10 Festivals in Ireland in October

Ireland’s October is a most spectacular month. The air is fresh, the festive atmosphere of festivals in Ireland in October is evident, and the emerald landscapes are painted in tones of amber and gold. The nation bids summer farewell and welcomes a season of colorful festivals highlighting Ireland’s rich history, culture, and music. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, literature, or Halloween, October in Ireland has something to offer everyone.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best events taking place across the country this October. So take out your calendar and go to work organizing your autumn getaway in Ireland!

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Dates: October 24 – 28, 2024

Location: Cork City

Website: https://guinnesscorkjazz.com/

Celebrated for 46 years, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is a five-day event that is known for being Ireland’s largest music-focused city festival. The festival is well-known for its unique blend of modern musicians and jazz greats, and it has hosted legendary performers including Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Damon Albarn, Macy Grey, and De La Soul. The 2024 edition, which will take place over the weekend of the October bank holiday, promises to have the greatest lineup ever, featuring a longer music trail and a variety of musical genres, including hip-hop, R&B, dance, and classic jazz. The festival is a well-liked and family-friendly event because of its accessibility and lively environment, which includes pop-up events, late-night parties, and street performers. With over 100,000 attendees in 2023, the event broke attendance records, and this year’s is expected to be even larger and better.

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Bram Stoker Festival

Dates: October 25 – 28, 2024

Location: Dublin City

Website: https://bramstokerfestival.com/en/

One of Dublin’s biggest arts festivals, the Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival honors the memory of renowned Irish author Bram Stoker. The festival features an eclectic mix of events, such as world premieres of films, award-winning theater circus acts, and outdoor spectacles, all inspired by his life and work as well as Gothic, supernatural, and Victorian themes. Offering unique experiences for all ages, the festival takes over cathedrals, parks, and squares, showcasing anything from choral ensembles in dimly lit libraries to comedy in nightclubs. Families might check out Stokerland, which offers concerts, activities, and discos for younger guests. The festival is set to return in 2024 during the October bank holiday weekend, promising even more ominous and immersive experiences.

Púca Festival

Dates: October 31 – November 3, 2024

Locations: Meath and Louth Counties

Website: https://pucafestival.com/

Inspired by the ancient Samhain customs, the Púca Festival brings a mystical fusion of modern energy and culture to Ireland’s Ancient East. This immersive festival, which takes place in Trim and Athboy, uses storytelling, dance, music, and real Halloween celebrations to bring Irish mythology to life. While the cheeky spirit of Púca lends a modern twist with comic acts and electrifying performances from stars like Leftfield (DJ set), Jenny Greene, Gavin James, Bell X1, and The High Kings, visitors can participate in traditional customs. With a riveting journey through Ireland’s rich cultural legacy, the 2024 Púca Festival promises an exciting blend of myth, music, food, and fun.

Wexford Festival Opera

Dates: 18 October – 2 November, 2024

Location: Wexford Town

Website: https://www.wexfordopera.com/

From modest beginnings, Wexford Festival Opera has developed into one of the top international opera events in the world. Originally called the “Festival of Music and the Arts,” it was founded in 1951 as a result of novelist Compton Mackenzie’s proposal to perform an opera in Wexford. Since then, the festival has developed a reputation for bringing previously unheard operatic masterpieces back to life and providing spectators with unforgettable experiences. World-class performances take place in the National Opera House and other locations throughout Wexford for two weeks every year, drawing thousands of opera enthusiasts. Since 2020, the festival has been artistically directed by Rosetta Cucchi, and with the help of a committed group of local volunteers, it has maintained a balance between tradition and audacious innovation.

KIFF – Kerry International Film Festival

Dates: October 19 – 20, 2024

Location: Killarney, County Kerry

Website: https://kerryfilmfestival.com/

Held in the charming town of Killarney, County Kerry, every October, the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) is more than just an international film festival. Through collaborations with regional festivals like the Chinese New Year Festival and the Charlie Chaplin Festival, KIFF aims to spread art and culture throughout Kerry. KIFF, which is renowned for showcasing up-and-coming talent, has helped directors like Vincent Lambe and Ben Cleary launch their careers by showing films that go on to win and garner Oscar nominations. Beyond prizes, KIFF supports all motion pictures, making sure that every work is viewed by offering a wide range of live score screenings, features, and shorts. The festival offers free family programming and a school day in addition to its dedication to helping up-and-coming filmmakers. Filmmakers gather for a celebration of talent, art, and community at KIFF’s industry networking events and for the Maureen O’Hara Award, which is granted only to women who excel in the film business. Regarded as one of the top 100 festivals globally by Film Freeway, KIFF has a five-star rating and is well-known on the international scene.

