DISCOVER the secrets of the unique landscape of the Burren, Co Clare, at the Burren Winterage Weekend, running from 26-29 October. For hundreds of years, Burren farmers have marked the end of summer by herding their cattle to winter pastures in the limestone uplands. This tradition is known as winterage, and the Burren is one of the only places in the world where it still occurs. Winterage has been integral in shaping today’s familiar Burren landscape. Along with the local community, the Burrenbeo Trust is coordinating the 2017 Burren Winterage Weekend. Visit www.burrenwinterage.com for a full list of events.

EXPERIENCE the mysterious and the mystical legacy of Dublin-born Gothic writer Bram Stoker at the Bram Stoker Festival, running in the capital from 27-30 October. With over 25 events confirmed in eerie graveyards, hauntingly evocative theatres and the mysterious surroundings of venues across Dublin, people will be sure to get into the Halloween spirit this bank holiday weekend. By day, the festival programme presents gothic intrigue at family-friendly events, talks and interactive experiences. At night, the city will embrace the darkness, as a host of venues deliver deadly adventures for festival-goers in search of macabre thrills and late-night parties. For the full programme of events, see www.bramstokerfestival.com.

SING along at Sligo Live 2017, taking place from 25-30 October. Running for the past 12 years in Sligo town, the festival has made a name for itself with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This festival is an opportunity to hear a select sample of an enormous pool of talent, alongside major international names and some of Ireland’s favourite musicians. With 100 performances by 400 musicians on over 20 stages across the six days, your most difficult decision will be choosing which of the dozens of concerts and performances to see next. For a full line-up of events and booking, see www.sligolive.ie.

ENJOY midterm at the Grymm Tales Experience, running until 31 October at Ghoulsley’s Manor, Cuskinny Court in east Cork. Based on the upside-down fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, this new Halloween experience for children will bring old storybook tales to life. The theatrical performances of the characters from Grymm Tales and Bippity-Bobbity-Boo will cater for different age groups and are set to be hilarious. The daytime shows are ideal for younger children while, as the evening draws in, the shows get a little darker for the older and braver audience. For more information, see www.ghousleysmanor.ie.

CELEBRATE both Irish and international filmmaking at the Richard Harris International Film Festival, taking place in Limerick city from 26-30 October. Join fans, filmmakers and curious visitors as they flock to the city to enjoy feature-length and short films. There will be music, poetry and a cultural trail around Limerick landmarks, as well as the Red Carpet Awards to celebrate filmmaking culture. So make sure you’re in Limerick for this eagerly anticipated and much-loved film festival. For a full line-up of events and booking information, visit www.richard

harrisfilmfestival.com.