What’s On in Dublin: October

Feel that crisp autumn air? Autumn is here – which means cosy nights, spiced treats, and plenty of spooky festivities to enjoy. This month, our Dublin students are in for a real treat, as they get to celebrate Halloween where it all began: the ancient Irish festival of Samhain.

Our Spookiest Picks

Bram Stoker Festival (31st Oct – 3rd Nov)

Dublin’s spookiest literary legend gets his own festival every year, and 2026 is no different. This year’s highlights include a Victorian fun park at St Patrick’s Cathedral, featuring a creepy carousel, petrifying performances, and haunted treats. Meanwhile, theatre lovers can enjoy Dracula: The Hunt at The Abbey, bringing Stoker’s classic tale to life.

Pumpkins After Dark (3rd– 31st Oct)

Take your pumpkin patch trip to the next level at Newbridge House and Farm. Expect live actors, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and immersive music – all illuminated by hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins.

Púca Festival (30th Oct – 2nd Nov)

Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween, originally celebrated as Samhain – a time when the veil between our world and the world of the dead is at its thinnest. Púca Festival captures the otherworldly spirit of Samhain with fire, music, stories, and mischief. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Ireland’s ancient traditions.

The Dead Zoo – Late Night Opening (2nd Oct)

Explore the National Museum’s new ‘Dead Zoo’ after dark this month. From towering fossils to massive stuffed moose, experts will share fascinating stories and facts about the creatures that once roamed the earth. It’s like stepping into Night at the Museum.

Hugh Lane Gallery Samhain Celebration (31st Oct)

Just a few minutes from our English Centre, Hugh Lane Gallery is hosting a special after-hours evening filled with music, drinks, and Samhain traditions. There’ll be free guided tours, sketching sessions, ‘smudge stick’ making, and a pop-up wine bar. And the best part? Most activities are free.

Malahide Castle Events

Malahide Castle is embracing the Halloween spirit with two special events: the Festival of Fire and Treacherous Tale. Expect spectacular fireworks, DJs, and tradition.

Darkland at the Leprechaun Museum (Throughout Sept and Oct)

The Leprechaun Museum takes a dark turn this month, offering a chilling dive into Ireland’s myths, legends, and folktales. With Twisted Tales and Season of the Wolf, you can explore the eeriest corners of Ireland’s rich storytelling traditions.

EPIC Ghosts, Ghouls, and “Goodie Glover Day” (30th and 31st Oct)

Visit EPIC, Dublin’s iconic emigration museum, to uncover the Irish origins of Halloween. From America’s Jack o’lanterns to the legend of Sleep Hollow’s headless Horseman, the museum traces Ireland’s spookiest exports.

Cultural Spotlight: Bram Stoker

This month is Dublin’s Huge Bram Stoker Festival – but who is Bram Stoker, and why is he so important?

Born in 1847, Bram Stoker is one of Ireland’s most celebrated and widely known authors. He wrote Dracula, a gothic masterpiece that has inspired countless movies, books and works of art.

Stoker was born in Dublin, and the city’s gas-lit streets, mysterious alleyways, and Gothic buildings shaped his imagination from a young age.

Want to learn more? Visit Stoker’s old home in Bram Stoker Park or explore his alma mater, Trinity College.

Things to Do this October

Dublin Festival of History (Until 12th Oct)

Dublin’s 13th Festival of History is in full swing – with over 250 free events! From famous writers’ connections to the city to Vikings and alternative histories, sign up to any one of their free events to gain a deeper insight into Irish history and culture.

Dublinia Autumn Lectures (Various dates)

Did you know Dublin has its own Viking Museum? This month begins its new free Autumn lecture series: encounter the mysteries of Dublin’s churches, hear about the latest in Viking discoveries, and learn about the museum’s iconic building.

Theatre Festival (Until 12th Oct)

Dublin Theatre Festival is bringing world-class theatre to Dublin this month. Come to see Derry Girls actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson star in Three Sisters, or Tony-nominated The Sound Inside’s tale of suspense – all for under 40 euros.

Dublin Oktoberfest (3rd – 4th Oct)

Oktoberfest is here, and Germany isn’t the only place celebrating. Dublin’s Oktoberfest lends an Irish twist to the Bavarian tradition, including Irish trad music, a German DJ, Bavarian and Irish beers, plus bratwurst, pretzels, and burgers. Prost!

Open House (Throughout October)

Open House Dublin is a free city-wide festival celebrating architecture. Explore everything from sleek modern libraries to historic castles and crypts.

Forest Bathing (5th Oct & 2nd Nov)

Welcome in the crisp autumn months with a walk in the woods. Beneath the Canopy hosts special Samhain-themed ‘forest bathing’ sessions in Fernhill Park & Gardens. Learn about Celtic culture and myth while immersing yourself in the beauty of Ireland’s fall foliage, just an hour away from our English Centre.

Theatre & Comedy

The Boy (Until 1st Nov)

At the Abbey Theatre, The Boy retells three ancient Greek myths across two connected plays. Each play can be enjoyed separately or together. Directed by Marina Carr, it’s a must-see for theatre enthusiasts.

The Jury Experience (30th Oct)

Worldwide phenomenon The Jury Experience is coming to Dublin for 3 shows. This isn’t your average court drama though – it’s an immersive, interactive show where you play a key part. As the jury, you’ll get to weigh in on complex moral dilemmas while you watch the drama unfold.

Fiddler on the Roof (7th – 18th October)

Catch this award-winning musical revival in Dublin for just two weeks. Perfect for musical fanatics or anyone in need of a heartwarming story.

Stand-Up Comedy: David O’Doherty, Jack Dee, Rhod Gilbert

There are lots of big names in comedy coming to Dublin this month. David O’Doherty performs at Vicar Street on the 10th and 11th, Jack Dee at Olympia Theatre on the 21st, and Rhod Gilbert on the 24th and 25th.

October (Tr)eats

Bewley’s Grafton Street

Language learning is tricky enough, so we’re bringing you a well-earned treat this month.

Bewley’s is more than a place for tea and cake (although, that’s already enough) – it’s an enduring part of the city’s culture and heritage, with connections to literary legends like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. Sit by the stunning Art Deco stained glass windows and indulge on traditional Guinness chocolate cake or their famous spiced sticky buns.

Thinking of studying English abroad?

Start your adventure with Twin’s range of immersive English courses in London, Eastbourne, and Dublin.