Festivals

Carlow Big Houses Festival – until 28 October: Every weekend throughout October, Co Carlow’s big houses will throw open their doors for the Carlow Big Houses Festival. Step inside some of Ireland’s grandest historic homes and immerse yourself in the food and heritage of Carlow’s great estates. Kicking off the festival is Borris House on 5 and 6 October. On Saturday 12 October the location is Altamont Gardens for an inspiring garden tour with noted garden historian Fionnuala Reid. On Sunday 13 October there is a family fun day in Duckett’s Grove. For more information, see www.carlowtourism.com or call 059- 9130411.

Theatre

Dublin Theatre Festival – until 13 October: Dublin Theatre Festival runs for three weeks and is now in its second year. It features world premieres of new work, re-imagined classic texts, inspiring international projects and an expanded season of theatre for children. The works in this year’s programme deal with many contemporary topics and speak to the times we live in. There are 10 world premieres and 14 international productions taking place in various venues across Dublin. This includes John Millington Synge’s Playboy of the Western World in the Gaiety Theatre until 5 October. For a full itinerary, see www.dublintheatrefestival.ie.

The Good Father – 8 to 12 October: Written by Christian O’Reilly and directed by Mary Newman, The Good Father runs at the Moat Theatre, Naas, from 8 to 12 October. The plot surrounds Jane, an uptown girl who meets Tim at a New Year’s Eve party. He is more of a downtown guy, but his wit and warmth win her over. Their brief and passionate encounter leads to New Year’s resolutions they could never have anticipated. A modern tale of two people in search of love, this play will make you laugh, think and maybe even cry a little. Tickets start at €12. For more information, see www.moattheatre.com.

Music

Derek Ryan – 4 October: Fresh from his Scottish tour and of course hometown appearances at Ploughing 2019 in Carlow, Derek Ryan comes to the Glencarn Hotel in Monaghan. There will be dancing on the night and Derek is sure to draw a crowd in this jiving stronghold. Derek first developed his lifelong love of music when his parents bought him a drum kit at Christmas at the age of four. He has now gone on to have two Irish number-one albums, sell-out shows at home and abroad and garner fistfuls of music awards. For more information, see www.derekryanmusic.com.

Film

Joker – 4 October: The much anticipated film Joker, based on Batman’s rival, comes to cinemas this Friday. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips, the movie, which acts as an origin story for the Joker, is set in 1981. It follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City. Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy appear in supporting roles.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 6th October, (5-8pm), Brendan Magee(10.30) Robert Mizzell

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 6th October, Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis

Big Band: 5th October, Declan Nerney

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 3rd October, Eamonn Mc Cann

Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 11th October, Jim Devine

Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 6th October, Michael Collins

Kilkenny: Pilltown, GAA Complex, 6th October, Teddy Barry

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 7th October, Robert Mizzell

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 3rd October, Brendan & Patricia Lee, 5th October, Cliona Hogan, 6th October, Bernie Heaney & Bozz, 8th October (The Farmer Wants a Wife Event), Gerry Guthrie & The Conquerors

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 6th October, Cliona Hagan

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 4th October, Gerry Guthrie

Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 6th October, Martin Kearney & Derry Kennedy

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 9th October, Liam Mannering & Maria

Cork: Kanturk, Kilbrin, Social Club, 4th October, Bernie Heaney & Buzz

Kerry: Tralee, Keirns O’ Rahillys club, 9th October, Nellie O’Connor Band

Kerry: Scartaglen, Heritage Centre, 6th October, Dermot Lyons

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 6th October, Jim Devine

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 9th October, Glen Flynn

Limerick: Newcastle West, Longcourt Hotel, 24th October, Michael Collins Band

Tipperary: Cahir, Kilcoran, Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, 6th October, Muriel O’Connor & Fran Curry