Have you ever dreamt of spending a night or two in an enchanting Hobbit house? Well, now you can. These are some of Ireland’s quirkiest Hobbit-inspired stays, where you can escape reality for a while. Glamping Under the Stars, Portlaoise, County Laois Glamping Under the Stars in Portlaoise, County Laois offers a huge range of glamping options for a family getaway. The Hobbit Houses are just one of the many kinds of accommodation, and they’re just as magical as they sound. The houses are in the ‘Mountain Under the Stars’ site, resting at the foot of Cullenagh Mountain. Each house sleeps a family of up to six and has all the necessities to make your stay memorable. With a private bathroom, garden, picnic bench and chimney stove, you can really live like a Hobbit in this lovely self-catering spot. Wildflower Glamping, County Cavan The Hobbit Hut at Wildflower Glamping in County Cavan offer the most marvellous break away from reality. Sleeping up to five people, the hut is perfect for a group trip. The charming little home is kitted out with all you need for your glamping experience. With an electric stove, an outdoor picnic table and a private cooking and storage shed, you’ll have all the essentials for a home-cooked meal away from home. Cosy up and enjoy this unique experience as you live out your storybook fantasy. Mayo Glamping, Castlebar, County Mayo Visit the enchanting earth covered houses at the Mayo Glamping site. There are a number of options; so you can select the Hobbit House that best suits you. These deceptively spacious little huts offer the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. You’ll be treated to a comfortable and unique glamping experience, complete with a communal kitchen, toilets and showers. This site also has its own hot tub which is available on request, so you can really relax while you take some time away. The Hobbit House, Drumkeeran, County Leitrim This is another magical escape also available to book on Airbnb. The Hobbit House is built into the land in Drumkeeran, County Leitrim. It is surrounded by the beautiful Pink Apple Orchard with views of Lough Allen and sleeps up to five people. It is ideal for a unique group getaway. You’ll have your own private eco toilet and hot shower. As well as access to communal facilities that include, kitchen, outdoor seating area, fire pit and barbecue. If you’re bringing the little ones, they’ll love the play area, outdoor blackboards and live willow teepee. It really is the ultimate fairytale getaway. What are you waiting for? Ireland’s most enchanting Hobbit Houses are ready for you to enjoy!

This mid-term break, why not swap pumpkin patches and cinema trips for a stay in a 400-year-old real-life haunted castle? Ballygally Castle, perched dramatically on the Antrim Coast and long-regarded as one of Ireland’s most haunted buildings, is offering a Halloween experience with a difference. Step inside its historic walls on Sunday 26th October for the Trick-or-Treat Castle Retreat, an overnight package designed for couples, and thrill-seekers alike. On arrival, guests will enjoy the Castle’s famous Halloween themed buffet, brimming with devilish delights (served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm). After feasting, check in for a night within the Castle’s storied walls, where centuries-old tales of spirits and hauntings linger in the corridors. The next morning, a hearty full Irish breakfast will ensure you’re fortified before heading back to the land of the living. Or for families, avail of some excellent rates during the October mid-term break. A family room from October 24th starts from €242 for 2 Adults and 2 children, including breakfast. Ballygally Castle’s ghostly reputation is legendary. Guests can explore the Castle’s turret room, said to be haunted by resident ghost Lady Isabella Shaw, whose tragic story dates back to the 17th century. With its mix of haunted history, coastal beauty, and festive fun, Ballygally Castle is the ultimate destination for a Halloween break with atmosphere. The Trick-or-Treat Castle Retreat package from €213 for one guest / €287 for two guests sharing. This includes: Entry to the Halloween themed Buffet, Sunday 26th October (12.30pm – 2.30pm) Luxurious overnight accommodation in Ballygally Castle Full Irish breakfast Complimentary car parking

