October Guide: 20 of the best events happening across Ireland this month
Supper clubs, arts festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations are among the most exciting events happening throughout the month of October. Here are our top picks of what’s on around Ireland…
Ireland Music Week
Until 4 October, Workman’s, Dublin, more info here
Ireland Music Week is an important event in an artists’ development and profile in the music industry. The main aim is to allow both industry and fans to witness the next crop of Irish talent. The showcases and the robust and busy conference schedule maintain IMW’s essential presence as a key international-facing showcase event. Key acts performing this year include Maria Kelly, Niamh Bury, and I Dreamed I Dream.
Ballina Fringe Festival
4-13 October, Ballina, Mayo, more info here
Ballina Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of the arts, culture, and creativity in Mayo. The festival aims to showcase the rich artistic talents of the local community while bringing international influences to the town, creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural experience for all. Highlights include comedy performance Frigid, a discussion with music journalist Simon Price about his book Curepedia, and a special wrap party with a stellar line-up of acts.
Tipperary Dance Festival
8-18 October, Tipperary, more info here
Heading into its 15th year of celebrations, Tipperary Dance is an artist-led, non-profit organisation that acts as an international creative space engaging with artists and citizens while building and providing infrastructure(s) for the art form of dance. The selection of workshops and performances programmed to take place over ten days in Tipp is incredible, so make sure you check it out.
Common Threads: A Voyage of Music & Art
11-12 October, The Burren, Clare, more info here
Designed to be an immersive experience for both artists and attendees, the weekend takes participants on a carefully curated route, with stops at key landmarks and historical sites. Each location features a diverse lineup of music, visual art, and more. The event aims to celebrate the beauty of The Burren, promote local culture, sustainability and create lasting memories. This year’s lineup features John Francis Flynn, Sorcha Richardson, Negro Impacto, and Ailbhe Reddy.
Hidden Hearth
11-13 October, Rathvilly, Carlow, more info here
An autumnal festival of arts, wisdom and wellbeing, Hidden Hearth is an intimate festival of community, connection, creativity, celebration and empowerment. This three day festival aims to enchant and nourish all who gather. Attendees will honour the end of the outward half of the year, reflect on the bounty we’ve experienced throughout the brighter months, and let go as we prepare to turn inward for the darker winter months.
Breathe at Bansha Castle
11-13 October, Tipperary, more info here
Unwind and rejuvenate at Breathe at Bansha Castle, an exclusive yoga retreat designed to restore balance and harmony to your life. Set in the elegant surrounds of the historic Bansha Castle, nestled in the picturesque backdrop of the Tipperary countryside, this weekend yoga retreat offers the perfect opportunity to escape the humdrum of the daily routine and breathe new life into your mind, body and soul.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
11-20 October, Galway, more info here
Ireland’s flagship arts festival dedicated to children and families, Baboró’s annual festival is a curated programme of high quality, engaging, provoking work from the best makers around the world and around the country. It offers a range of genres, themes and age ranges so that there is something for everyone. The programme includes theatre, dance, puppetry, circus, visual art, literature and digital work.
Sell it! Maximising a retail strategy
14 October, Dublin Royal Convention Centre, more info here
The next IMAGE Business Club Live event takes place on Monday 14 October, when we’ll take a look at the seductive world of retail – how it has evolved, how to nail the sale, what the big names do to attract attention, the role of online and digital, and how to retain a treasured customer long into the future.
Oktoberfeis
14 & 21 October, Killarney, West Cork and Waterford, more info here
From the founders of Bingo Loco, Oktoberfeis features some of Ireland’s top-selling musicians, such as Whistlin’ Donkeys, George Murphy & The Rising Sons, Rake the Ashes, and much more across 10 locations nationwide. An Irish twist on the traditional Bavarian experience, think Irish trad bands and dancers, tankards of Irish stouts and beers, authentic Irish food and an eclectic mix of entertainment and competitions across the evening.
Change is Possible with Brian Pennie
16 October, The Helix, Dublin, more info here
Dr. Brian Pennie is hosting an evening of hope, fun and powerful life tools at The Helix. Through stories, comedy, interviews, and experiential exercises, this event promises an uplifting and inspiring experience. Speakers include wellness guru Niall O’Murchu, who will be leading a breathwork session, comedian Dermot Whelan who will keep us laughing, and broadcaster Anna Geary, who’ll be giving us a game plan for life.
