Ireland Lifestyle 2026: Culture, Food & Social Life

Hear first hand from our students and staff about studying and life at Maynooth University. Find answers to all your questions about our degrees, supports, student life and more. Seamlessly combining myth, mischief, storytelling and music, Aindrias invites audiences into an high-energy show that pulses with life. It’s your opportunity to connect with innovators, explore emerging ideas, and celebrate the breakthroughs shaping the future of technology and society. In partnership with principal sponsor Microsoft, the AI Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a gathering of Ireland’s thriving AI community.

The festival culminates on Saturday 31 October with the Big Scream Carnival, featuring a parade, Halloween activities, movies , Zombie Land and a sensory-friendly hour for families seeking a quieter experience. The Irish Film Institute’s annual celebration of the terrifying, the gory, the wince-inducing, and the uncanny returns with IFI Horrorthon 2026, running Thursday, October 22nd to Monday, October 26th. The festival draws inspiration from Stoker, his life, his work, the Dublin of his time and celebrates the Gothic, the supernatural, the after-dark and the Victorian. Yes — see everything happening in Dublin today, including evening events, at /dublin/events/today. Our listings are updated three times daily — browse by date, category or venue to find what suits you.

From 2nd to 31st October 2026, step into a world of illuminated pumpkin creations and wander through an enchanting outdoor trail filled with incredible carvings, imaginative scenes and unforgettable photo opportunities. This Halloween, Newbridge House & Farm lights up after dark with thousands of glowing pumpkins, spectacular hand-carved displays, live entertainment and autumn magic. A fun-filled family event, audiences are encouraged to come in costume, with prizes for the best dressed at selected performances—making it the perfect Halloween treat for children and gro With the help of the ever-enthusiastic Silly Billy and the larger-than-life Dame Bridie, the story twists, turns and builds to a riotous, feel-good finale that flips the traditional tale on its head. Join Little Red as she journeys through the enchanted forest on her way to visit her fabulous D’ Granny. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, has staged a dramatic election fightback, defeating his far-right opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, to claim a historic fourth term in power.

Popular in Dublin

Keep up-to-date with Irish entertainment news, gossip, photos, video, and reviews featuring Irish celebrities and pop culture, film and TV, music, dance, theater, literature, and more. Legendary guitarist and musical director Gerry Leonard chats to Brigid Boden about his days with David Bowie and gives us a behind the scenes account of his incredible journey working with one of the greatest artists of all time. Considered the premier conductor for video game music, Eimear also composes for feature films, TV, commercials and video games. Stars Josh Brolin, Tom Everett Scott and Michael Gladis share their praise with Brigid Boden for Irish writer and director Colin Broderick's new movie Emerald City hosted by Josh Brolin and presented by Irish Screen America. Director Keely Shaye Brosnan and executive director Pierce Brosnan chat with Brigid Boden IrishETV about their movie, Poisoning Paradise, screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival CA. The beauty of the show for us is that it can be adapted to our needs and wants as regards time, venue and numbers.

Musk warns Starlink will cut service if Ukraine uses it to 'kill people' Further weather warnings issued as 18,000 left without power after Storm Boelo Ethiopian athletes claim men's and women's titles at Dublin ZNAKI FM Launches Irish Edition, Expanding Its Global News and Entertainment Network Marathon

Paul Mescal Backs Kildare Made Short Film In Oscars Race

It’s where people meet, share gossip, tell stories, sing songs, and watch a match. Rural areas still hold strong; 38% of people live in communities under 1,500 people. A journalist once described the Irish as a “Mediterranean people who got stuck too far north.” There’s truth in that. Ireland's education system is well-regarded internationally, with Trin…

The Dockers and Demons festival, which began in 2017, is a celebration of community, creative arts and the spooky, set against the backdrop of Dublin’s historic Docklands. Whether you're looking for the perfect family outing, date night or just a fun night out with friends Dundrum on Ice is the next stop on your list! Now in its thirteenth consecutive year, Dundrum on Ice offers a magical experience for all ages. Opened in 2013 in the infamous town centre of Dundrum, it sets a standard that is carried throughout all of our rinks to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Venues say they are putting on more events to cater to a growing cohort of people who want a more affordable night out. The Black Sabbath legend had asked his wife to ‘hold me tight’ as they lay in bed before his death from a heart attack at the age of 76, she said. Meghan’s father may be ‘sex offender of grossest kind’ Philippine official says Events Thalia Heffernan proudly supported by boyfriend Conor and mum Susan at film premiere

• Five people have been taken to hospital following a road collision in Louth, as the bank holiday road safety campaign continues.
• This Christmas, enjoy the magic of Swords On Ice at Pavilions Shopping Centre.
• In the 21st century, the modern selection of foods common to Western cultures has also to some extent been adopted in Ireland.
• There are also two weekly papers, the Northside People and Southside People that cover local topics in the capital.

Know Before You Go: Your Guide to Halloween in Longford and Westmeath this October & November

Sea kayaking, coasteering, and wild swimming are increasingly popular. Four Nobel laureates in literature, global musical icons from U2 to Westlife, and a tradition of storytelling, theatre, and visual arts that punches well above its weight. Ireland's cultural output relative to its size is extraordinary. Ireland offers a lifestyle anchored in natural beauty, cultural depth, and social warmth. Thoughtful reads, new discoveries and old favourites worth making time for. The songs, albums and artists we think are worth your time — this week and beyond.

Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multi-instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of hu A celebration of comedy, songs, and multifarious skills. This was the prime-time entertainment of its day. Bill Bailey returns with new show, Vaudevillean Before streaming, before tv, before cinema, before even radio… There was Vaudeville! This Christmas, Sammy Sausages & Buffy take flight in Aladdin – A Sammy & Buffy Adventure … a whirlwind of laughs, music and magical mayhem for the whole family. Mary Kate O Flanagan tells six of the tales that made her a Grand Slam Champion Storyteller at The Moth on two continents, while making a case for why understanding how storytelling works will change your life.

