All-island event guide: Discover autumn adventures across 32 counties
Lamarotte Jazzband performing through Cork City in true jazz style with thumping drums and big brass beats. Keep an eye out for them around the city next month when Cork Jazz Festival returns.
This popular festival is back with a bang to mark its 15th instalment. With top Irish chefs such as Darina Allen, Edward Hayden and Derval O’Rourke lined up for cookery demos, as well as a 100 stall market and a host of unique dining experiences, this one is a must-see for any foodie worth their salt. Sep 27-30; www.savourkilkenny.com
This two-day festival has something for everyone, with music, visual art, poetry, topical talks and debates, performances and crafts aplenty. Located on the beautiful FarmYard at Lisnavagh, itself a thriving ecosystem, there’s no better place to connect with the festival’s themes of sustainability and climate action. Oct 14-15; www.thefarmyardlisnavagh.com/hiddenhearth
Established in 1957, this is one of Europe's oldest specialised theatre festivals. Each year, the festival aims to provide a spotlight for both world-renowned and emerging Irish talent, as well as welcoming performers, writers and directors from all over the globe. What’s more, this festival also puts the spotlight on Dublin city itself — its people and its stories — with different events taking place across a wide variety of the capital’s stages, theatres and outdoor venues. Sep 28-Oct 15; www.dublintheatrefestival.ie
This festival may be returning for only its second year, but there’s no sophomore slump in sight here! This year’s impressive lineup includes 2FM’s Bernard O’Shea, Moone Boy star Deirde O’Kane, internet sensation Emma Doran and many more. With five nights of great shows taking place in five venues across three weekends, sure it’d be rude not to catch at least one! Oct 6-21; www.goreyyellowbellycomedyfestival.com
If you’ve ever watched Ireland’s Fittest Family then this gruelling obstacle course will already be plenty familiar to you, but this month you can experience the real deal yourself! Hell & Back, Ireland's toughest physical and mental endurance challenge, returns on the last day of September, where participants must cross rivers and forests, climb hills and mountains and crawl through bogs and swamps. It’s not for the fainthearted, but it’s certainly a day out you won’t ever forget! Sep 30; www.hellandback.ie
Local myths and legends take on a whole new life with this ambitious audio visual experience. Head to The Old Abbey, St Peter’s Church or St Laurence’s Gate during the festival’s eight night run to watch a magical mix of lights, colour and sound transform these historic buildings into scenes of yesteryear in an amazing display of urban animation. Oct 28-Nov 5; www.lufestivaloflight.com
While all kinds of mischievous spirits make an appearance at this festival to join in the Halloween festivities, they’re not even the most remarkable of the guests! With Sharon Shannon, the Hothouse Flowers and a host of other stars all set to take the stage and help ring in Samhain, you’ll be guaranteed a night of thrills — regardless of your belief in ghosts! Oct 27-31; www.pucafestival.com
Organised by experts in holistic health fields, this festival promises that you will leave either floating or feeling more grounded — whatever you’re in the mood for. With yoga, breathwork, spiritual circles and much more included in the festival’s lineup of events, it presents a great opportunity to try something new amongst likeminded people. There’ll also be a wide array of food options available from local vendors, showcasing the best flavours the region has to offer as well as market stalls run by local artists. Oct 29; www.visitwestmeath.ie/festivals-events/moonstock-festival-29-oct-2023/
If Electric Picnic teaches us anything each summer, it’s that Laois sure knows how to put on a good show. Thankfully, their approach to Halloween is no different. The local Solas garden centre is set to totally transform for the special occasion, turning into a Haunted House that will provide spooky delight for kids and adults alike. Oct 29-31; www.thegardenshop.ie/haunted-house/
A key event in local calendars since its inception in 2010, Kildare Readers Festival is returning this year for its 14th instalment. Top Irish writers such as John MacKenna, Enda Wyley, Rosemary Mac Cabe and many more are all involved in this year’s highlight events — and it’s not just the lineup that’s diverse! The events themselves also take place in a variety of local venues and libraries, with some online events in the mix too. Oct 2- 8; www.kildarecoco.ie/library/kildarereadersfestival/
Over 125 short films are screened in one single weekend for this ambitious festival and, best of all, they’re all free to view! This year’s programme is a particularly special one, as organisers have announced that the festival won’t be returning next year. Be sure to catch their last instalment. Nov 15-19; www.stillvoicesfilmfestival.com
