of Champions tickets cost €55 and include a full evening of dining, dancing, and, of course, unlimited oysters! Weekend Packages : If you’re all in, consider a weekend package for €175 and offer full access to the festival’s top events, ensuring you don’t miss a single oyster (or pint!). Ready to dive in? Visit galwayoysterfestival.com to get your tickets and plan your weekend!

The Dingle Food Festival is on from October 4th-6th, and is set to be a celebration of flavours with a focus on zero waste. Organized by local volunteers on a non-profit basis, the festival features the popular Taste Trail, Market Stalls, Masterclasses, Workshops, Children’s Events, Street Entertainment, Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne, and more. Celebrate food, community, and sustainability all in one! Taste Trail One of the highlights of the Dingle Food Festival is the Taste Trail, where you will get a chance to go across a few restaurants in Dingle, trying their specialties! For a full list of participating venues, click here. Dates:  Saturday & Sunday Time:  1pm – 5pm (with some venues offering extended hours) Locations:  Pubs, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops throughout Dingle Street Market Alongside the Taste Trail, the Dingle Food Festival features bustling Street Markets. The usual Farmers’ Market kicks off the festivities on Friday. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, over 50 stalls will line Bridge St., Greys Lane, and Orchard Lane. Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with outdoor live music and street entertainment, making the markets a must-visit for all festival-goers.  Dates:  Saturday & Sunday Time:  1pm – 5pm (with some venues offering extended hours) Locations:  Pubs, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops throughout Dingle Masterclasses New for 2024, brought to you by Bia Dingle, the Corca Dhuibhne Food Network – the Dingle Food Festival will feature exclusive Masterclasses led by top chefs and foodie experts. These sessions offer hands-on learning and insider tips to elevate your cooking skills. Please note, bookings are available through Eventbrite only, which you can find here. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best! Workshops The festival will have a series of engaging workshops, designed to inspire and educate food enthusiasts of all levels. These workshops are also bookable through eventbrite. For the Kids Animal Roadshow Face Painting Arts & Crafts Face Glitter Temporary Tattoos Lego Bouncy Castles Additionally, this year Dingle COP invites kids ages 5-12 to join our free Wildlife Art workshop at the Dingle Food Festival. Kids will draw inspiration from nature and biodiversity led by local artists. Don’t miss out on this fabulous weekend of fun and creativity! Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne  Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne  is an informal long table dining event showcasing the bounty of sustainably produced food & beverage from The Dingle Peninsula. It’s an event to thank and celebrate producers for preserving our culinary heritage, and for producing outstanding food across the Dingle Peninsula. Not only will you get a chance to taste all this on the night, you will also get some unique insights from the producers which no doubt will spark some interesting debates! Blas na hÉireann Blas na hÉireann returns to Dingle! The Irish Food Awards finalists will gather in the Blas Village on Green St as over 400+ producers from all across Ireland will travel with their colleagues, families and friends to take part in the weekends awards, networking, events and celebration of Irish food. This is the 17th year of the awards which celebrate the very best of Irish food and drinks. It is the biggest blind tasting in Ireland. The tasting took place in Cork, Dublin, Northern Ireland & Dingle throughout the summer with the celebrations, awards and showcase taking place once again in Dingle. The 400+ producers who will be coming to Dingle to celebrate the finalist stage have been through a rigorous judging process & have reached the top 5 in their category, it is a massive achievement.  Sing Along Social The Sing Along Social is back this year to celebrate the very best of Irish food & drinks and the producers who join us in Dingle for the awards and festivities Blas na hÉireann & Dick Mack’s have invited Aoife McElwain’s feel good, fun filled, zero commitment choir back for a party! Cheesy tunes, dancing and sheer craic are guaranteed. The event is on Friday, the 4th of October at 9pm. The all Island Foodie Quiz The quiz will be choc full of foodie rounds and very special prizes to be won too! €20 per team of 4 – spaces are limited and cannot be pre-booked – best way to get your space is to be there early. The event kicks off at 9pm sharp in McCarthy’s bar on Thursday the 3rd of October, and is hosted by Conal Stewart of Ards & North Down with all proceeds going to the local Dingle charity West Kerry Care of the Aged. Ticket Options: To participate in the Taste Trail & Markets, you must either bring your own bowl or rent one: Bring Your Own Bowl (must present your bowl at the ticket office to purchase/collect tickets) : Purchase a book of Taste Tickets for just €20. This includes 6 tickets valued at €3 each, with the remaining €2 going toward supporting the festival. Tickets can be bought online for easy click-and-collect at the Main Festival office  which will be located at the Goat Café on Goat Street , or purchased over the weekend at one of the ticket outlets. Rent a Bowl : If you prefer, you can rent one of their stainless steel bowls for €2. The festival requires a €5 refundable deposit, which you’ll get back when you return the bowl at the end of the festival. For more information on the event, and to book certain events, visit the official festival website.

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!