WHAT’S ON AROUND COUNTY WICKLOW
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 TREASURE HUNT
Go on a free 30-minute treasure hunt in the National Park to find some facts about Halloween, nature and folklore. Drop in to the information office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough, at any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to start.
HALLOWE’EN TRAIN
From 11 a.m. to 4.20 p.m., jump aboard the Rathwood Express, visit the wacky wizard, the spooky forest, treasure island and the magical pumpkin patch and try to save terrible twins Wizzie and Lizzie from the wicked witch. Children will also carve their own pumpkin and enjoy a hot chocolate. Suitable for younger children (babies up to eight years old), it gets a little scarier after 4 p.m. for bigger children. The cost is €10 per child and €7 per adult.
GHOOOUL PLANET
Primary School children are welcome to take part in the Ghoooul Planet Ex-Scream-ience at the Cool Planet Experience in Powerscourt Estate. The workshops take place on the hour from noon to 3 p.m. and cost €10 per child. Tickets are available from the Cool Planet Experience.
POISONOUS PANTRY
Children are invited to come along to the tearooms at Russborough to enjoy some spooky stories and cookie-decorating fun on the hour from noon to 3 pm. The cost is €7.50 per child. Contact Russborough House to book a place.
SURPRISE SCARY MOVIE
Brave children (aged five to 12 years) are welcome to come along to a surprise scary movie at Arklow Library from noon to 2 p.m. This is a free event but places must be booked in advance by contacting the library. This event is being organised as part of the Arklow Hallowe’en Festival.
SCARY SPIDER SEARCH TOUR
Who is brave enough to search the corridors of Wicklow Gaol for scary creepy crawlies? There will be one prize for the person who finds the special spider and another for the person who finds the most spiders. Tours leave at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and tickets cost €8 for adults, €5 for children (under 12) or €22 for families.
NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Greystones Film Club present a screening of the cult-favourite ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ in the Whale Theatre at 2 p.m. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Whale.
PUMPKIN PICKING
Hop aboard the tractor and trailer at Tinahely Farm Shop at 2 p.m. to collect a naturally grown pumpkin from the field before heading back to the activity barn to enjoy a hot chocolate and some spooky indoor fun. The cost is €15 per child, while adults go free, but booking and pre-payment is essential.
MINDFULLY ME
Blessington Library will host a ‘Mindfully Me’ mindfulness workshop for children at 2.30 p.m.
CHILDREN’S HALLOWE’EN DISCO
The annual children’s Hallowe’en disco will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Lynham’s of Laragh. There will be a raffle on the day with the proceeds in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Admission will be €5 per child or €10 per family.
SPOOKY MAGIC SHOW
Reuben the Entertainer will be putting on special Hallowe’en magic show at Bray Library from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Booking is essential, call the library to reserve a place. Spooky costumes very welcome!
HALLOWE’EN DISCO
Hollywood No Name Club is hosting a children’s Hallowe’en fancy dress disco in the Hollywood Centre from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for children up to 13 years of age.
SUPERNATURAL STREET PARADE
Arklow is on the march as the popular Hallowe’en street parade returns. Featuring Arklow Pipe Band, the Inbhear Mor Marchers and Arklow Majorette Baton Twirlers, this terrifying treat draws gasps and shivers from both adults and children alike. The parade will begin at 7.30 p.m. from the Coral Leisure Swimming Pool. This event is being organised as part of the Arklow Hallowe’en Festival.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
A fireworks display takes place at the Weir in Baltinglass at 6 p.m. followed by a children’s fancy dress disco in Germaine’s. The entry for the disco is €2 and all the proceeds go toward Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
PARANOIA
Only the brave will visit the Glenart Estate and the terrifying Paranoia. Set in an old abandoned asylum, it features the mortuary, house of horrors, the abandoned asylum, quarantine rooms, house of dolls, forest of screams and, new for 2018, the dark house, the cell and the ward. From 7 p.m. to 9.20 p.m., there are limited tickets (costing €19.50) still available which should be booked in advance. This event is not suitable for under 13 years.
MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER DANCE-OFF
MC Phil Cawley will oversee this terrifying Thriller dance-off on the main stage at Bank of Ireland in Arklow from 8 p.m. An utter spectacle not to be missed. This event is being organised as part of the Arklow Hallowe’en Festival.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
What better way to end a Spook-tacular Hallowe’en in Arklow than a spectacular fireworks display. Wrap up well, come along and prepare to be wowed as the show kicks off at 8.45 p.m. at the 19 Arches Bridge.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 TREASURE HUNT
Go on a free 30-minute treasure hunt in the National Park to find some facts about Halloween, nature and folklore. Drop in to the information office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough, at any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to start.