Highlights of this festival include a Fright Night on Friday the 13th, full of fantastic Irish short films from the horror genre, a special Family Film screening of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and a ‘Made in the Midlands’ event showcasing live-action shorts made by local filmmakers. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be stuck for choice! Oct 11-15; www.offlinefilmfestival.com
Showcasing the huge range of talent in the Déise, covering everything from art to theatre, to literature, to music and dance, this festival brings together a stellar lineup of multi-disciplinary creatives. Such an eclectic mix is only fitting for the festival’s themes this year of Community and Connection. Oct 24-29; www.imagineartsfestival.com
Celebrating its 45th year, this world-renowned festival returns this October with its biggest programme yet! There's more ticketed shows than ever before, an extra date added, an extended music trail through the city, and a stellar line-up of Irish and international musicians — including Macy Gray and Corinne Bailey Rae. Watch out also for brass bands marching through the city streets and various pop-up events throughout the Bank Holiday weekend. Oct 26-30; www.guinnesscorkjazz.com
Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds of the Dingle Peninsula and in beautiful stories from top Irish writers. Booker Prize-winning novelist Anne Enright is one of the festival’s headliners this year, while other standouts include crime writer John Banville’s interview by Kevin Power, and Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, one of Ireland’s leading poets. The bilingual festival is also jam-packed with exciting Irish-language programming. Nov 17-19; www.dinglelit.ie
Showcasing adventurous dance, film and new media with a range of Irish and international influences, this festival returns to Limerick for its seventh instalment. Watch out for exciting live dance performances in a number of public spaces across the county — including Limerick Skatepark, the Hunt Museum Gardens, UL and many more. Nov 9-12; www.lightmoves.ie
The poetry of Thurles-born poet Dennis O'Driscoll is celebrated at the Circling the Square Festival, named after the title of his essay about growing up in the town. Learn more about this incredible writer and his legacy while also hearing from emerging new talents, with a lineup of poets from all over the country, complemented by fabulous local songsters and musicians, ready to entertain throughout the weekend. Oct 20-21; www.thesourceartscentre.ie/whats-on/events/circling-the-square
Europe’s biggest singles event has been taking place in this small Clare village for over 165 years and the man behind it all, matchmaker Willie Daly, claims the festival has brought many perfect couples together during that time. Worlds away from any dating app, Lisdoonvarna follows the old-fashioned method of getting potential romantic partners to dance together to see if there’s a spark. The festival runs until the end of September. www.matchmakerireland.com
The lovely city of Galway could already be described as plenty ‘colourful’, but this fixture takes things to a whole new level. Bright, vibrant creations pop up all over the place throughout this festival’s run in “an international celebration of funny drawings”. Live caricature sessions, cartoon drawing workshops and local competitions even give you a chance to test out the art form yourself! Sep 29-Oct 4; www.galwaycartoonfestival.ie
Some heavyweights of Irish writing talent are among the guests for this year’s run of the Carrick-on-Shannon festival, which has been held annually since 2016. Acclaimed novelist Claire Keegan will give a series of seminars over the three days of the festival on ‘How Literature Works’, while Saud Aldarra, author of the best-selling memoir 'I Don't Want to Talk about Home: A migrant's search for belonging', is also featuring in the lineup. Her memoir has been described by Roddy Doyle as 'powerful, fascinating and deeply moving” and was shortlisted in the Irish National Book Awards. Oct 6-8; www.ironmountainfestival.ie
This brand new music festival is set to shake up the town of Ballina next month. Featuring performances of folk songs, queer pop, hyperpunk and hard rock, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Brigid Mae Power and Seamus Fogarty are among the performers that you can catch on stage during the two nights of shows. Be advised that while tickets are free, booking is essential. Oct 20-22; www.northmayo.ie/events/october-nights-festival/
This children’s Halloween event offers a great way to keep all the family entertained during the long mid-term break from school. Head to Strokestown Park to experiment with all things slime, coke geysers, erupting potions and more! As educational as it is gooey, you’re in for a treat. Nov 5th; www.strokestownpark.ie/event/planet-science/
