CELEBRATE Ireland’s medieval heritage at the Ferns Conference, this Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October. This weekend of discussion, music and lectures delves into the growth of church power in medieval Ireland, from the two saints Aidan and David to the construction of Ferns Cathedral. Topics of discussion include how the church controlled so many aspects of Irish life and even the afterlife. A very harmonious musical experience of choral, baroque and traditional styles compliment the unique setting of St Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns. Book now by emailing: fernsheritageconference@gmail.com. Visit www.fernsvillage.ie for further information.

REVISIT your childhood at the Galway City Baboró International Arts Festival starting Monday 15 October. The annual programme of theatre, dance, music and visual arts is aimed at children and the very young. Artists from Ireland and around the world are invited to Galway each year to perform for Ireland’s most special audience. The Baboró mission is simple: to open up the world of the creative arts to Ireland’s youngest citizens. Believing that all children in Ireland should enjoy equal access to quality culture and the creative arts, they have devised a broad and inclusive programme of astounding creative engagement and entertainment for kids of all ages. Find more information at baboro.ie.

INVIGORATE your senses at Achill’s Talking Walls festival, starting this Saturday 13 October. Talking Walls is a new festival hosted on Achill Island that is going to stir your curiosities through exploring culture in the buildings, art, and literature of Achill.Guided island walks allow you to explore Achill’s history, as well as staged drama, poetry, art and photography exhibitions offering visitors both the old and modern aspects of Achill. Whether you’re a veteran traveller to the island, or an Achill novice, the Talking Walls Festival is an amazing way to explore the best of the west.Search ‘Talking Walls Achill’ on Facebook for more.

KICKSTART the Halloween season at Spirits of Meath in Boyne Valley, running until Sunday 4 November. Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that we now call Halloween, originated in Co Meath in the Boyne Valley more than 3,000 years ago. Samhain marks the end of the old Celtic year and the beginning of the new year, where the spirits of the dead passed on to the next world. Spine-tingling fun awaits for young and old alike in Meath at Ireland’s biggest and scariest Halloween Festival. From haunted hills and eerie graveyards, to friendly witches and spooky spells – The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival 2018 will delight and fright equally.V isit spiritsofmeath.ie for more information.

COMPETE in the Céide Coast Half Marathon in Ballycastle, Co Mayo, on Saturday 13 October. A race like no other, the half-marathon route will take competitors from the Céide Coast Visitor Centre overlooking the Ballycastle sea cliffs, onto the windswept Downpatrick Head, and past the iconic Dún Bríste sea stack. Runners can soak in the majesty of the Wild Atlantic Way as you go.There is also a 10km race which boasts equally attractive scenery for those whose endurance and fitness levels would suit the shorter route. Attracting runners from all around the world, this is a run not to be missed. Further information available on ceidecoasthalfmarathon.com.