1. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps
Always fancied yourself as a bit of an adventurer, then head to Co. Kildare for the annual Shackleton Autumn School Festival (26th to 29th October) celebrating the life of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the world renowned explorer who made it all the way to the Antarctic. And if he could make it there, getting to Kildare should be a breeze! The only permanent exhibition devoted to the intrepid adventurer is at the Athy Heritage Museum. There will be lectures, exhibits, film, an excursion and a re-enactment of the era. While you’re in the area why not do a bit of exploring yourself?
2. Up for a laugh
Get your funny bone tickled over the bank holiday weekend as humour and quick wit will be in plentiful supply at the Galway Comedy Festival (October 25th – 29th). Top comedians Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Pat Shortt, Des Bishop and Reginald D Hunter will providing the laughs while there is also theatre, mime, a table quiz and a very unique comedy dinner show. Or if your chortle on at the Halloween Howls Comedy Festival (October 25th to 29th) happening in different venues in the town. Similar to the festival in Galway, a host of well-known comedians Des Bishop, Neil Delamere and David O’Doherty will be on top form and providing the side-splitting laughs.
3. Jazz it up in Cork
There is nothing like the October bank holiday weekend is draw a crowd and the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (October 26th to 29 th) always guarantees a fun time. There will be gigs on in more than 90 city centre venues. Wow! But to any haters out there who are thinking, ‘Why on earth would I want to listen to jazz?’. Well, you don’t have to be a jazz connoisseur to enjoy the novel musical stylings of De La Soul, Beach House, the James Taylor Quartet. By the end of the weekend we think this lot will have converted you to the being a lover of one of the finer things in life. Plus here’s the feelgood factor… the Big Jazz Fringe sees visiting musicians and bands promoting jazz in the wider community performing in schools, galleries and on the streets.
4. Savour the Taste
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If that’s true then look no further than Kilkenny this October bank holiday for not one but two great food festivals. The sixth annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October 25th to 29th) celebrates the county’s rich food heritage with an open air food market on the parade plaza in front of scenic Kilkenny Castle. Other highlights include workshops, family entertainment and food demos by top chefs Kevin Dundon, Catherine Fulvio, Rozanne Stevens. Just a few miles out the road you can knock yourself out at the Irish Conker Championships (October 28th) in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny. There are competitions for children, adults and teams. Here’s a look at some of the action from previous years. You need a steady hand though so take it easy the night before if you wanna win!
5. Live it up in Sligo
Don’t miss Sligo Live (October 24th to 29th) a folk, roots and indie music festival that this year features Van Morrison, Joan Armatrading and BellX1. There will be music be resonating from every nook and cranny as the town’s cafes, pubs, hotels, clubs, shopping centres and theatres become impromtu musical venues. Other highlights include the Fiddler of Dooney competition, Under Bare Ben Bulben’s Head, a spoken word programme from the land of Yeats, and the World Air Fiddle championships. Yes, you read that right, the championships are being held in Sligo so find out what it is all about. And if you’ve overdone it at a gig then a surefire way to dust away the cowebs is to try surfing at Strandhill or Rosses Point. We would recommend a wetsuit though!
For more great value breaks in Ireland, check out Discover Ireland’s new autumn winter brochure, available in Discover Ireland centres nationwide or to download at www.discoverireland.ie/specialoffers.
