A guide to some of the events on around the country this weekend:
Scarefest
Shankill Castle, Co Kilkenny, will open its doors for this haunted Halloween festival. The old castle will host ghost tours by candlelight in the building, as well as the adjoining ancient graveyard. The tour is only suitable for people over 15, and booking is required. There will also be a series of child-friendly workshops. More information on shankillcastle.com
OFFline Film Festival
Movie buffs will love the mix of Irish and International films that will be screening this weekend during the Birr, Co Offaly-based film festival. One of the festival's highlights will be the filmmaking that takes place around the town, enlisting locals to help. For more, visit offlinefilmfestival.com.
Clifden 200 Marconi Festival
As part of Clifden's 200 Bicentenary celebrations, the Co Galway town will pay tribute to inventor Guglielmo Marconi. To celebrate, there will be a series of walks, talks and exhibitions. Booking information is available on the festival website clifden2012.org
Cuisle – Limerick International Poetry Festival
This festival will include poetry readings, workshops and discussions by international and national poets, including Medbh McGuckian and Terry McDonagh. For more information, visit belltable.ie.
Tipperary Dance Platform
The Tipperary Dance Platform will showcase some of the world's best dance companies, while also giving some of Ireland's younger talents the chance to show their skills. There will be a series of dance workshops for beginners. For full information, visit iselichiodi.com.
Heineken Cup
Europe's premier club rugby competition kicks off again, as Leinster host Exeter tomorrow and Ulster welcome Castres tonight in this weekend's Heineken Cup action. Connacht and Munster travel away, to Zebre and Racing Metro, respectively. More information on ercrugby.com.