From luxury barges and canal-side cottages to heritage university quarters and countryside retreats, Kildare is offering a fresh take on the staycation. The county’s alternative accommodation options provide visitors with more than just a bed — they offer experiences rich in character, history, and local charm. Stay Barrow Blueway – Monasterevin Set in lovingly restored 150-year-old stables, Stay Barrow Blueway provides self-contained luxury apartments nestled along the tranquil Barrow Blueway. Guests can walk, cycle, or kayak in the “Venice of Ireland,” with nearby attractions including Moore Abbey Woods and the Irish National Stud & Gardens. More info: https://staybarrowblueway.ie/ Roisin Dubh Barge – Sallins For a stay that gently rocks you to sleep, the Roisin Dubh houseboat offers 5-star self-catering accommodation moored on the Grand Canal. Ideal for couples or families, it’s within walking distance of Lock13 Brewery, canal barge cruises, and the Greenway walking route. Booking: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/roisin-dubh-houseboat.html Castlestone Holiday Homes – Naas Set on a working family farm, these stylish homes combine heritage charm with modern comforts. Just minutes from Naas town, visitors can enjoy local markets, hiking trails, horse racing, and scenic drives through the Blessington Lakes area. Details: https://www.castlestoneholiday.com/ Robertstown Holiday Village Overlooking the peaceful Grand Canal, these self-catering cottages are perfect for families or friends seeking a rural escape. Guests can fish, walk or cycle the towpaths, and explore nearby nature centres and bogland heritage trails. See more: https://www.robertstownholidayvillage.com/ Maynooth Campus Accommodation Available in summer months, Maynooth University’s historic campus offers guests the chance to stay in academic quarters surrounded by history. Just steps from Maynooth Castle and Carton House, and with easy access to Dublin by train, it’s ideal for a short break or city-fringe retreat. Info: https://maynoothcampus.com/bedrooms Accommodation & Camping – Athy From family-run guesthouses to camping and caravanning sites, Athy is a welcoming base for exploring south Kildare. Visitors can enjoy river cruises, heritage trails, local festivals, and trips to the Shackleton Museum (opening Autumn 2025) or Castlecomer Discovery Park. Find options: https://www.accommodationathy.com/

Why not try a sustainable, cheaper travel choice this year with a glamorous, wholesome trip to the Northern Ireland countryside?  You don’t need to take a flight to escape your everyday routine. Take the stress out of travelling and book an experience in a woodland, lakeside or countryside glamping location.  Going camping does not mean you have to forfeit your comforts, such as WIFI, network connection and a comfortable bed. Today’s campsites are more equipped than ever. Many offer electric hook–ups, showers and some even come with a private hot tub. Here are a few to consider for a holiday this summer: Carrickreagh Bay, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh  Overlooking the renowned Lough Erne, simply walk down to Carrickreagh Jetty to enjoy the serene beauty of the water. Just a short walk away is direct access to the Ely Lodge Forest, which is a 250-hectare forest. These unique pods cater for up to four people with prices starting at €188 approx.. This includes a comfy double bed and hotel-quality bed linen included, plus integrated bunkbeds tucked away, ideal for tweens or teens, see here. Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down  Try a spot of glamping at one of the award-winning camping pods in Strangford. Located in a quiet corner of the Castle Ward estate, you can pitch a tent, hire a caravan or enjoy a tranquil night under the stars in the family or premier glamping pods. From the park, enjoy spectacular views over Strangford Lough and stroll along the many walking trials that surrounded the area. You are sure to experience a wholesome stay as some of the most ancient woodlands hug your surroundings. You can pitch a tent at Castle Word for as little as €30 approx., see here . Benone Getaways – Glamping Village, Limavady, County Derry   The site is six glamping pods, five luxury and one exclusive pod with its own private area and hot tub. All pods have access to a unique firepit and BBQ cabin that can be used by guests to cook a meal or enjoy a glass of wine around the fire. Set in a stunning location only a couple of minutes’ walk away from a seven- mile blue flagged beach. The location has scenic views of Binevenagh Mountain and the Hills of Donegal with prices starting at €230, see here .  For more information, and to help you build your perfect glamping inspired itinerary, visit here .

