Bank holiday scares and all that jazz

Kevin Street style

A new Maldron hotel opens its doors on Kevin Street this month. With 137 bedrooms, the hotel overlooks St Patrick's Cathedral and offers guests food in the Grain and Grill Restaurant and coffee from its own Red Bean Roastery. Book dates between November 1st, 2018, and February 28th, 2019, and enjoy a 20 per cent discount on all room-only and B&B rates. To experience the new property for yourself, visit maldronhotelkevinstreet.com.

Bank holiday scares

Halloween will be celebrated in an especially spooky way at Bunratty Castle this October bank holiday weekend. On Sunday, October 28th, pumpkin picking takes place from 11am, where kids can pluck, paint and decorate their own just in time for trick or treating that night, while on Monday, October 29th, traditional Halloween games, sweet treats and entertainment and a Spook Train will be in place for the day. Visit shannonheritage.com for ticket information and more.

All that jazz

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival returns to the city next weekend, bigger and better than ever before. The festival will welcome up to 1,000 jazz musicians from more than 20 countries performing in over 70 city venues and, for the first time this year, the programme will kick off with a "Dia De Los Muertos" themed jazz parade on Thursday evening, October 26th. For the full line-up, visit guinnessjazzfestival.com.

Paws for thought

The Lodge at Ashford Castle welcomes guests and their four-legged friends to stay with their new Pawsome Package. Enjoy fresh bedding and treats on arrival for your pooch, a special pet menu selection, a professional dog grooming session and a two-night break with breakfast each morning and dinner on an evening of your choice from €430. See thelodgeac.com for more.