Film

Western Stars – out now: This is a documentary of Bruce Springsteen’s latest album where he performs songs from the album Western Stars instead of going on tour. There is no real plot to this film, but there is reminiscing and reflection. The majority of the film was recorded in Springsteen’s century-old barn with a 30-piece orchestra and an audience of a few friends and the horses in the stables. Directed by Springsteen and Thom Zimny, Springsteen narrates parts of the film as well as preforming. This film is rated G.

Theatre

Spliced – 1 November: Spliced is a one-man site-specific multi-disciplinary show written and performed by Timmy Creed. Timmy is contemplating his 21 years playing GAA. He brings together sport and drama and explores his relationship with the fastest field game in the world, hurling. Spliced is an account of his struggle to become an individual outside of the sporting institution that raised him. He wants to talk about identity, masculinity and mental health in sport. Suitable for ages 14 and up, the show will take place in Dundalk Tennis Club on a squash court. For more information see www.aintain.ie.

Tom Crean – 6 November: Aidan Dooley will bring a solo performance of Tom Crean, a play about the Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, to the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo. Hear the true stories of Crean’s explorations as one of the few men to serve along with both Scott and Shackleton on the Discovery, Terra Nova and Endurance expeditions. This is a multi-award winning show which has been performed around the world. The story of Crean is a testament of human strength battling against the elements of the Antarctic. Ticket prices range from €13 to €18. For more information see www.hawkswell.com.

Festival

Púca Festival – 31 October-2 November: The Púca Festival will see three nights of music, fire, feasting and mischief across three ancient sites where Samhain began. Around this time of year, it is believed that the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead thins and the creatures of Samhain come to life. The festival was created to celebrate Samhain, Ireland’s ancient Halloween tradition, in Athboy, Drogheda and Trim, through folklore, food, myth, music and by lighting up the night sky with illuminations. For more information on the programme of events and tickets, visit www.pucafestival.com.

Harbour Bar Toastie Festival – 1-3 November: Enjoy Ireland’s only Toastie Festival at the Harbour Bar, Bray, from 6pm each day. This is a celebration of a classic, the humble ham and cheese toastie, a firm favourite to go with the post-cliff walk pint or pot of tea. If you’re feeling more adventurous there will be other fillings on offer too. The Golden Toaster is up for grabs as Bray businesses grill it out to be crowned The Best Toastie in Bray. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information see www.harbourbar.ie.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 1st-3rd November Michael Collins Social Dancing Weekend

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band:1st November, Michael English & Jimmy Buckley 2nd November, Michael English & Gerry Guthrie 3rd November, (3-5) Michael English

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 31st October, John McNicholl

Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 1st November, Declan Nerney

Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 2nd November, Declan Nerney

Kilkenny: Pilltown, GAA Complex, 3rd November, Michael Sexton

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 4th November, Jimmy Buckley

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 31st October, Michael Collins, 2nd November, Ciaran Rosney, 3rd November, Chris Dallat

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 10th November, Ciaran Rosney

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 1st November, John McNicholl

Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 3rd November, Michael O’Brien & Philomena

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 6th November, Liam Mannering & Maria

Cork: Charleville, Charleville Park Hotel, 18th November, Dermot Lyons Band

Kerry: Tralee, Keirns O’ Rahillys club, 6th November, Peter Burke Band

Kerry: Scartaglen, Heritage Centre, 3rd November, Dermot Lyons

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 3rd November, Derek Ryan

Limerick: Newcastle West, Longcourt Hotel, 31st October, Dermot Lyons, 7th November, Bernie Heaney & Bozz

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 9th November, Jimmy Buckley

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 3rd November, Dave Rae

Tipperary: Newport, Aherns, 2nd November, Peter Bourke

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 2nd November, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 2nd November, Johnny Brady

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 2nd November, Matthew O’Donnell

Down: Banbridge, Banville House, 1st November, Richie Remo

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 2nd November, Jim Devine

Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 1st November, Jim Devine