oTreehouse stays were once the preserve of childhood imagination; now they’re among Ireland’s most coveted staycation boltholes. Below are five of the best that are open and taking bookings in 2025 ! 1. The Hideaway, Dromquinna Manor — Kenmare, Co. Kerry From its private, gated board-walk you step into a canvas pavilion on a wooded cliff above Kenmare Bay. Inside, antiques and a wilderness kingsize bed; outside, the tide! Think of it less as glamping and more as a romantic retreat that simply happens to have canvas walls. The Hideaway has a two-night minimum stay -the first night is priced at €350, additional nights €250  and include a hamper breakfast and complimentary Prosecco. Book: dromquinnamanor.com/the-hideaway 2. Treehouse Dome, Fernwood — Clifden, Co. Galway Five metres up in native woodland, Fernwood’s geodesic dome pairs Connemara wildness with boutique comforts, including a super-king bed, wood-burning stove, rain shower and a private lakeside sauna for post-hike perfection. By day you’re on the Sky Road, by night the Milky Way crawls across the domed ceiling! The Airbnb listing shows from €355 per night  in summer 2025; direct bookings often run 20% cheaper. Book: fernwood.eco 3. Couples’ Treehouse, Teapot Lane Glamping — Tawley, Co. Leitrim Cross a timber bridge into lantern-lit branches where a pot-belly stove keeps the king-bed cabin toasty year-round. A compost loo hides off the balcony, with a hot outdoor shower just under. The Atlantic is ten minutes away, but most guests never leave the hammock. Starts from €390 for a two-night stay  (€195 per night) with 5% off if you linger longer. Adults only, pets welcome by prior arrangement. Book: glampingireland.ie/accommodation/the-treehouse 4. Grove House Treehouses — Skibbereen, West Cork Three cedar-clad pods sit in the treetops of a Victorian estate, each with outdoor hot-tub, spiral stairs and a porthole window that frames the stars. By day you’re minutes from Atlantic coves and by night it’s you, the owls and a glass of something cold in the tub. Prices start at €199 mid-week and €239 at weekends ; weekly lets from €1,350 in high season. Book: cottagesforcouples.ie 5. Bubble Domes, Finn Lough Forest Hideaway — Co. Fermanagh Strictly speaking these are clear-skinned domes rather than tree-houses, but you float in the canopy all the same, and if your travel partner or kids have a fear of heights this is the perfect compromise. Transparent walls give 180-degree views of oak branches by day and stars by night. Morning begins with a breakfast hamper and ends, perhaps, in the lakeside spa’s sauna barrels. Rates range from €345 to €740 per night  depending on dome category, breakfast and kayaks included. Book : finnlough.com . At Travel2Ireland we work hard to find the best deals for things to do around the country -   use this   Booking.com  affiliate link to secure your dream adventure, at no extra cost to you!

