Five things to do this bank holiday weekend
With the midterm set to begin, and the bank holiday ahead here are five things to do:
Thank You for the Musical
Kick off the bank holiday weekend with a trip to the Dean Crowe Theatre to see Athlone Community College's performance of 'Thank You for the Musical'.
The three-night run of this musical started last night and runs until Friday, October 24, with shows tonight and tomorrow at 8pm.
Get ready to sing, dance, and fall in love as Athlone Community College brings the beloved musical Thank You for the Musical to life on stage! This vibrant adaptation of the family favourite promises a feel-good celebration of love, laughter, and friendship, set to the unforgettable soundtrack of ABBA.
Monsters of the Future mask-making workshops
This Halloween, Luan Gallery invites children aged 7 to 12 to explore their creativity at the Monsters of the Future Mask Making Workshops with artist Aoife Doolan. Taking place on Saturday, October 25, these engaging workshops will be held in two sessions: 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm.
Participants will design and craft their very own 'Monster of the Future' mask, inspired by the speculative and futuristic themes of Luan Gallery’s current exhibition, SYSTEM ARMING. Under Aoife Doolan’s expert guidance, children will experiment with a variety of techniques and materials to create unique, imaginative, and slightly spooky designs that are perfect for Halloween.
Each workshop costs €15 per child, with discounts available for families registering two or more children. Pre-booking is essential, either by emailing info@luangallery.ie or calling 090 6442154.
The Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí, Westmeath
On October 25, The Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park offers an immersive Halloween experience unlike any other, drawing visitors deep into the heart of Irish myth, folklore, and Celtic ritual. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Samhain, this event reawakens the stories our ancestors told — a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thin.
More than a Halloween show, The Spooktacular Summoning is a journey into the dark half of the year, where endings and beginnings intertwine and the echoes of Ireland’s past speak once more. Part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween in Longford-Westmeath and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, this October 25 event is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly mystical, spine-chilling experience.
Visit www.dunnasi.ie for more information.
Spooktacular Market in Connaught Gardens
The Connaught Street & Environs Community Group will hold a Spooktacular Market and Fun Day on Sunday, October 26, from 12pm until 4pm.
A fang-tastic mix of crafts, food, games, and Halloween surprises, it will include the Connaught Street Treasure Hunt.
Visitors will also have the chance to say hello to Old-Town Alpacas' newest baby; play hide and seek by spotting Baby Fang, Batty Boo, Spellpaca, and Lil Wrap hiding around the market, enjoy face-painting, or chill on the hay bales in the quiet fun area.
A fancy dress competition takes place at 2pm. Find the Connaught Street Witch to enter. Prizes for the spookiest, silliest, and sparkliest costumes.
Free entry, free fun, and a day full of community spirit — everyone welcome.
Monster Auction in Lecarrow
A monster auction in aid of Fr Pat Brennan’s Brazilian Mission fund will take place on Sunday, October 26, at 8pm in Coffey’s Pub, Lecarrow.
Lots up for auction include a new MTEC 6’ x 4’ general purpose trailer with mesh sides worth c. €2,150, 2 nights B&B with 1 evening meal in either Kilronan or Lough Rynn Castles, ewe lambs, fuel vouchers, beauty vouchers, drinks vouchers, service vouchers, loads of timber, straw/hay and silage bales, agricultural products and much, much more.