No matter hail, rain or shine, Ireland can promise one thing – the craic. Our 32 counties have something for everyone to enjoy; from music to food, there are activities to keep you entertained no matter what the weather brings on your staycation.
Ulster
Antrim
This Halloween in Antrim is set to be spooktacular. Ballymoney’s is the place to be on for the family-oriented Halloween Happenings event. It is all happening at the Showgrounds where there will be a spooktacular night of family fun, including live entertainment, amusements and scary characters, with a spectacular fireworks display completing the evening. Showgrounds, Ballymoney; Saturday, October 25th, 6pm; free admission; visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.
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Armagh
Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh in November. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th century. The festival promises to be a weekend which brings the city’s Georgian history and stories to life, where you can uncover some hidden gems and take part in a range of activities and experiences. Armagh; November 27th-30th; book tickets in advance online (bookings open in early autumn); visitarmagh.com.
Cavan
If you fancy a laugh this October, Cavan has got you covered. Comedian Deirdre O’Kane takes her unique brand of comedy on the road with her brand-new stand-up show O’Kaning It, hitting Cavan this October and touring nationwide across autumn and winter. Hotel Kilmore, Cavan; Saturday, October 11th, 7pm; tickets €31.50; deirdreokane.net.
Derry
Europe’s largest Halloween Festival will return this year seeing the city of Derry come alive with ancient spirits. For four nights the worlds of past and present will collide bringing to life a dazzling street celebration where you will discover the folklore, history and heritage that makes this place so special. Derry; 28th-31st October; free admission; derryhalloween.com.
Donegal
Trasna, an Irish folk duo from Clare and Limerick, has captivated audiences for six years with their multi-instrumental talent and innovative folk music earning six Irish chart-topping hits. The pair are known for are known for their exceptional skill with a range of instruments including guitars, piano, double bass, banjo, whistle, flute and several unique less conventional instruments. An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel; Saturday, October 18th, 7pm; tickets €25; eventbrite.ie/e/trasna-tickets.
Down
Experience a hands-on, heritage-inspired workshop where you’ll create your very own besom broom and explore the folklore, tradition, and seasonal use surrounding broomsticks. Heather McDermott will guide you through the various practical processes including carving and whittling your own broomstick. Don’t miss out on this magical experience. The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, Bangor; Saturday, October 25th, 10am-4pm; tickets £85; adults aged 18+; bookwhen.com/walledgardenhelensbay.
Fermanagh
If you’re a Cher fan, then Fermanagh is the place to be this October. Trisha McCluney, star of BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice brings Essentially Cher, a mesmerising concert experience dedicated to the legendary pop icon, to Enniskillen’s cultural hub. Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen; Saturday, October 4th, 8pm; tickets £22; ardhowen.com
Monaghan
Calling all dancing queens and super troupers... Frank McNamara and The Bridgerton String Quartet return to Monaghan with their stunning arrangements of your favorite Abba melodies for one magical night. Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan; Saturday, September 21st, 9:15pm; tickets from €30; candlelightclassics.ie.
Tyrone
Tyrone has a unique activity for mystery-lovers to enjoy this October. Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode Paint Me a Murder, in Strule Arts Centre. Jessica Fletcher is invited to the remote island home of a famous artist, but soon there’s a murder that only she (or you!) can solve. Strule Arts Centre; Wednesday, October 15th, 8pm; tickets £20; struleartscentre.co.uk.
Connacht
Galway
In December, the magic of Disney comes to Galway, as the Princess Proms bring all the sing-along favourites from hit movies to the stage at Leisureland. The magical concert will feature themes from beloved Disney movies Frozen, Cinderella, Little Mermaid and many more. Dress code: all things sparkle and sequin of course. Leisureland, Galway; Sunday, December 28th, 1.30pm and 4pm; leisureland.ie.
Leitrim
Leitrim’s Hunter’s Moon Festival is an intimate event that shows art, film, sound, workshops and music in Carrick-On-Shannon, with the multi-disciplinary Art Trail taking in venues and vacant shops throughout the town. Carrick-On-Shannon; October 16th – 19th; leitrimtourism.com.
Mayo
Mayo Dark Sky Festival was established in 2016 to celebrate Ireland’s first Dark Sky Park which showcases the darkest skies in the world. The festival is held in the towns and villages surrounding Mayo Dark Sky Park - Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy. There will be many talks to enjoy as well as a planetarium, seashore safari, art exhibitions and musical performances. Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy, Co Mayo; October 29th to November 2nd; tickets €5-€40; mayodarkskyfestival.ie.
Roscommon
Declan Nerney is set to perform an unmissable show in Roscommon Arts Centre. Join Declan and his super live band with special guests for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter on the 2025 Round and Round nationwide concert tour. Roscommon Arts Centre, Roscommon; Friday, December 5th; tickets from €29; roscommonartscentre.ie.
Sligo
Known for his hilarious character work and pitch-perfect impressions, comedian Bernard Casey has built a loyal following across the country with his viral sketches, live shows and stand-up sets that hit close to home in the best possible way. He takes to the stage at Lillies Laughs in Sligo this September in what is sure to be a packed-out show. Lillies Cocktail Bar, Sligo; Friday, September 26th, 8-10pm; tickets from €22; bernardcasey.com.
Leinster
Carlow
It’ll be a case of Friday night’s alright for dancing in Carlow this November, if you’re a fan of Elton John. The Piano Man is a spectacular live show that will transport you into the legendary worlds of two of the greatest music icons of all time, Elton John and Billy Joel. John Forde and the 52nd Street Band deliver a powerful and energetic performance, captivating audiences with their authentic renditions of timeless classic hits. Visual, Carlow; Friday November 14th, 8pm; tickets from €29; visualcarlow.ie.