• We update our Dublin events database daily to ensure you never miss the latest additions to the city's cultural calendar.
• How much would it cost to introduce an electricity price cap in Ireland?
• In addition to Irish food, meals eaten in Ireland may include pizza, curry and Chinese food, with some west African dishes making an appearance lately.
• Join us on Saturday 7th November 2026 for a spectacular day of discovery.

Saoirse Ronan breaks silence on husband Jack Lowden’s James Bond rumours

• As the veil thins at Samhain, join us for a journey through the hidden folklore, horrors and spirits of our house on St Stephen's Green.
• In partnership with principal sponsor Microsoft, the AI Awards is more than an awards ceremony; it is a gathering of Ireland’s thriving AI community.
• Attendees can shop from a variety of makers and small businesses, while enjoying a FREE fun-filled atmosphere designed for all ages.
• If you’re new in town, your local pub is often the fastest way to feel part of the community.
• Today the Republic's main terrestrial channels are RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TV3 which began broadcasting in 1998 and Teilifís na Gaeilge (TnaG), now called TG4 which started its Irish language service in 1996.

There are also several news websites including The Journal, RTÉ News, BreakingNews.ie and Extra.ie. A few sports, such as soccer, have separate organising bodies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. National and international organisations have labelled Ireland as having a problem with over-consumption of alcohol.

Typically pubs are important meeting places, where people can gather and meet their neighbours and friends in a relaxed atmosphere; similar to the café cultures of other countries. "Pub culture" refers to the habit amongst Irish people of frequenting public houses (pubs). Many fulach fia sites have been identified across the island of Ireland, and some of them appear to have been in use up to the 17th century.citation needed The Irish language has the third oldest literature in Europe (after Greek and Latin),citation needed the most significant body of written literature (both ancient and recent) of any Celtic language, as well as a strong oral tradition of legends and poetry.

Springsteen on Broadway

• In Ireland most sports, including rugby union, Gaelic football, hurling and handball, cycling and golf, are organised on an all-island basis, with, where relevant, a single team representing the island of Ireland in international competitions.
• During the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, a strong indigenous tradition of painting emerged, including such figures as John Butler Yeats, William Orpen, Jack Yeats and Louis le Brocquy.
• Irish data centre chief says critics are 'like Brexiteers' and fuelled by conspiracy theories
• A birthday celebration turns febrile when a rural Irish family address their sister’s relationship with a refugee.

Yellow weather warnings in place across the country after Storm Boelo Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs is visiting Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon. Consumers have been warned to check insurance auto renewal policies ahead of a “perfect storm” of rising premiums, decreasing benefits, and the spiralling cost of living. Some of the gloss has been taken off Leinster’s hard-earned bonus-point win over Munster last Saturday at the Aviva Stadium due to Gavin Coombes’ allegations. Wexford’s meeting on Monday which was due to feature the Listed Michael Hickey Memorial Chase has been abandoned due to waterlogging. Gary Neville has launched a scathing tirade at Manchester United’s players following their latest heavy defeat.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ five-game unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a 20-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The three Bournemouth goalscorers cost a combined £85m, joining from Vasco da Gama, Middlesbrough, and Porto. Almost 150 people have been detected driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs since Thursday, according to gardaí.

Cheerful Earful is the global festival of funny podcasts. Dublin is set to transform on Saturday 7 November, as Dublin By Night Fest returns to kick off Winter in Dublin. Come explore everything from technology and ecosystems to the special science week theme of water and its vital role in our world.Meet an amazing line-up of Join us on Saturday 7th November 2026 for a spectacular day of discovery. The Let’s Talk Science Festival is back at the Rediscovery Centre -and we are diving once again into the wonders of science, sustainability, and curiosity!

The show is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television. A Halloween celebration for the local community, brought to you by Dub The event will feature a chilling House of Horrors Haunted house, live entertainment on the big stage and fun activities for young people, families, and the wider community. The Halloween Main Street Market will transform the area into a festive autumn destination featuring local vendors, live entertainment, family activities, seasonal treats, and a charming pumpkin patch.

Every set within the enormous Dublin and Galway locations is hand-crafted, every character fully realised, and every child’s journey designed to feel truly magical from start to finish. There will be a range of events and activities taking place during Art Source including workshops, demonstrations and talks. Her innovative musical creations are matched by electrifying live performances – Clare brings her audiences on an exhilarating journey full of hope, celebration and heart. An uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone

Irish Entertainment Group in numbers

MOVING SIGNATURES returns for a new series uniting Slow Looking art tours and movement workshops in response to works in IMMA’s new exhibition, TECHNOLOGIES OF PEACE. Halloween is fast approaching and it’s time to delve back in the origins of Irish traditions and explore how Samhain became Halloween. Join us on Wednesdays and Saturdays in October for this tour looking at the seasonal folkore and traditions of plants at this time of year Rekindle the ancient folklore and traditions of Samhain on this special Halloween tour. Along the way you’ll discover more about Bram Stoker’s life and the famous novel Dracula that shaped how the world imagines vampires today. Travel aboard the Spookwood Express, venture deeper into the forest, and discover a spellbinding experience filled with surprises, laughter, and Halloween wonder.

The 9 at 9 Election victory in Brazil, yellow weather warnings and social welfare payments. This elite Irish business school's virtual open day will help you find the Master's to match your ambitions A High Court judge will this week hear a judicial review of an appeal by the Women of Honour for their Defence Forces tribunal legal costs to be paid on a continual basis. Already the greatest electoral phenomenon in his country’s history, Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva saved his best for last.