October is one of my favourite times of the year with the change in seasons it also brings with it all the fun activities for Halloween. We have lots of cheap and free things to do this month.
Cork
Leap Scarecrow Festival
Date: 12th October – 2nd November
Cost: €16
As part of the Leap Scarecrow Festival, this year’s A Scare at Samhain walking tour has been completely reimagined! Step into the authentic origins of Samhain, the ancient festival that gave rise to Halloween, on our enhanced 2024 tour. With new characters and stunning, hand-crafted costuming, you’ll be immersed in the rich folklore and chilling tales of West Cork and Irish mythology, where the boundary between the living and the supernatural blurs. Our expert storytellers bring to life the eerie history and mythical figures that shaped this spooky season, offering a captivating and authentic look at Ireland’s ancient past. The experience wraps up with a cosy treat—hot chocolate and a slice of traditional báirín breac—at CECAS Myross Wood House. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, Halloween lover, or just looking for an unforgettable family-friendly adventure, this tour is not to be missed!
Halloween Fun
Date: 26th October – 1st November
Time: 10am-5pm
Where: Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol look forward to getting into the spooooky spirit again this Halloween when ghosts, skeletons and witches invade the Gaol as the building is decorated for the occasion!
We are delighted to have the Black Cat Treasure Hunt back from Saturday, 26th October to Friday, 1st November, 10am – 5pm daily.
Wanda the Witch will also be at the Gaol to look for her missing black cats , she would love it if you came to say hello and help her find her cats! Children are welcome to dress up for the occasion.
We look forward to welcoming everyone for some great family fun!
Dublin
Brickcon
Date: 12th and 13th October 2024
Times: from 10am
Location: National Basketball Arena, Tymon Lane, Castletymon Road, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
Cost: €15
Dublin Brick Con is the biggest showcase of LEGO ever seen in the country… The event features some of Ireland’s largest & best custom models with over 1 million bricks of fun activities, workshops, competitions, special guests and more!
Get your chance to meet Ireland’s most well known LEGO masters, builders & enthusiasts.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy including –
• Free Build Areas
• Brick Pits
• Speed building Competitions
• Master Builder Competitions
• LEGO Themed Colouring Area
• Minifigure Hunt
• LEGO Inspired Wordsearch
• Meet & Greets
• Vendors
• Customs models from Europe’s best builders
• See your favourite LEGO sets, vintage and new
• LEGO themed carnival games
• LEGO Themed Workshops
For tickets click here
Joe the Magician
Date: 13th October
Time: 2pm
Location: The Helix, Collins ave, Whitehall, Dublin 9
Cost: €1
It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉjr and he’s bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to The Helix for one afternoon of mind boggling fun and astonishment!
Joe’s show fuses laugh-out-loud comedy magic with absolutely jaw dropping spectacular illusions live on stage. It’s a rollercoaster theatrical ride that reinvents children’s entertainment.
Tables will fly, a friendly ghost will magically fly into the audience and charm kids and grown ups alike. Joe will even make it snow live on stage. That’s just for starters!
Joe’s hugely popular TV show ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ is the most watched show on the RTÉ player where Joe is a magical deliver man who uses Làmh sign.
Jackula
Date: 19th October
Time: 1pm & 4pm
Location: Dr Mill Theatre, Dundrum
Being a vampire sucks but being Dracula’s younger brother is driving Jackula batty.
Join Jackula on a spooktacular quest to step out of his older brother’s shadow to become the world’s first fun vampire. Laugh as Jackula makes his pet ghost dance. Gasp as Jackula balances a stack of five glasses of water on his face. Smile as children help perform spellbinding tricks.
An inspirational Halloween magic show about staying true to yourself. It’s not trick or treat. It’s trick and treat. After the show every child is invited to perform at trick with Jackula and receive a treat. Great for photos and lets everyone be a part of the fun.
Performed by Jeff Keough who has entertained at The White House, Leinster House, RTE, and for his daughter’s Senior Infant Class. Jeff is a Clown College graduate who toured with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey’s “Greatest Show on Earth”, performed with French anarchist Circ Archaos, and has entertained over 10 million people.
Book now as Jackula regularly sells out. For children aged 3-10
The show is boooo-rilliant!
Gaelcon
Dates: Friday Oct 25th – Monday 28th
Time: 5pm
Location: Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, Northwood Avenue, Santry Demesne, Dublin, Ireland
Gaelcon is Ireland’s’ oldest independent tabletop gaming convention, and is hosting it’s 36th annual event this year. Gaelcon provides a wide range of tabletop games, including role playing games, live action roleplaying games, wargames, and a variety of boardgames. Suitable for all ages and experience levels, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy.
