halloween fright Want to scare yourself witless? Then head to the Irish Film Institute (www.irishfilm.ie), in Dublin, for Horrorthon.
From Thursday until Monday old reliables such as Night of the Living Dead, Pet Sematary and Poltergeist will have you quaking in your boots. The Irish Ghost Family Festival, in Cork, promises something for all ages, including the World Ghost Convention, at Cork City Gaol on Friday night. Call 086-3946382.
jazz The Branford Marsalis Quartet, Jimmy Scott & the Jazz Expressions and the Nigel Kennedy Quintet are among the 1,000 musicians from around the world who will be knocking the socks off audiences at Cork Jazz Festival between Friday and Monday, October 30th. See www.corkjazzfestival.com. If the city gets too crowded, visit Kinsale, just down the road, for its fringe jazz festival, which runs at the same time. See www.kinsale.ie.
electronic arts Dublin Electronic Arts Festival, which runs from Wednesday until Monday, October 30th, marks its fifth birthday by celebrating the work of the electronic-music pioneer Roger Doyle, among others. Events include the takeover of karaoke booths at Uki Yo restaurant, on Exchequer Street, by 24 electronic acts (Saturday and Sunday, 4pm-7pm), including Roller/Sparkers, Corrugated Tunnel and LazyBird. See www.deafireland.com.poetry
poetry Samhain International Poetry Festival, which takes place in Gortahork, Co Donegal, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, celebrates haiku, perhaps the most concise literary form. Highlights include a haiku competition and a calligraphy workshop with the president of the World Haiku Club. See www.samhainpoetry.com or call 074-65630. Loughrea, in Co Galway, is hosting the Baffle poetry festival at the same time. See www.baffle.ie.