Dublin
Bring your friends and family along for an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment and imagination, as poet and storyteller Sean Cuddy takes audiences on a mesmerising journey into the mystical world of Irish myths and legends. Sin É, Dublin; Sunday, October 19th, 4-5:30pm; tickets €10-15; seancuddystoryteller.com.
Kildare
One of Candlelight Classics’ most popular shows, Coldplay by Candlelight, features the captivating sounds of Frank McNamara on piano with the Bridgerton String Quartet. An extraordinary night of music, elegance and fun. The Springfield Hotel, Leixlip; Friday, November 7th, 9pm; tickets €30.94; candlelightclassics.ie.
Kilkenny
The Ros Tapestry: a Tale Told in Thread will be a fascintating exhibition for those who are interested in arts and history. The Ros Tapestry exhibition tells the story of the Normans and their arrival in the Southeast of Ireland. The consequent development of the dynamic port of Ros is depicted in a series of 15 large striking embroidered panels. Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny; until Monday, January 26th, 9-5pm; tickets €8; kilkennycastle.ie.
Laois
Following his sold-out tour, Al Porter is back with Al Porter Algorithm where his unique brand of exciting, energetic and fun-loving comedy meets his most relatable stories ever. Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise; Sunday, October 26th, 8pm; tickets €27.50; alporter.ie.
Longford
Witness the passionate drive of the GAA fused with dance, disco and comedy with the unique show Ham Sandwiches and Discipline; it is saturated with comedy, tragedy and poetic play in motion. Backstage Theatre, Longford; Friday, October 3rd, 8pm; tickets €12; backstage.ie.
Louth
Spend an evening with singer Mary Coughlan as the Irish jazz and blues singer brings her celebratory tour marking 40 years in music to the elegant surrounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel, accompanied by singer-songwriter Ultan Conlon. Tickets include a four-course dinner before the show. Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort, Louth; Thursday, October 11th, 6.45pm; tickets €75; ballymascanlon.com.
Meath
Rewind the clock and relive the golden age of pop. Daft Pop brings the ultimate throwback experience to the stage with a high-energy live show packed full of your favourite hits from the 1990s and 2000s. The Palace Piano Bar, Meath; Sunday, October 26th, 9.30pm; tickets €6.34; thepalace.ie/pianobar.
Offaly
Hullaballoo, Offaly’s Children Arts Festival is set to be an unmissable event. Workshops and family performances take place in Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Kilcormac and Tullamore during the festival. There’ll be music, crafts, art, dance, and lots more for you to try out and enjoy. Offaly; Wednesday, October 29th to Saturday, November 1st; hullabaloofestival.ie.
Westmeath
Buccaneers RFC hosts a special event featuring the talented Mike Denver for a lively cabaret party night.Get ready to dance, sing, and enjoy great company in a fantastic setting. Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone; Friday, October 24th, 9.30pm; tickets €27.29; mikedenvermusic.com.
Wexford
Following performances in venues and festivals across the country, Qween and The Dublin Gospel Choir join forces once again to perform some of rock legends Queen’s biggest hits. Wexford Spiegeltent Festival, Wexford; Saturday, November 1st, 9.30pm; tickets €35; lantern.ie.
Wicklow
Let your child’s imagination run wild at Festina Lente festival. Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to a whimsical and spooky hands-on experience, pumpkin fairy house and spooky dinosaur carving workshops. These workshops promise creativity and fun. Festival ticket costs vary depending on the specific event. Old Connaught Avenue, Wicklow; Saturday, October 18th to Sunday, October 26th; festinalente.ie.
Munster
Clare
The Burren Food Fayre is returning for a series of unique food and farm visitor experiences this October Bank Holiday weekend. Small groups of visitors will be able to prebook different itineraries, which will take them on a food trail across the length and breadth of the Burren. Five different experiences have been created, featuring a variety of different producers. Clare; Friday, October 31st to Sunday, October 2nd; burren.ie.
Cork
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is a renowned five-day event that has attracted top-tier artists and devoted fans for over four decades. The festival’s huge mix of artists has made it the largest music-centered city celebration in Ireland. Celebrating its 46th year, the world-renowned festival will take place over the October Bank Holiday weekend and see its biggest programme yet. The official line-up and tickets will be available closer to the time. Cork; Friday, October 31st to Sunday, October 2nd; guinnesscorkjazz.com.
Kerry
TEDxTralee’s fourth conference and first TEDxWomen’s event under the theme of Empowering Resilience is set to take place in Tralee. The event will feature 24 local, national and international voices along with TED Talk videos. Siamsa Tíre Theatre, Tralee; Thursday, October 18th; tickets €50-€88; tedxtralee.com.
Limerick
Tommy Tiernan and Martin Shaw are on a nationwide tour with a storytelling show like no other; not stand-up, not literary recital, this is a kind of dreaming with your eyes open. They are setting out on adventure and inviting you to come with them. Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick; Wednesday, October 1st, 8pm; tickets €39; limetreebelltable.ie.
Tipperary
Clonmel Applefest is set to celebrate the heritage, food and nature of Clonmel and its surrounding area. This is the perfect family-friendly event for all to enjoy, with events ranging from Pecha Kucha (a rapid fire storytelling event, named after the Japanese for chit-chat), to family portrait art workshops. Clonmel; Wednesday, Thursday, September 25th to Sunday, September 28th; clonmelapplefest.ie.
Waterford
Ireland’s most successful impressionist and satirist Mario Rosenstock celebrates 25 years of Gift Grub with a brand-new stage show, Gift Grub Live 25! This tour promises to be a jubilant and laughter-filled celebration of the show’s enduring success and cultural impact. Theatre Royal, Waterford; Saturday, October 25th to Sunday October 26th; tickets €43.50;theatreroyal.ie.
