5 Things to Do This Week
Halloween Ghostly Woodland Walk
Until 31 October, Waterford
Be afraid, be very afraid! Only the bravest must enter the haunted Woodlands of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore. Lafcadio Hearn is famous for his Japanese Ghost stories. So in these gardens Ghosts and Ghouls, Witches and Spiders haunt the woodlands even by day.
But it is not a time to rest! Although these stunning gardens appear to be peaceful and tranquil during the day, you may feel safe until you cross the bridge. Haunting sounds fill the air here. And at every turn ghosts and ghouls can meet you on your path. Witches live behind the trees and in the undergrowth skeletons rise up. Look high up in the trees. Nowhere is safe! We do not recommend you visit here alone. But we dare you to visit this Halloween!
Púca Festival
Until 31 October, Meath
Púca is back and out to make mischief this Halloween. Returning in 2021 with music, fire, feasting and merriment across Ireland’s Ancient East, join in to celebrate the Celtic New Year with the spirits of Halloween.
When light turns to dark and the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead thins, the creatures of Samhain, Ireland’s ancient Halloween tradition, come to life.
Roaming the darkness like a shadowy spectre, the shape-shifting spirit of Púca comes alive! Changing the fortunes of all who cross her path as she transforms the night into a colourful playground of hallowed celebration.
Through the spectacular nights at Púca Festival, they salute the Halloween spirits through folklore, food, myth and music reopening the pathways of reflection and celebration carved by travellers over 2,000 years ago, and lighting up the night sky with awe-inspiring and unearthly illuminations.
Eitleog
Until 31 October, Cavan
Take to the skies with Eitleog, as Cavan Arts Festival brings you the age-old traditions of kite making and kite flying in this hybrid online and on-the-end-of-a-line event.
The premise is simple Check out the specially commissioned kite making tutorials from esteemed international kite artists Catherine Gabrel (US), Laura McNamara (Ireland), and Rebecca Marsden (UK). They will show you how to create your very own sled, diamond, and sock kites (no real socks, smelly or otherwise, are harmed in the making of this kite).
Once you’ve decorated and painted your own masterpiece with the expert guidance of our kite artists, you can fly your new creations from your own garden or in a safe public space.
There’s no need to pre-register. And it’s all for free!
Let’s go fly a kite…
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
26 – 29 October, Tipperary
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance & what it means to be a hero. This community musical will take place in the outdoor setting of Kickham Barracks in the heart of Clonmel.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases an Academy Award-nominated score, with Peter Parnell’s book embracing story theatre and featuring verbatim passages from Victor Hugo’s gothic novel.
Director Jack Reardon, with Musical Director Kate Twohig, Choreographer Ciara Laste and Set/Costume Designer Jack Scullion present this darker, more adult and highly theatrical version, inspired by and incorporating original text from the novel and expanding the Disney film’s award-winning score. Exploring themes like faith, power, discrimination, isolation, and sacrifice, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a powerful message of acceptance that will reverberate with audiences.
Halloween Playfest
30 & 31 October, Wicklow
Wicklow County Council is delighted to present Halloween Playfest, a spooktacularly-playful weekend of workshops, demonstrations, puppet shows, dance events, discos, concerts, games and more that will take place in Memorial Park, Rathdrum,
Highlights include performances from trad band Perfect Friction, 70’s rock band Feel the Pinch, singer-songwriter Amy Barrett and East Coast Jazz Band, all protected from the weather under an attractive open stretch tent. Also planned are Bodhrán Buzz and Pumpkin Carving workshops, a Silent Disco with Fancy Dress for teenagers with FM 104’s DJ Al Gibbs, a demonstration on how to cook with leftover pumpkin carvings by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio, and lots, lots more.
All events at Halloween Playfest are FREE. Many activities are available to enjoy on the spot, while others require advance booking
Finally, all details on our list of things to do are correct at time of publication. Please check with the organiser before finalising your plans. In addition, we ask that you are mindful of the current HSE Covid -19 guidelines at all times.
We are always looking for the best things to do around Ireland…
Do you have a great event coming up? So tell us all about it here.
