We have carefully selected events that are outdoors and/or following safety protocols for social distancing.
⚡ Energia is the #PowerBehindYourWeekend and we encourage everyone to #StaySafe & #StayHealthy 💜
Energia Map 2nd - 4th October ☀️
Dublin
Dublin Theatre Festival
When: 24th September - 11th October
Link here
Dublin museums, venues and restaurants are temporarily closed at the moment and some of the artists taking part in the Dublin Theatre Festival have adapted to this. Have a browse on their website to see some of the work that can be seen virtually. There is a mix between free and paid access to the theatre productions.
Admission: Mix of free & relatively cheap
St. Anne’s Park
When: All year
Link here
St. Anne’s Park was privately owned by the Guinness brothers who built up this estate from 1835. They planted hundreds of trees and built follies across the land which still stand today. In 1939, the park was sold to Dublin City Council who made it a public park for all. It now has many football, tennis and sporting grounds, walkways and shelter and pavilions.
We ask you take particular care to adhere to public safety guidelines and keep a 2-metre distance in the park.
Admission: Free
Portmarnock Beach Walk
When: All year
Link here
Walk for miles on the unbroken golden sandy beach. It is extra nice on a sunny day but just as lovely on a cold. This long stretch of beach has views of the hill of Howth and Ireland’s Eye.
Parking is very accessible and a short trip away from the beach.
Admission: Free
Phoenix Park
When: All year
Link here
Phoenix Park is Europe's largest enclosed park and it's right on the doorstep of Dublin city centre. This is a fantastic place to roam around, cycle, skate or relax and picnic. When travelling through you could be lucky enough to come close to the deer who freely wander around the park together or maybe you will see a cheeky squirrel who run up and down the hundred-year-old trees eating acorns.
Admission: Free
The Black Castle
When: All year
Link here
The history of the Black Castle dates back to 1169 after the Norman invasion in Ireland. Today, the Black Castle barely stands off the coast of Wicklow. It is battered and eroded by the waves and now stands as a few bricks barely held together. Yet, it still has so much history and worth exploring.
This would be suitable to do as a stop-off activity along your travels through Wicklow.
Admission: Free
Meath
Battle of the Boyne
When: All year
Link here
This is a go-to for learning about Irish and European history. The Battle of the Boyne was fought by 61,000 people in 1690 and changed the future of Ireland. In the middle of the battle ground stands an 18th century building which is now the heritage visitor centre. Some original weapons used in the battle have been conserved and are on display here with a laser model of what the original battle grounds looked like. A great day out for learning and venturing around the gardens.
Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance and the grounds close at 6pm sharp.
Admission: Free
Westmeath
Scragh Bog Trail
When: All year
Link here
This bog is one of the last raised acidic bogs left in Europe. It is a nature reserve and home to a range of rare horticulture. Scragh bog trail is a hidden gem located 3km outside Mullingar and has a wooden pathway, bridges and clear trails for visitors to explore at any time.
Admission: Free
Carlow
Delta Sensory Gardens
When: All year
Link here
Voted as the number one thing to do in Carlow! There are 16 interlocking sensory gardens to help you get back to basics by tickling the senses. Enjoy the sound of water, the soft lights, water features and garden shrubbery in this tranquil setting just 3km outside Carlow town.
Admission: Up to €6 euro
Waterford
Ballydawan Bay
When: All year
Link here
A stunning bay off the coast of Waterford! Depending on the weather you could think you are somewhere tropical, there is red volcanic rock with a combination of sandstone. The Copper Coast which Ballydawan bay is part of is a UNESCO Geopark and important natural reserve. Geologists have dated the two distinctive rocks on this beach as being 80 million years old.
Admission: Free
EVA International
When: 18th September to 15th November
Link here
EVA International is a biennial showcase featuring 20 artists works and 4 research projects across multiple venues in Waterford City, some artwork is also off-site and online. There is something interesting for all art-lovers and curious minds.
This year's theme is the ‘Golden Vein’ which explores identity, ideology and resource in terms of how we look at relationships in our lives.
We ask you to follow the public health guidelines when visiting venues or access the artists work online.
Admission: Free
Kerry
Carrauntoohil
Link here
When: All year
If you are up for a challenge this weekend, the highest mountain in Ireland is waiting to be climbed. Carrauntoohil is suitable for highly experienced hikers looking for an intense mountain to climb. An option for new-hikers is to trek part of the way. Notably, to reach the top could take up to 7 hours. Make sure to plan ahead if you decide you are up for a challenge and pack plenty of food and water.
Admission: Free
Cork
Cork Folk Festival
Link here
Cork Folk Festival celebrates its 41st year running. This year, as you know, will run a little different to other years. Free music workshops are available online where you can learn to play the tin whistle and live performances are being streamed over the weekend from the TG4 social media channels. Alternatively, there are ticketed events in venues that generally have a fee and must be booked in advance.
Admission: Free online & up to €20 for venue events
Tipperary
International Dance Festival
When: 2-11th October
Link here
Over the weekend the Tipperary Dance Platform will perform ‘on land’ across multiple venues, stages and settings to bring you energetic and thoughtful performances. Many of the performances over the weekend will be available online where it can be easily accessed by you to enjoy.
Booking in advance and adhering to public health guidelines are insisted.
Admission: Mix of free & relatively cheap
Galway
Galway Cartoon Festival
When: 2-9th October
Link here
Galway Cartoon Festival will be hosting a number of talks, storytelling, caricature drawing sessions, cartoonist exhibitions and much more across the week-long event starting this weekend.
Have a look at their programme to see what you might like to take part in.
Admission: Free & relatively cheap
Mayo
The Ballinglen Museum of Contemporary Art
When: All year
Link here
The first contemporary art museum in the West of Ireland opened in 1992. Supporting Irish artists is something embedded into the museum owners vision. They have archives of hundreds of Irish works and are currently displaying pieces from 32 artists in the ‘28 years rambling through the landscape’ exhibition.
Admission: Free
Sligo
Strandhill Peoples Market
When: Saturday 3rd October
Link here
A worthwhile trip to Sligo Airport Hangar to see what's on offer at this gorgeous little market. They have a quirky range of craft stalls, art to see and fresh produce to purchase from your local.
Admission: Free
Antrim
Glenoe Waterfall
When: All year
Link here
The most picturesque waterfall in Northern Ireland is a short trip outside the town Glenoe. The scenic walk trail is surrounded by tall mossy trees and sprinkled with a few picnic tables along the way. Facing the waterfall is a bench for you to rest and enjoy the sounds before you.
Admission: Free