Dingle Food Festival

Dates: October 4–6, 2024

Location: Dingle, County Kerry

Website: https://www.dinglefood.com/

The Dingle Food Festival is a festival of food, community, and sustainability that takes place from October 4–6, 2024, in the charming seaport village of Dingle along the Wild Atlantic Way. The festival, which is run on a non-profit basis by volunteers from the community, includes street entertainment, children’s activities, market stalls, masterclasses, workshops, and the popular Taste Trail. To limit the amount of throwaway packaging, the festival is urging guests to bring their own bowls or hire stainless steel ones, continuing its goal to become Ireland’s first “Zero Landfill Waste” event. With an emphasis on environmentally sustainable methods and an anticipated 150,000 food tastings, the event offers a special fusion of delicious food and environmental responsibility.

Dublin Theatre Festival

Dates: September 26 – October 13, 2024

Location: Dublin City

Website: https://dublintheatrefestival.ie/

Dublin Theatre Festival is a driving force behind the growth of Irish theatre, providing artists with support and exhibiting cutting-edge international works that captivate and uplift a wide range of people. You can invest in Ireland’s creative future, global standing, and reputation by supporting the festival. Having its roots in Dublin, the festival adds to the city’s thriving social and cultural scene while striving to give locals and tourists alike great theatrical experiences. The festival, which has a rich past to cherish, looks ahead to a day when more people engage with culture and artists produce daring, thought-provoking work. The Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the main sponsor of the festival.

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Imagine Arts Festival

Dates: October 22-27, 2024

Location: Waterford City

Website: https://www.imagineartsfestival.com/

The Imagine Arts Festival is a distinctive, multidisciplinary event in Waterford City that is organized by a volunteer team and serves as a national platform for the local artistic community. The festival was founded in 2001 and features a varied program that includes theater, music, comedy, visual art, dance, literature, and more. It also supports known and up-and-coming performers from regional, national, and international stages. Its goal is to stimulate creative thinking among the populace by exhibiting performers who captivate audiences with several senses. The festival, which also includes the Waterford Writers Weekend, is supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, and the City and County Council of Waterford. It aims to develop and support the region’s social, cultural, and economic advancement every year. With their engaging performances, artists like Camille O’Sullivan have left a lasting impression, and the festival still supports the city’s and its creatives’ artistic growth.

Galway Comedy Festival

Dates: October 22 – 28, 2024

Location: Galway City

Website: https://www.galwaycomedyfestival.ie/

The Galway Comedy Festival has developed into one of the most popular events in Ireland, drawing thousands of people for a last chuckle before winter and top-tier comedians. Along with previously announced acts like Ruby Wax, Des Bishop, Michelle Wolf, and many more, the 2024 edition will feature comedy icons from Ireland, such as Deirdre O’Kane, Dylan Moran, Dara Ñ Briain, and Mario Rosenstock, as well as rising Irish stars, like Shane Todd, Emma Doran, Sinéad Quinlan, Al Porter, and Colin Geddis. The festival, which features over 70 events spread across 17 locations over seven days and nights, has grown to be the biggest comedy event in Ireland and the European Union.

Baboró: International Arts Festival for Children

Dates: October 11 – 20, 2024

Location: Galway City

Website: https://www.baboro.ie/

The premier arts festival in Ireland for kids and families is called the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. Its mission is to encourage artists who create art for young audiences and provide meaningful art experiences for them year-round. Baboró is a registered charity, and the centerpiece of its goal is its yearly festival, which features exceptional, avant-garde work by both local and international artists. The festival supports artists, removes obstacles to entry, and honors kids as audiences and producers. Baboró also interacts with the community via arts education initiatives, outreach programs in rural areas, and school seminars. Baboró is devoted to play, curiosity, bravery, teamwork, and belonging. She supports children’s participation in culture and builds relationships so everyone feels at home. Their industry events and artist development program assist artists and educators, enhancing Ireland’s children’s arts scene and fostering new partnerships.

In Ireland, October is a month of magic, celebration, and culture. Ireland’s autumn festivals provide a remarkable variety of experiences, from the melancholy allure of Dublin’s gothic festivities to the lively jazz beats of Cork. This season promises to be one of remarkable experiences, whether you’re enjoying delicious foods, learning about old folklore, or swaying to jazz music.

Prepare for your journey and enjoy all that October’s exciting events have to offer in Ireland!