This Halloween, dive into a world of spooky fun with the Waterford Suir Valley Railway’s Spooky Express, then get cosy in a cabin at Mount Congreve Gardens! Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Suir Valley Railway are joining forces to offer a great-value stay that promises adventure, exploration, and memories that will last long after autumn ends. Here’s what awaits you: All Aboard the Spooky Express: Your Halloween adventure begins at Kilmeadan Station, where you’ll buy your tickets in the charming converted Irish Rail carriage. Get ready to meet some kooky, creepy characters who are eager to welcome you to the spooky festivities on the platform. A Journey Through the Unknown: Once the whistle blows, set off on an unforgettable trip through the enchanting countryside and along the picturesque River Suir, reaching as far as Carriganore. Keep your eyes peeled for spine-tingling scenes and surprises along the way! Spooky Scenes and Family Fun: As you travel at a leisurely 17 km/h, enjoy the spooky scenery that bring Halloween magic to life. Our partially open carriages add an extra layer of excitement, but remember to dress warmly—it can get chilly! Comfort and Refreshments: For those who prefer indoor comfort, we have two fully enclosed carriages. And when you return to Kilmeadan Station, you can warm up and enjoy some tasty treats and hot beverages at our Whistlestop Café. There’s ALSO plenty for kids to discover at Mount Congreve. Let them roam the woodlands, explore winding paths, and play freely at Monty’s Lawn in the impressive Woodland Playground. From climbing towers and adventure tunnels to swings and hammocks tucked among the trees, it’s a natural playground that brings imaginations to life. Staycation For those who don’t want the day to end, Mount Congreve now offers eco-family cabins set in the heart of the gardens. With a double bed, a children’s bunk room, a private hot tub, and complimentary adult bikes for exploring the Waterford Greenway, a two-night stay from €435 is a great way to turn a fun day trip into a full-on family escape. Plus, the gardens are just 10 minutes from Waterford City, and are open all year, offering not only expansive gardens and play areas but also The Stables Café and Foxford Shop, ideal for a staycation during which you can mix relaxing, browsign and good food together. Railway & Ticket Information The Waterford Suir Valley Railway operates hourly departures from 11 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sundays. Tickets start from €12.50 for adults, €6 for children, and family passes begin at €28 for two adults and one child. So if you’re looking for a day out with a difference, packed with value, fresh air, and fun for all ages, this is your ticket to an autumn well spent. Visit www.mountcongreve.com and www.wsvrailway.ie for more information and booking.

A lot of travellers in the know prefer country hotels. That’s because country hotels offer a more intimate experience, and as their name suggests – the countryside setting is also something to cherish. That’s certainly true for Irish country hotels – they are big on location, a personalised experience, and also the fact that their properties are very unique. So if you had to experience the comforts, luxury and beautiful settings of Irish country hotels, where would you go? Think stunning private parklands, oak staircases, ornate fireplaces and properties that are steeped in history. Already dreaming? We’ll help turn your dream into reality. Here is a list to get you started, and we must warn you. Once you experience the beauty and luxury of an Irish country hotel, you will expect nothing less on your next holiday! Lyrath Estate– Kilkenny Lyrath Estate is a five-star hotel that boasts gorgeous grounds spread over 170 acres of the Irish countryside. You have picturesque lakes, historic gardens and emerald woodlands. But that’s not all. This Irish country hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, Oasis Spa with an indoor infinity pool, a leisure centre and 2 award-winning restaurants. Free WiFi is available throughout. Guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep at Lyrath Estate as rooms are soundproof and have blackout curtains. Each room includes a 43-inch flat-screen TV and overlooks the estate. The Leisure Centre boasts a 17 m swimming pool, a gym, a steam room and a jacuzzi with a smaller splash pool for younger children. Oasis Spa offers a range of treatments, and pre-booking of appointments is essential. Contemporary Irish cuisine is on the menu at Yew Restaurant which uses locally sourced ingredients while Tupper’s is a traditional Irish bar which also serves bar food. The Grill & Bar features an open kitchen, cocktail bar and panoramic views. It is located on the mezzanine level and features dishes such as Tomahawk