HALLOWE’EN TRAIN
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., jump aboard the Rathwood Express and try to save terrible twins Wizzie and Lizzie from the wicked witch. Suitable for younger children (babies up to eight years old), the cost is €10 per child and €7 per adult.
SURPRISE SCARY MOVIE
Brave children (aged five to 12 years) are welcome to come along to a surprise scary movie at Arklow Library from noon to 2 p.m. This is a free event but places must be booked in advance by contacting the library. This event is being organised as part of the Arklow Hallowe’en Festival.
JACKULA
Brilliant Promotions brings Jackula, a fun magic and juggling show for the whole family, to the Mermaid Arts Centre at 7 p.m. Being a vampire sucks, but being Dracula’s younger brother is driving Jackula batty. Join Jackula on a spooktacular quest to to step out of his older brother’s shadow and become the world’s most magical vampire. After the show, every child gets to perform a trick and receive a treat. Tickets cost €8 and are available from the Mermaid.
JAMES LAMBERT SINGERS
The James Lambert Singers will put on a special performance in aid of Lakers at the Royal Hotel in Bray at 7.30 p.m. There will be a raffle and spot prizes on the night. Tickets cost €10 and are available from the Royal Hotel.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 TREASURE HUNT
Go on a free 30-minute treasure hunt in the National Park to find some facts about Halloween, nature and folklore. Drop in to the information office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough, at any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to start.
HALLOWE’EN TRAIN
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., jump aboard the Rathwood Express and try to save terrible twins Wizzie and Lizzie from the wicked witch. Suitable for younger children (babies up to eight years old), the cost is €10 per child and €7 per adult.
FUN FIT FAMILY DAY
A fun, fit family day takes place at the Bridgewater Centre, Arklow from 11 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is hosted by County Wicklow Partnership and will offer an enjoyable and fun insight into physical exercise and healty eating that all the family can get involved in for free. There will be ligth exercise demonstrations, a free guided health orientated walk with Mary Nolan Hickey, free healthy food and eating activities, health information, and face painting.
SURPRISE SCARY MOVIE
Brave children (aged five to 12 years) are welcome to come along to a surprise scary movie at Arklow Library from noon to 2 p.m. This is a free event but places must be booked in advance by contacting the library. This event is being organised as part of the Arklow Hallowe’en Festival.
TINAHELY VARIETY GROUP
After a very successful run of Barry McKinley’s ‘Small Box Psychosis’ last year, Tinahely Variety Group make a welcome return to the Courthouse Arts Centren with another two one-act plays. Expect lots more shocks and laughter as Pat Dixon directs Hugh Leonard’s ‘A View from the Obelisk’ and Kenneth Nolan directs Scott Caan’s ‘Two Wrongs’. Shows start at 8 p.m. and tickets, costing €12, are available from the Courthouse.
SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK
Some Guys Have All The Luck is a brand new theatre production direct from the London West End celebrating the life and career of Rod Stewart. Starring Paul Metcalfe and featuring a fantastic live band with impeccable credits, the show takes the audience through Rod’s incredible story, from his humble beginnings through to worldwide superstardom and record sales in excess of 100 million. The show takes place at the Mermaid Arts Centre at 8 p.m. and tickets, costing €27.50, are available from the Mermaid.
RUGBY CLUB DISCO
Wicklow RFC is hosting a special fundraising disco for children aged nine to twelve from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the club. This event is raising funds for the under-12s tour. Boys and girls are welcome and there will be a tuck shop open.
TRICK OR TREAT FOR TEMPLE STREET
Stratford Social Scene will be doing its bit to help sick children when its hosts a Hallow’en party from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Young people attending are encouraged to dress up to join in the fun. Admission is €5.
WINTER DISCO BALL
A Winter Disco Ball for first, second and third years in aid of St Nicholas Juvenile club will be held in the Imaal Hall, Dunlavin, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. This event will be fully supervised by parents and players of Dunlavin GAA and Donard/ Glen GAA Clubs. Tickets cost €10 and are available from St Kevin’s Community College, Versara Beauty Clinic in Blessington, Mountain View Stores in the Glen of Imaal and Eddie Whelan Fruit and Veg in Dunlavin.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 COFFEE AND CRAFTS
A Christmas craft sale will take place in the Old Hall, Avoca (Brenda Barry’s house), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in aid of Wicklow Hospice Foundation. There will be beautiful handmade gifts on sale. Admission is €5 and includes tea or coffee and a scone.
COUNTRY MARKET
North Wicklow Country Market will hold its Christmas tastings of cakes, puddings and mince pies from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Newcastle Community Centre. Customers can sample the goods and place orders for Christmas, if desired.