This festival is the first of its kind in Co. Sligo. With shamanic journeys, poetry circles and sound baths all open to try throughout the day, the festival’s organisers are confident that their programme of events will help deepen your connection to yourself, others, and your natural surroundings. What beautiful surroundings they are, too, with the Wild Atlantic Way serving as the festival’s backdrop. Sep 23; www.westcoastwellness.ie/wildandwellfest
Travel back in time to Omagh for this celebration of classic showbands! Watch the festival’s 15 strong band perform hits from Omagh’s very own Plattermen, who were universally acknowledged as among the very best throughout the glorious sixties, and explore the new ‘Sights and Sounds of the Showbands’ exhibition, which reflects the rich history and cultural impacts of Omagh’s music scene, and where you’ll find costumes from the 1950s onwards. Meanwhile, the ‘Talk and Taste Experience’ includes a captivating discussion from showband members and a luxury high tea. Nov 3-4; www.fermanaghomagh.com/event/omagh-music-festival
This iconic festival is returning for a 61st year, with a programme making use of over 30 venues across the city and featuring the very best international and homegrown artists in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and film. Highlights include performances from The Waterboys and Cara Dillon, as well as walking tours covering fascinating and niche areas of Belfast’s rich history. Oct 12 – Nov 5; www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
This bespoke event takes place on the original site of O'Neill's castle in Dungannon. Here, you will be transported back to sixteenth century Elizabethan Ireland, where you will dine by candlelight at a three-course wedding banquet and witness the wedding of Hugh O'Neill, the Earl of Tyrone, and Mabel Bagenal. The re-enactment is performed by incredibly talented local theatre performers, complete with live music and dance. Oct 20; www.discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/the-oneill-wedding-banquet
Serving the finest of beer, food and more beer, you certainly won’t go thirsty at this festival. Featuring comedy club performances, music from The Whistlin’ Donkeys, an Oasis tribute act and much more, there’ll be no shortage of entertainment either. Head to Derry’s Guildhall Square to take it all in with a Stein in hand. Sep 27–Oct 8; www.facebook.com/0ktoberfestDerry
Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century. Experience a rich atmosphere where you can hear the clip clop of the horses' hooves along the Mall, listen to musicians around the streets and smell the roasting chestnuts and mulled spices as you wander among the array of craft and food stalls throughout the bustling city centre. Look out for Georgian characters such as the Gentry, the urchins and the gin soaked ladies as they wind their way through the city streets. Nov 23-26; www.visitarmagh.com/festivals/georgianfestival
Head to Comber for this fun wildlife learning experience for all the family. Explore the mysterious world of wetland nature, keeping your eyes peeled and your ears pricked at all times — you never know what could be hiding in those lands! Embark on an interactive trail that will engage all your senses and set your spookometer soaring. Will you dare to put your hand in a snake box, grab a photo op with a bat or get up close and personal with a toad? Oct 28-Nov 5; www.discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/eek-week
This showcase of food and culture in the West Cavan town of Ballyconnell is a perfect cosy weekend activity for Autumn. You’ll be instantly warmed up by The Cottage Market Kitchen, who provide a hearty serving of the best of local, fresh food. To work it all off, there’ll be a busy Céilí Room throughout the day — though if dancing’s not your thing, you may prefer the quieter activities being taught at the event’s skills demo. To make a day of it, why not check out the new Blueway in Ballyconnell, feed the ducks at the Marina, or walk the many beautiful trails in West Cavan? Oct 11; www.thisiscavan.ie/event/a-feast-of-cavans-folk
Bundoran’s longest running Country Music Festival returns this October Bank Holiday with a feast of stars including Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney, Jimmy Buckley and more. Head to the Allingham Arms Hotel, known as the "Capital of Country Music", to dance the night away. Oct 27-29; www.govisitdonegal.com/festivals-and-events
Taking place in Inniskeen, the annual Patrick Kavanagh weekend is a celebration of the life and work of one of Ireland’s most famous and loved poets and attracts visitors from all over Ireland and overseas. This festival encompasses a packed programme of lectures, talks and discussions, workshops, poetry readings and art exhibitions. This year’s events and activities will take place in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and Round Tower Church, where special guests include podcast sensation Blindboy and musician Lisa O’Neill. Sep 29-Oct 1; www.patrickkavanaghcentre.com/events/patrick-kavanagh-weekend-2023