steak and lobster. Truly a world within itself, isn’t it? Find a booking link here. Ballyseede Castle – Tralee Who doesn’t dream of staying in a castle? Think four-poster beds, ornate marble fireplaces, elegant drawing rooms, and a property that allows you to step back in time. Ballyseede Castle is an Irish country hotel that provides elegant accommodation, fine dining with traditional Irish cuisine, and rooms that tell a story. Add to it the picturesque natural setting, and you will have an unforgettable holiday. If this sets your heart aflutter, find a booking link here. Cabra Castle Hotel– Cavan Now this is one Irish country hotel experience that you are unlikely to forget. It may well turn out to be the best holiday you ever had. Castles, with their nooks and crannies and ancient histories, are magical places. Just tailor-made for exploring. You will find yourself wandering through the magnificent reception rooms, finding a quiet corner or fireside to relax with a book, or just enjoying the atmosphere in one of the best-known castle hotels in Ireland. This hotel has such an old-world charm that it makes you forget the worries and hurried pace of modern life. Here’s a booking link for you to plan your next Irish country experience holiday. Harvey’s Point – Donegal You are certain to fall for its large and luxurious rooms and the spectacular views of the lake and the mountains. Perhaps you would never like to leave this gorgeous Irish country hotel because the award-winning cuisine has made your day. Find yourself in this magical location amid the Bluestack Mountains, on the edge of Lough Eske and you can have both – a relaxed as well as a romantic time. If you find yourself looking up your diary, and can’t wait to head to Donegal, here is a booking link. Dromoland Castle– Newmarket on Fergus This should be on your list of some of the best Irish country house hotels to stay at. Imagine taking a stroll in its 450-acre estate. Teeing off on their world class golf course. Or dressed in a pretty gown and having your afternoon tea by a roaring fire.  No matter what your preference, at Dromoland Castle there’s no escaping the sense that you are walking in the shadows of kings. This is because Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th  century. It ’s the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Situated in Newmarket on Fergus, 3.1 km from Dromoland Castle, Dromoland Castle features accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The accommodation provides room service and a 24-hour front desk for guests. Here’s a quick link for you to book this gorgeous Irish country house hotel. Let us know if you liked our suggestions. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like Irish hospitality and the privilege of experiencing it in some of the best Irish country hotels. At Travel2Ireland we work hard to find the best deals for things to do around the country -  use this   Booking.com  affiliate link to secure your dream adventure, at no extra cost to you!

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 3rd and Sunday the 5th of September across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival to Oktoberfest Belfast and much, much more. Kilkenny Animated, Kilkenny - 3.05-5.05 Kilkenny Animated returns from 3–5 October 2025. Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural festivals, it celebrates storytelling in all its forms - animation, illustration, design, and the many voices that bring images to life. Read more here. Bounce Arts Festival, Belfast/Derry - 2.05-5.05 Bounce 2025, Northern Ireland’s showcase of talent from artists who have a disability, are d/Deaf, or are neurodivergent, is taking place in Belfast and Derry over 4 dynamic days, from 2 to 5 October! Read more here. Dingle Food Festival, Dublin - 3.05-5.05 The Dingle Food Festival 2025 is serving up flavour, fun, and sustainability in the heart of Kerry this October 3rd–5th. Read more here. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills - 3.05-5.05 The 2025 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival is set to be the best one yet, with a fantastic array of food, drink, music and community events – there’s sure to be something for everyone. Visitors can look forward to sampling some of the best artisan produce the Borough has to offer with the annual festival hosted in the heart of the charming village of Bushmills. Read more here. Oktoberfest Belfast, Belfast - 25.09-25.10 Belfast is set to raise its steins high this autumn as Oktoberfest makes its long-awaited return to Custom House Square on 25th September 2025. Promising to be “back and bigger than ever,” the festival will transform the heart of the city into a lively Bavarian beer hall every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 25th October. Read more here.