Fingal Festival of Fire
Date: October 31st
Time: From 6.30pm
Location: Various locations please see below
Get ready for a scorching Halloween night like never before! Join us on Thursday, October 31st, as Events in Fingal proudly presents the “Festival of Fire.” This thrilling event will ignite your Halloween spirit at four incredible locations across Fingal: Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle, and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.
Experience the Magic of Music:
The Festival of Fire kicks off with an electrifying musical prelude that will set the mood for an unforgettable night. From spine-tingling tunes to haunting melodies, our musical lineup will captivate your senses and keep you grooving.
Spectacular Fireworks Displays:
As the clock strikes 7:30 PM, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle! Our breathtaking fireworks displays will light up the night sky, casting vibrant colors and patterns that will leave you mesmerized. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.
Event Locations:
- Bremore Castle, Balbriggan: Step into the enchanting world of Bremore Castle, where history meets the mystical allure of Halloween. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary Concert. 7.30pm Fireworks. Please note No Parking is Available. Please walk or cycle.
- Swords Town Park (Behind the Castle): Join us in the heart of Swords for a Halloween celebration like no other. The park will come alive with the spirit of the season. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary Concert. 7.30pm Fireworks.
- Malahide Castle: Explore the grounds of the magnificent Malahide Castle, surrounded by the magic of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
- Millennium Park, Blanchardstown: Get ready for an explosion of Halloween fun in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park. 7pm Enjoy a Scary Disco. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and fireworks. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of wonder as we light up the Halloween night in Fingal. It’s a celebration you won’t want to skip!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31st, and join us at one of our four fantastic locations. Festival of Fire promises to be the highlight of your Halloween season.
For more information and updates, stay tuned to our website and social media channels.
See you there, and may your Halloween be filled with sparks and surprises!
This Event is run by the Events Unit in Fingal County Council.
Galway
Ballinasloe Horse Fair
Date: 29th September – 6th October
Time: Various
Location: Fair Green on Society Street.
The 8-day carnival kicks up on the first Sunday in October with a march around the neighborhood. In addition to the named horse fair, the celebrations during the following week will feature a beauty pageant when the fair’s queen will be crowned, tug-of-war matches, dog shows, artistic and cultural events, singing contests, and fairground rides.
The Horse Fair, which takes place on a six-acre fair green on Society Street, features sale-and-purchase, racing, and show-jumping. The second weekend serves as the culmination, with “Country Fair Day” falling on Saturday. The majority of the local rural population often attended the fair on this day.
Kids Day at Ballinasloe Fair 2024
Visit Ballinasloe Fair & Festival on Sunday, 6th October 2024 for Kids Day! Enjoy arts & crafts competitions like Best Fairy Garden and Lego Display, a junior bakery contest, magic shows, balloon modelling, and a dog show. Don’t miss the Junior Tractor Derby at 4 PM! Free entry and prizes for all, making it a fun-filled family event!
Galway Cartoon Festival
Date: 4th-9th October
Location: Various
A celebration of cartooning, caricature and illustration ✏️
The Galway Cartoon Festival is an international celebration of funny drawings, hosted in Ireland’s most sociable city. Along with the main exhibitions, the Cartoon Festival will feature live caricature sessions, a schools’ cartoon workshop and competition. The 2024 festival will run over 6 days and will showcase some of the most talented cartoonists from Ireland and abroad across many venues in Galway, as well as on Inis Óirr in the Aran Islands.
What to expect
Cartoonist of a high caliber are known to attend the festival including renowned French caricaturist Jean-Michel Renault, Ed Steckley, Vice President of the American Cartoon Society and best known for his contributions to the legendary MAD magazine, Martin Rowson, Chair of the British Cartoonists’ Association, and award-winning Portuguese artist Cristina Sampaio.
Other artists that often attend include Tom Mathews (Hot Press, Irish Times, Sunday Independent), Harry Burton (Irish Examiner), Jim Cogan (Sunday Independent, Irish Farmers Journal, The Phoenix), Dean Patterson (Private Eye), and Caoimhe Lavelle, an Irish language cartoonist.
The majority of events will take place in locations spread out over the city, including the brand-new Portershed, the Townhall Theatre, An Taibhdearc, Pálás Cinema, City Library, and the City Museum. Beyond the boundaries of the city, the ras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oorr is involved, presenting Irish-language cartoons and arranging drawing demonstrations at nearby schools.
About the Cartoon Festival
Galway Cartoon Festival can guarantee to bring a smile to your face! With a major exhibition of over 100 cartoons, making light of everything from politics, current affairs and life in general.
The festival will be bringing a bit of colour and humour to the streets of Galway with our Cartoon Art Trail in various premises throughout the streets of the city. A detailed map of the trail will be included in our programme, available soon.
