Although Storm Ciara forced cancellation of the open-air event, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan lifted spirits with a rousing speech at the formal handover of the European Capital of Culture title.

An ancient Gaelic festival is the perfect antidote to the frenzy and commercialism of other feast days, writes Nuala Woulfe.

Well-known seanachaí Eddie Lenihan recalls the dares and games of Halloween to Carl Dixon.