Fun activities over the next month don’t need to involve shivering in a field full of pumpkins
It’s “fluffy pyjama, new favourite mug, turn up the heating” season.
Autumn can be a difficult time when it comes to filling the social calendar.
Finding something worth wrapping up for can be hard. Finding an event that doesn’t involve standing in a field of pumpkins? Well, that can be like trying to find a loaf of bread in an Irish supermarket during a weather warning.
And yet… here are five events happening around the country over the next few weeks that might fit the bill.
Oktoberfest at the Bernard Shaw October 2-November 1
Think beer, bratwurst and Bavarian cheer.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from October 2 to November 1, Drumcondra’s Bernard Shaw bar will bring the German phenomenon of Oktoberfest to Dublin.
There’ll be DJs, German games, karaoke and, of course, limbo.
If your bank account won’t stretch to a trip to Europe’s largest Oktoberfest in Munich, you’ll be glad to know that tickets to the Irish equivalent come in at just €15, and will get you two drink tokens and a Bavarian pretzel.
There’s plenty more Germany-themed food on offer as well.
Bookings for the Eatyard-hosted event can be made on the Bernard Shaw website.
Prost!
Oktoberfest will take place in The Bernard Shaw this autumn.
Dublin Theatre Festival, September 25-October 12
Now in its 68th year, the Dublin Theatre Festival is one of the world’s longest-running arts events.
Almost 30 productions will be staged in various locations around the capital before October 12.
The 18-day festival was opened by Teatro La Plaza from Peru, who staged an adaptation of Hamlet performed by actors with Down syndrome.
While that show’s limited run has drawn to a close, there’s plenty still to enjoy, including Derry Girls actor Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s star turn in Ciara Elizabeth Smyth’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters.
“The great thing about Dublin Theatre Festival is that it’s eclectic,” Róise Groan, the festival’s artistic director and chief executive, said.
“Whether you enjoy classical plays reinvented, new writing or cutting-edge theatre from some of the most exciting international and Irish companies, there is something for you at this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival.”
For the full schedule of events and ticketing information, see the Dublin Theatre Festival website.
Galway Comedy Festival, October 21-27
With a stellar line-up that includes Rachel Galvo, Bernard Casey and David McSavage at the Galway Comedy Festival, hitting the road for the City of the Tribes will be well worth your while.
The Keep it Tight live podcast with comedic powerhouses Emma Doran and Deirdre O’Kane will be a festival highlight, taking place in the Town Hall Theatre, on October 26.
“Galway Comedy Festival will brighten the October bank holiday with a programme boasting a 70-strong line-up of international stars, homegrown comedy greats and emerging talent, playing 69 shows across 16 venues over seven days and nights,” festival director Kevin Healy said.
With many of the shows already sold out, head to the official website to secure your tickets before it’s too late.
Emma Doran and Deirdre O’Kane will record a live podcast at Galway Comedy Festival. Photo: David Conachy
Dingle Food Festival, October 3-5
Dingle in Co Kerry is hosting its annual food festival from October 3 to October 5.
“For 2025 we are making local produce the hero of this year’s Dingle Food Festival, highlighting the amazing work our local producers do,” festival director Martin Bealin said.
The three-day festival will be serving up familiar favourites, including market stalls, masterclasses, children’s events and street entertainment. The Taste Trail, seen as the highlight of the event, will take place on October 4 and 5.
With over 60 businesses on this year’s trail, foodies will have no shortage of delicious Dingle delicacies to enjoy.
You can get a ticket for the Taste Trail on the festival website.
Spike Island Night Tour, October
Sometimes referred to as Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island is opening its doors for its annual Halloween event – the After Dark Tour.
The 130-acre island off the coast of Cork was home to criminals from the Famine right up until 2004, when the last prisoners were removed from the island.
Its After Dark Tour gives the public access to parts of the prison that are generally off-limits, allowing them to explore “the haunting corridors of an abandoned prison” and enter “underground tunnels once used for solitary confinement”.
Spike Island
Compelling stories from Spike Island have attracted media attention from all over the world, with the Discovery Channel visiting island to film in early 2020.
The After Dark Tour is strictly over-18s this year, with ID required for entry.
If you have younger children in tow, the island’s Spookfest Trail is a tour that’s suitable for the whole family.
To find booking information for both events visit the official Spike Island website.