Discover west Cork this weekend where the beautiful village of Glengariff will play host to the Music and Craic in the Glen from 14 to 16 October. On Friday there is a Father Ted-themed night with the lovely girls competition, tea and sandwiches. Into the evening, the craic will really start with an open mic night and other traditional music sessions taking place around the village. On Saturday, enjoy even more trad music with The Buckley Family Band playing, plus many more. Sunday sees more entertainment with a magic show and ballooning, followed by more traditional music.

Celebrate where Halloween first began over 3,000 years ago in the Boyne Valley with the Spirit of Meath festival. From the 14 October to 1 November, lots of events will take place, including murder mystery dinner parties, spooky story-telling, and the annual torch-light procession on the Hill of Tlachtga where a reenactment takes place of what happened 1,000 years before. The Celts believed that this was a time of the year when the bridge between our world and the spirit world collapsed. Those who had died since the last Oíche Samhain had now moved on into the next life. Visit info@discoverboynevalley.ie

Explore the picturesque town of Killarney next week for the internationally recognised Kerry Film Festival which takes place from 19 to 23 October. The festival celebrates emerging film making talent and introduces filmmakers to the industry, creating new film experiences for all its audiences. Highlights of the film festival include an international short film competition, a curated programme of feature films, live music events and niche film events held in unique venues across the town. The festival provides great film experiences for all against the backdrop of the beautiful Kerry coast. See www.kerryfilmfestival.com for more information.

Experience Baboró’s International Arts Festival for Children in Galway City from 17 to 23 October. This festival is directed mainly at young people and families ignites the magic of the imagination through the information that it showcases with incredible awe inspiring performances, theatre, dance, puppetry, music, visual arts and storytelling there really is something for all tastes. Celebrating 20 years of presenting multi-genre arts festivals to thousands of Irish children,the festival promises to delight. This week of events gives the perfect excuse to visit the medieval city of Galway and take part in some of the fun. For more information visit www.baboro.ie.

Enjoy a day surrounded by nature this Saturday, 15 October in Ticknock Forest Park where the Sea Downhill Challenge is taking place. This 18 kilometre walk through the Dublin Mountains comprises of trail and country roads, so make sure you wear good strong boots. Tackle the scenic mountains which offer beautiful views overlooking the Dublin landscape as you make your way down towards the sea in Shankhill. Brady’s pub is the end point of the walk where there will be some light refreshments and plenty of chairs to rest on. Admission for this event is thankfully free and more information can be found at www.eventbrite.ie.