The clocks haven’t turned yet, but Leinster is already dressing for the dark half of the year. The week pulls two ways: Halloween stirs to life out west in Longford, while Dublin keeps the lights up for a big Cole Porter musical and a night of art-pop. Here’s what’s worth planning for, with time to book before the weekend fills up.
Events This Week
A packed theatre run, a cult pop show and a tour for the gothic-minded.
The Origins of Halloween Tour, A guided dig into the real Irish roots of Samhain, from the Dullahan to the folklore that fed Bram Stoker.
Mon 26 October · EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum · Dublin · €24
The Origins of Halloween Tour, The same hour of ghoulish Irish history if Monday’s booked out, tracing how our traditions shaped the headless horseman and the vampire.
Tue 27 October · EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum · Dublin · €24
High Society, Cole Porter’s glittering score and sharp wit, with Helen George leading a 28-strong cast as socialite Tracy Lord.
Wed 21 October · Bord Gais Energy Theatre · Dublin
High Society, A second day of the Porter musical if midweek suits better.
Thu 22 October · Bord Gais Energy Theatre · Dublin
Allie X, The Canadian art-pop singer brings a theatrical, darkly glamorous show, pitched right for the run-up to Halloween.
Fri 23 October · The Academy · Dublin
What’s Happening
Samhain is a Longford speciality, and two very different events open the season.
Longford’s Dead of Night Festival, Longford goes county-wide for Halloween with live performance, music, storytelling and street theatre right up to the big night.
Longford
Feile na Samhna at Corlea Trackway, A free Samhain gathering at the Iron Age bog road, where the ancient timber makes a fitting backdrop for old traditions.
Longford
Making a night of the Halloween run
If Longford’s festival week tempts you to stay over, or you fancy a city night around a show at the Bord Gais, it pays to lock in a room early while rates are still friendly. A quick search sorts a base for the weekend. Find a place to stay
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Events & attractions: Fáilte Ireland Open Data (failteireland.ie), CC BY 4.0.