Lights, camera… curtain! The Dublin Theatre Festival is back from September 25th to October 12th for another season of gripping performances and unforgettable stage moments. As one of Europe’s longest-running theatre festivals, this years edition promises to be a strong blend of local and international talent, with a mix of contemporary and classical theatre to suit all tastes. Here’s a look at some of the top shows you won’t want to miss! 1. Hamlet by CHELA DE FERRARI A group of actors with Down syndrome take to the stage to share their desires and frustrations through a new version of Hamlet. The play weaves together Shakespeare’s text and the actors’ lived experiences, taking as its starting point his timeless question about existence: To be or not to be? Tickets range from €27 to €35 . 2. Her Father's Voice by SHANE O’REILLY “I never want her to think she’s not good enough.” Three generations under one roof. A young girl faces cochlear implant surgery as her parents wrestle with the weight of their choices. The unexpected arrival of a Deaf mother and daughter unearths buried truths that echo across generations. Shane O’Reilly fuses theatre, opera and film in a bold and ambitious new work. Tickets are priced between €23 and €38 . On between 2-5th of October. 3. What are you Afraid of? by PETER HANLY You may remember the actor Peter Hanly from such projects as BBC’s smash hit TV show Ballykissangel or Mel Gibson’s multi-Oscar winning Braveheart. And how about all the times he appeared on stage with Rough Magic, the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre and many others? Yes, that’s him. So … where did he disappear to? And why? During the dress rehearsal for Molly Sweeney in 2011, Peter suddenly experienced extreme stage fright. Nobody watching would’ve noticed at the time but, within a year, Peter would give up acting. Until now. In this world premiere from Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival, Peter ends up on stage once more, searching through past and present to find out what happened. And to ask the broader question of himself, and of you… what are you afraid of? Tickets are available for €23 to €33 . On between September 25th-October 4th. 4. The Maker by DAN COLLEY Drexel, an idealist inventor and his quietly brilliant servant, Pipe, are trying to invent something extraordinary, from absolutely nothing. The Maker invites audiences into a world full of visual surprises, physical comedy, and strange magical experiments that teeter between brilliance and disaster. Tickets are available for €5to €7 . On between 1st -4th October. 5. Be Careful by MALLIKA TANEJA Be Careful is a satirical piece that challenges this notion of safety. Rooted in a widespread anger about the everyday violence against women, the performance confronts the unfortunate conflation between the manner in which women dress and the atrocities committed against them. Tickets are on sale for €25. On between the 7th-11th of October. Additional Information & Tickets Single Performance Tickets : Prices vary depending on the show, ranging from around €15 for smaller productions to €60 for bigger shows and international performances. Concessions : Students, seniors, and unwaged attendees can often avail of discounted tickets, so check the website for special pricing. For the full programme and ticket bookings, visit the official Dublin Theatre Festival site here and get ready for a dramatic adventure this autumn!

Make space in your itinerary for Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) . From 16–19 October 2025 , Killarney transforms into a cinema, welcoming film lovers to experience four days of stories, screenings and conversations. What to Expect in KIFF 2025 The 26th edition of KIFF brings together Irish and international feature films, documentaries, and short film programmes . Audiences will also find industry workshops, Q&A panels, masterclasses, special screenings, and youth-oriented events . The festival opens with Horseshoe , a darkly comic Irish feature from directors Adam O’Keeffe and Edwin Mullane, followed by a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers. The closing night film is Park Avenue , starring Katherine Waterston and Fiona Shaw, and the festival will honour Shaw with the Maureen O’Hara Award  for her distinguished work in film and television. Spotlight on Local Talent The “Made in Kerry / Kerry Connection”  strand highlights films with a tie to the county, whether by location, makers, or subject matter. There is also a retrospective screening of The Village , an ethnographic documentary exploring mid-20th century life in Dunquin, in partnership with the Irish Film Institute. Short Films Take Center Stage Ten curated short film programmes are slated, covering themes such as comedy, horror, Irish language (Gearrscannáin), “Slanted & Enchanted,” and more. For the first time, KIFF also introduces a Music Video programme , judged by curators from Nialler9. Engaging Workshops & Youth Events KIFF is not just for viewing, but for creating. On 16 October , the festival launches with an Industry Afternoon , featuring a Self-Distribution Masterclass , a session on freelancer resilience, and a case study in independent feature filmmaking using Horseshoe . Younger creators won’t be left out: the Fresh Starts  careers panel and youth short film screening kick off the festival, and on 18 October , Frame by Frame  invites film-curious teens (ages 14–18) to make a one-minute film in a hands-on workshop. Inclusivity & Special Screenings KIFF is committed to access and community. A relaxed screening  of Flow  (an animated feature) is offered with neurodivergent audiences in mind, open to all but especially welcoming to families needing a gentler theatre environment. Info for Your Visit The festival will take place between the 16-19th of October in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Tickets are on sale now; access the full programme and purchase at kerryfilmfestival.com .