TREASURE HUNT
Go on a free 30-minute treasure hunt in the National Park to find some facts about Halloween, nature and folklore. Drop in to the information office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough, at any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to start.
HALLOWE’EN TRAIN
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., jump aboard the Rathwood Express and try to save terrible twins Wizzie and Lizzie from the wicked witch. Suitable for younger children (babies up to eight years old), the cost is €10 per child and €7 per adult.
BIRDSONG AND HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Declan Murphy will give the third in his series of talks on gardens and birds at Bray Library from 11 a.m. to noon, when he will discuss various birdsong and how to identify the bird behind it.
TINAHELY VARIETY GROUP
Tinahely Variety Group present Hugh Leonard’s ‘A View from the Obelisk’ and Scott Caan’s ‘Two Wrongs’ at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets, costing €12, are available from the Courthouse.
WINTERSONG
Join soprano Róisín O’Grady and Eamon Sweeney (lute, early guitars) at the Mermaid Arts Centre from 8 p.m. for a concert focusing on winter-themed music of the 16th–18th centuries from Ireland, France, Spain, England, and further afield and featuring music by William Byrd, Aodh Mac Aingil, the Dublin Lute books, and that most prolific of composers ‘Anonymous.’ Tickets cost €16 and are available from the Mermaid.
MACK FLEETWOOD
Ireland’s premier tribute to Fleetwood Mac, will bring music-lovers at the Hot Spot in Greystones on a magical musical journey from
the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling band that still tour today. A six-piece band, Mack Fleetwood never fail to deliver a spellbinding show. Tickets cost €15-€17 and doors open at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 COFFEE MORNING
The Coimin Centre in Blessington will play host to a party-themed fundraiser in aid of BODYWHYS, the eating disorder association. From 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a cake sale, fashion rail, live music, face-painting, a raffle and, of course, plenty of refreshments.
MYSTERY RUN
Bray Vintage Car Club is holding a mystery at 11 a.m., meeting at Castle Street Shipping Cenetre where the mystery will be revealed. Bray Vintage Car Club is a local based social club for vintage and classic vehicle owners with members from both Wicklow and surrounding counties.
TREASURE HUNT
Go on a free 30-minute treasure hunt in the National Park to find some facts about Halloween, nature and folklore. Drop in to the information office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough, at any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to start.
HALLOWE’EN TRAIN
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., jump aboard the Rathwood Express and try to save terrible twins Wizzie and Lizzie from the wicked witch. Suitable for younger children (babies up to eight years old), the cost is €10 per child and €7 per adult.
LIAM ‘TINY’ KENNY MEMORIAL RUN
The first memorial car run and show in memory of Liam ‘Tiny’ Kenny will help raise funds for Rathdrum Cancer Support. All vehicles are welcome and there will be prizes for best restored car, best modified car, best future vintage, best original car, best tractor and best lorry. Registration will take place from 11.30 a.m. to noon at the Gap Pub, Ballythomas, with run starting at 12.30 sharp. There is no entry fee but there will be donation buckets and a raffle on the day.
CRAFT FAIR
Kick-start the Christmas shopping at this festive gift fair in O’Toole Hall, Rathdangan, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be beautiful, handmade gifts on offer including pottery, candles, paintings, chutneys, cards, wood turning, face creams, decoupaged decorations and even iron forged items.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
The annual blessing of the graves at Redford Cemetery, Greystones, takes place at 3 p.m.
TINAHELY VARIETY GROUP
Tinahely Variety Group present Hugh Leonard’s ‘A View from the Obelisk’ and Scott Caan’s ‘Two Wrongs’ at the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets, costing €12, are available from the Courthouse.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 A SUNDAY IN HELL
In 1976, little-known Danish film maker Jorgen Leth began an ambitious project to capture the spirit of cycling’s toughest and cruellest classic, Paris-Roubaix, in a new way. Leth tried to show every significant moment during the day and to portray its heroes as mythical figures to create ‘A Sunday in Hell’. William Fotheringham, who has written a biography of Leth’s meisterwerk, will be on hand to answer questions about the film and its maker following the screening at 8 p.m. in the Mermaid Arts Centre. Tickets cost €8.50 and are available from the Mermaid.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 UNBROKEN CIRCLE
Square One Theatre Group take to the stage at the Mermaid Arts Centre at 8 p.m. for a five-night run of Unbroken Circle by James Wesley. Directed by Paul Flynn, the play is hilarious and disturbing as it explores how family secrets affect every person in each generation differently. Inspired by a true story, its content is not suitable for under 16s and may offend. Tickets cost €18 for adults or €16 for seniors, unemployed or students and are available from the Mermaid.