All the main elements of the festival will be available to view on-line at www.galwaycartoons.eu
Baboró International Arts Festival For Children
Date: 11th -20th October
Location: Various
Ireland’s premier international arts festival for children and families is expected to run in Galway city and county from 11th – 20th October 2024, featuring Theatre, Dance, Literature, Music, Puppetry, Workshops and Visual Art for all ages. See the magic of well-known stories come to dazzling life on the stage. Special treats are also in store for everyone with beautiful exhibitions, readings and workshops. Come to Galway to experience this delightful Festival and explore this beautiful family-friendly city.
2024 Baboró Events Programme
The full programme has been announced with details below and tickets available on www.baboro.ie.
Conamara Sea Week
Date: 19th -27th October
Location: Letterfrack
The annual Conamara Sea Week takes place in the Quaker village of Letterfrack in North West Connemara. Now in its 40th year, this festival is expected to run from the 19 to 27 October 2024 celebrates the wonderful marine heritage of Conamara. The village of Letterfrack which is the focal point of the festival is situated at the butt of the magical Diamond Mountain and is the gateway to Connemara National Park. It is also adjacent to Kylemore Abbey surrounded by mountains and at the edge of the ocean. This is a fun packed festival celebrating our wonderful marine heritage, with tons of great music and buckets of fun for all the family.
Connemara Sea Week 2024 Highlights
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- Workshops: Hands-on art, marine life, and hula hooping workshops for all ages, including a special class by Maria Hitchcox using natural materials.
- Climate & Biodiversity Seminar: A gathering of researchers, artists, and activists to discuss local actions in combating climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Night Light’s Parade: A magical procession of lights and creativity led by local students and artists, illuminating the village of Letterfrack.
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- Art Classes: Weekend art classes using only found and natural materials, fostering creativity through environmental awareness.
- Clean Coast Micro Plastic Analysis: Clean Coast conducts a detailed analysis of microplastics on local beaches, highlighting ocean conservation efforts.
- Guided Walks: Explore the local environment with guided walks focusing on biodiversity, bird identification, sustainable gardening, and archaeology.
- Music Performances: Live performances by local and visiting musicians in Veldon’s Seafarer Pub, featuring a wide variety of musical styles.
- Special Tribute to Leo and Clare Hallissey: A musical tribute honoring the founders of Conamara Sea Week for their contributions to the festival.
- Small Works Art Exhibition: A display showcasing emerging artists alongside Connemara’s established artistic community.
- Readings by Donal Ryan and Paul Soyes: Enjoy literary readings from renowned author Donal Ryan and playwright Paul Soyes, with music by Sharon Murphy.
- Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue Fundraiser: A community fundraiser to support local animal rescue efforts.
- Active Age Club Gathering: A lively social event for seniors at Rosleague Manor House Hotel, filled with music, songs, and storytelling.
- Yoga, Meditation, Sea Swim & Sauna: A day of relaxation and recovery, featuring a guided archaeological walk, a yoga and meditation session, and an invigorating sea swim with a sauna.
- Final Music Session Tribute: The closing event of the festival, featuring a special music session with Ireland’s finest musicians, in tribute to Clare and Leo Hallissey.
You can download the whole schedule of events from www.connemaraseaweek.ie.
Limerick
Bualadh Bus Children’s Festival 2024
Dates: Weds 2nd to Sat 12th October
Location: Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick
The annual Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival features a host of amazing events, planned for all age groups and captures the imagination of young audiences with magical theatre, raucous book readings, chatty talks, interactive workshops, plus a host of other activities for the rest of the family too.
Disney Classics by Candlelight
Dates: 4th October
Time: 7pm
Location: St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, O’Connell Street Limerick
An unforgettable night of Disney Music, performed live by the intimate glow of candlelight live in St. Augistine’s Catholic Church.
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm and breathtaking atmosphere of “Disney Classics by Candlelight”. With the soft flicker of countless candles, you’ll be magically drawn into an unforgettable evening of nostalgia and enchantment with beautiful melodies from beloved Disney movies.
Performed by Frank McNamara on piano with singers Brian Gilligan (‘Scar’ in Disney touring production of ‘The Lion King’) and Naoise Stuart-Kelly (‘Belle’ in ‘Beauty and the Beast’), this hour long concert is sure to enthrall young and old.
Halloween in Limerick
Dates: 25th Oct 3rd Nov
Location: Various
Prepare for a spell of a time as Limerick transforms into the ultimate haunt for Halloween.
From frighteningly fantastic family fun to hair-raising adult scares galore, Limerick will bewitch with a cauldron full of enchanting events across the city and county.
Don’t miss out on the wickedly fun lineup, check out our Halloween in Limerick section for the most up-to-date listing of all the ghoulish goings-on.
About the Author: Michelle Mead