Belfast International Arts Festival
16 October — 26 November, Belfast, more info here
Our 62nd Festival returns with a new season of contemporary arts and culture in over 30 venues across the city, featuring the very best international and homegrown artists in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and film. Highlights include a world premiere of Aurora: A Modern Myth, an interactive installation and immersive dance performance Touch, Hear, Feel, and Yerma, a powerful tragedy set in contemporary Ireland.
A Celebration of Burgundy wine at Ballymaloe House
17 October, Ballymaloe House, Cork, more info here
This exclusive event will take you on a journey through Burgundy’s rich, diverse flavours, featuring carefully selected wines paired with an exquisite five-course menu prepared by Executive Chef, Dervilla O’Flynn and her team. Ballymaloe House’s signature farm-to-table menu will showcase locally sourced produce, such as Rossmore Oysters, Ballycotton Fish, Ballymaloe Farm Pork, Cork cheeses, and the famous dessert trolley.
Wexford Festival Opera
18 October — 2 November, Wexford, more info here
With 70 events taking place over 16 days, Wexford Festival Opera’s captivating 2024 programme explores the intriguing theme of ‘Theatre within Theatre’, offering a glimpse into the world behind the curtain. The festival is world-renowned for its exceptional artistry and its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Imagine Arts Festival
22-27 October, Waterford, more info here
The Imagine Arts Festival in Waterford City is a unique celebration of the arts, returning for its 23rd edition in 2024. It aims to showcase the vibrant artistic community of Waterford on a national stage, exposing it to a wider audience. By featuring both national and international artists, the festival seeks to inspire new ideas and creativity within the local community. Its vision is to promote established and emerging artists across various art forms, nurturing audiences through an eclectic program that engages on a multi-sensory level.
Westival
23-28 October, Westport, more info here
Stepping into its 49th year, Westival continues to hold its title as the oldest arts festival in the west of Ireland. This year’s programme features an exciting lineup that reflects the creativity and spirit of the community, from captivating gigs and thought-provoking shows to hands-on workshops and stunning exhibitions. Pillow Queens are a musical highlight, and The Super Secret Shameful Show is a theatrical performance to remember.
Nordic Elements’ Supper Club
24 October, Blackrock, Dublin, tickets here
Nordic Elements will host their first Design & Supper Club this month in collaboration with Blackrock’s Sea Shanty and Danish textile brand TAMEKO Design. Dinner tables will be styled with beautiful tableware selected from their collections, and decorated with seasonal stems by Appassionata. There’ll be canapés and cocktails, followed by a four-course dinner with wine pairings.
Cork Jazz Festival
24-28 October, Cork city, more info here
An annual celebration of jazz music and community spirit, Cork Jazz Festival is a firm favourite on the Irish event calendar. Heading into its 46th year, there’s a stellar line-up of Irish and international musicians, both veteran and emerging talent to look forward to across the five days, including Gregory Porter, Todd Terje, King Kong Company, and Qbanaa.
Bram Stoker Festival
25–28 October, Dublin, more info here
Get ready for four days and nights of deadly adventures as Dublin gets gloriously gothic this October bank holiday weekend. One of Dublin’s biggest festivals, where the ordinary fades into the shadows and the extraordinary comes to life, the lineup features events and activities for gothic enthusiasts and families alike. Slaughterhouse of Horrors at the IFI is a particularly enticing event.
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival
25-28 October, Kilkenny, more info here
The 16th annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival features a bustling 100-stall market, cookery demos by top chefs, dining and drinks events for every taste, interactive talks and workshops, and live entertainment for the whole family. The 2024 line-up includes Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, James Kavanagh and William Murray, Jeeny Maltese, JP McMahon, Anne Neary, Rory O’Connell, Gary O’Hanlon, and lots more.
Púca Festival
31 October — 2 November, Athboy and Trim, more info here
As the nights lengthen, the Púca Festival casts its magical glow upon Ireland’s Ancient East. Rooted in the mystical traditions of Samhain, yet brimming with contemporary energy, this immersive festival invites you to a realm where folklore comes alive. Dance with otherworldly creatures, revel in the richness of Irish music and storytelling and experience Halloween in its most authentic form. The line-up includes Bell X1, Kingfisher, Jenny Greene, and Panti Bliss.
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