EXPERIENCE the utter horror of Wicklow Gaol, on Sunday 28 October. Join the night tour, where you take an eerie and dark journey through the jail of Wicklow. Known as one of Ireland’s most haunted buildings, this is not for the faint-hearted. Wicklow Gaol was for many years a place of horrendous atrocities in which prisoners were subjected to torture, starvation and death. Educate yourself on Irish history and learn firsthand about the awful conditions of Ireland’s prisons in days gone by. This night tour event is for adults only. Further information and tickets available online at www.wicklowhistoricgaol.com.

JAZZ your week up in Co Cork, at the 41st Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. Set to wow audiences this year from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 October, Cork City will be bursting with countless performances from the best of jazz artists from all around the world. The Everyman will once again play host to some of the finest jazz musicians over the course of the weekend, including Billy Cobham, Nnenna Freelon, TS Monk, Billy Childs, Fred Hersch, Pablo Ziegler, Donny McCaslin and more. This renaissance of jazz in Cork and the island of Ireland is not to be missed. See www.guinnessjazzfestival.com for the hot line-up.

DARE to visit Carlow’s first ever Scarefest this Halloween weekend. On Sunday 28 October, a public witch trial takes place in the courtrooms of the famous Courthouse in Carlow town. A local woman accused of witchcraft will go on trial before judge and jury to answer for her alleged crimes. If found guilty, the witch will be brought to Carlow Town Hall where she will be burned at the stake. There will also be live music and dance performances throughout the evening, as well as food stalls and much more. Carlow’s first ever Scarefest promises to petrify you. Further details available online at www.scarefest.ie.

ENJOY the 66th Wexford Fringe Festival, running until Sunday 4 November. Wexford Fringe is an annual open-access arts festival which runs in parallel to Wexford Opera Festival. The 2018 programme is jam-packed with an eclectic mix of over 300 events, including cabaret, comedy, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music and visual art – many of which are free to attend. One unique contributor to the festival is Gilly Thomas, a bronze sculptor who takes inspiration from field sports and country life. Visit the Clayton Whites Hotel to see Gilly’s bronze exhibition, as part of Wexford Fringe Festival. See www.wexfordfring.ie for more information.

Bram Stoker Halloween festival.

Bram Stoker Halloween festival.

AWAKEN your senses at one of Dublin’s most-anticipated festivals. Bram Stoker Festival returns this October Bank Holiday weekend, to recreate the supernatural thrill of Samhain and celebrate one of Ireland’s most-treasured authors. With more than 70,000 people expected to enjoy the festival events, there really is something for everyone: theatre, readings, illustration and animation, outdoor screenings and audio treats, to name but a few. Don’t miss the electrifying adventures in these unusual Dublin city locations. For specific events times and information see www.bramstokerfestival.com.