Event guide: Púca Festival, Jazzy and the other best things to see in Ireland in the week ahead

As autumn deepens in Ireland, the cultural calendar swells with a diverse array of music and artistic events that blend heritage, innovation, and global influences. The week spanning late October through early November offers a compelling snapshot of this dynamic scene.

The Púca Festival in Trim stands out as a unique cultural gathering that honors Ireland’s ancient ties to Halloween and the Samhain tradition. Running over four days, the event interweaves mythology, storytelling, and craftsmanship with live performances. Music enthusiasts can look forward to a notable triple bill featuring The Stunning, Sharon Shannon, and Mundy on October 29th, while The Waterboys headline the festival’s closing night on November 1st. Complementing the musical acts, comedy performances by Enya Martin and Shane Daniel Byrne provide lighthearted contrast, and Athboy’s Fairgreen hosts the Samhain Circus, offering nighttime entertainment for adults throughout the festival.

In the realm of contemporary music, Dublin DJ and songwriter Jazzy arrives with considerable anticipation surrounding her debut album, Peace & Patience, released this weekend. Jazzy first captured widespread attention with her 2023 hit single "Giving Me," which achieved chart-topping success. To celebrate this milestone, she will perform at Dublin’s 3Arena alongside special guests, including London-based producer Route 94 and fellow Dublin DJ Kayleigh Glynn. Jazzy’s upcoming Belfast performance at the Telegraph Building on November 14th further extends her growing presence across Ireland.

Internationally, American rapper Macklemore has recently reoriented his touring plans following controversy during his support slot on Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour. After addressing political issues in a New Jersey concert, he was removed from the tour and has since announced a dedicated Free Palestine tour. Details regarding supporting acts remain scarce; however, speculation hints at potential collaborations with Irish artists Biird and Beoga, who were also part of the initial Loop tour lineup.

Solo projects by prominent band frontmen continue to draw attention. Brandon Flowers, lead vocalist of The Killers, has built a substantial solo catalog with three albums released since 2010. His ongoing solo work suggests a confident departure from band dynamics, although audiences may anticipate performances of classic Killers tracks alongside his solo repertoire.

Meanwhile, The Strokes commemorate the 25th anniversary of their landmark debut, Is This It, a record often cited as foundational for modern rock. Despite lukewarm critical reception of their recent albums, including this year’s Reality Awaits, their live shows maintain strong demand. Their upcoming sold-out concert features support from the English band Fat White Family and Australian singer-songwriter Alex Cameron, underscoring the band’s continued relevance on the international stage.

For those seeking alternative soundscapes with a seasonal twist, the Haunted Dancehall festival introduces a curated selection of artists across three rooms in a two-day event. Named after a seminal 1994 electronic album, the festival moves beyond standard Halloween motifs to showcase experimental and boundary-pushing music. Highlights include a live scoring of the silent horror film Nosferatu by Chicago’s Circuit des Yeux, accompanied by Alan Sparhawk of the band Low.

Visual arts also gain prominence this season with Sean Atmos, the artist renowned for Ireland’s largest mural, unveiling a more intimate studio exhibition. Diverging from his large-scale public works, this collection invites visitors into a private creative space, offering fresh perspectives on his artistic range. A public conversation with Atmos scheduled for October 31st provides further insight into his evolving practice.

Complementing music and visual arts, the literary and comedic arena features a live show by Richard Ayoade, whose deadpan humor and recent book explore the peculiarities of wisdom and social observation. His performance adds a literary dimension to the cultural offerings of the week.

Irish traditional music finds renewed focus in the Keep Her Lit festival, dedicated to celebrating women in traditional and folk genres. The event includes a concert featuring prominent artists such as Karan Casey and Clare Sands, as well as community-based activities like sean-nós singing and dancing workshops in Inistioge village.

Looking ahead to 2027, Ireland’s major venues have secured international acts including Rod Stewart, Don McLean, Mario Rosenstock, and Dermot Kennedy, signaling a robust live music season. These bookings promise to sustain Ireland’s status as a vibrant hub for music lovers across genres.

Together, these varied events underscore Ireland’s rich cultural fabric during this period, blending reverence for tradition with contemporary artistic expression and global engagement.