Bram Stoker Festival
Running until Monday and taking place at various locations around Dublin city, this festival will celebrate the life, work and legacy of Dublin horror novelist Bram Stoker and his gothic novel Dracula. http://www.bramstokerfestival.com/ Among the events is Blood at the Science Gallery which explores the "mythical, cultural and medical" aspects of this unique connective tissue. Admission is free and booking is not necessary. https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/blood
Macnas
Macnas promises to terrify the townspeople of Galway this weekend. Crom the giant will unleash a promised "exploration of shadow and light, marvels and monsters", with creatures and characters "raging, roaring, howling, laughing and gasping" their way around the city as streets are "set alight". Macnas's parade takes place at 4.45 pm from the Fisheries Field in Galway on Sunday, while Féile na bPucaí begins once night falls on Inis Mór on October 31st. Macnas is also travelling east on bank holiday Monday to summon "monsters and marvels" from Dublin's "drains and lanes" as part of the Bram Stoker festival. See macnas.com
Drive-in movies
Tattersalls Country House in Ratoath, Co Meath is hosting drive-in movies all weekend and until next Sunday, November 2nd.
To get you in the Holloween mood, movie fans will be treated to screenings of cult favourites including The Exorcist and The Shining as well as the Dirty Dancing and Dead Poets Society. There will be matinee screenings of family favourites including Frozen, The Lego Movie and Princess Bride. More information at www.driveinfilms.ie.
Locating the Gothic
Taking place in Limerick on Saturday, this international conference and series of interlinked events explores the concept of Gothic locations. The programme includes a two-day international conference and a diverse mix of cultural, social and artistic events.
Apart from initiating academic considerations of the Gothic, it will celebrate the city of Limerick itself as a Gothic location. With its bloody and Gothic mix of history, literature, art, and folklore, Limerick "enlivens the Gothic imagination" with native narratives that encompass tales of battles and sieges, river monsters, ghosts, cannibalism and a long-standing city-curse. http://locatingthegothic.weebly.com/
Sligo Live
This festival describes itself as a national festival celebrating traditional, roots and acoustic music. Now in its 10th year, it is a modern continuation of a long and distinguished musical heritage. Ends Monday. http://sligolive.ie/
Mind, Body, Spirit
At this festival taking place in the RDS in Dublin all weekend, people are invited to embark on a journey to “discover spiritual awareness” as well as develop a personal holistic guide. The three day event features over 75 different workshops and lectures on alternative subjects.
It will feature aromatherapy, angel products, bio energy, body care, books, crystals, chakra tools, food, facial massage, healing, jewellery, juicing, music, massage, meditation, reflexology, Tibetan bowls, therapies, and yoga. http://www.mindbodyspirit.ie/
World Photo Press Contest
This contest draws entries by professional press photographers, photojournalists and documentary photographers from across the world, with 103,481 pictures submitted by 5,666 photographers from 124 countries last year.
The judging is conducted at the World Press Photo office in Amsterdam, and every year following the contest, the winning images go on tour. The exhibition is on in the CHQ building in Dublin until November 15th. http://chq.ie/world-press-photo-2014/
Savour Kilkenny - Festival of Food
Food-lovers will find a programme of activities embracing all sectors of the food community from artisan producers to restaurateurs, food agencies to food farmers. A number of Kilkenny businesses will be involved in a weekend of activities suitable for all, many of which will be free of charge.
There will be food markets, cookery demonstrations, food art, food debates and discussions as well as lots of dining events in local hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. http://www.savourkilkenny.com/