Kilkenny Animated returns from 3–5 October 2025. Now firmly established as one of Ireland’s most exciting cultural festivals, it celebrates storytelling in all its forms - animation, illustration, design, and the many voices that bring images to life. This year’s line-up is packed with international names and homegrown talent, with screenings, workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions spread across the city. And for fans of big-screen spectacle, there’s one highlight that promises to be unmissable: “Meet the Makers: KPop Demon Hunters.” KPop Meets Kilkenny Fresh from breaking streaming records on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters  has become a global phenomenon. The animated musical follows Huntr/x - a fictional girl group who balance pop stardom with saving the world from demonic forces. The film is full of dazzling visuals, mythology and a soundtrack that has topped charts worldwide. At Kilkenny Animated, audiences will get the chance to go behind the scenes with directors Maggie Kang  and Chris Applehans , who will share the creative journey of bringing KPop Demon Hunters  to life. Following the talk, the festival will host a special screening at the Ormonde Hotel Mainstage  on Sunday evening. Beyond Demon Hunting The programme doesn’t stop there. Across the weekend, festivalgoers can look forward to: Masterclasses  with international creators including Lisa Hanawalt, Brenda Chapman and Kevin Lima. Workshops and panels  for students, professionals and curious newcomers, covering everything from character design to industry insights. Screenings  of new and classic animated works, giving audiences a taste of the diversity and innovation in the field. Plan Your Visit When : 3–5 October 2025 Where : Kilkenny City, with main events at the Ormonde Hotel Mainstage Tickets : Weekend passes and individual event tickets are now available at kilkennyanimated.com For more information visit kilkennyanimated.com .

Get ready to take centre stage at the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in Galway, on from October 10th-19th! Families, children, and art lovers of all ages are invited to dive into an exciting world of theater, music, dance, and visual arts designed especially for young audiences. If your little ones are budding artists or simply eager to experience the joy of live performances, Baboró promises an unforgettable programme for everyone! What’s On at Baboró? This year’s Baboró Festival is packed with a fantastic lineup of events that showcase the best in international and local talent. With performances, workshops, and interactive installations, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy. Here’s what you can look forward to: Theatrical Performances : The heart of Baboró is its selection of theatrical performances, ranging from playful puppet shows to visually stunning productions designed to spark children’s imaginations. The shows cater to various age groups, ensuring that both the tiniest tots and older kids have plenty to enjoy. This year, expect stories filled with humor, adventure, and plenty of heart. Music and Dance : Get ready for some inspiring dance performances from around the world, alongside groovy rhythms! These shows encourage audience participation, so don’t be surprised if your child (or you!) ends up joining in the fun. With a wide range of musical styles and cultural influences, the performances are designed to engage the senses and expand young minds. Workshops and Creative Sessions : Baboró is more than just watching – it’s about getting involved! The festival offers a range of workshops where children can explore their own creativity. From hands-on art-making to music and dance classes, these sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills, make friends, and let their imaginations run wild. Visual Arts and Installations : The festival also features visual art exhibitions and interactive installations that encourage kids to explore, touch, and create. These immersive experiences are perfect for engaging the curiosity of young minds. Inclusive Performances : Baboró prides itself on being accessible to everyone. This year’s program includes sensory-friendly performances and events that are tailored to children with additional needs. School and Group Activities : For educators and schools, Baboró offers a range of performances and workshops that align with curriculum goals, giving students a chance to learn through the arts. Festival Dates and Location Baboró International Arts Festival will run from October 10th to 19th , with events taking place across various locations in Galway. Full details on the schedule and venues can be found on the official Baboró website , where you can also explore the full program of events. Ticket Information and Pricing Tickets for Baboró are priced at just €10. Some workshops and activities may require pre-booking. Head to the Baboró official website for all the details, and start planning your family’s artistic adventure today!