RTÉ is proud to continue its commitment to supporting and celebrating the arts across Ireland this October, highlighting a vibrant programme of theatre, music, opera, literature, visual arts, film, architecture and children's cultural events taking place nationwide.
From internationally renowned festivals and major theatrical productions to groundbreaking exhibitions and family-friendly arts experiences, October offers audiences countless opportunities to engage with the richness and diversity of Ireland's cultural life.
Opera takes centre stage this month as Wexford Festival Opera, one of Ireland's most celebrated international festivals, welcomes artists and audiences from around the world to Wexford.
Irish National Opera continues its nationwide programme of performances and engagement activities, while the National Concert Hall Classical Season 2026/2027 and the Wigmore Series Dublin 2026/2027 offer an outstanding programme of classical music throughout the month.
Music theatre fans can enjoy The Sound of Rodgers & Hammerstein at the NCH, celebrating some of the most beloved songs from the golden age of musical theatre.
Contemporary music also features strongly with Crash Ensemble's Everything is Connected, a large-scale project by composer Ed Bennett touring venues in Wexford, Kildare, Sligo, Dublin, Galway and Wicklow. Audiences can also connect with innovative cross-disciplinary work through Sounds from a Safe Harbour presents… SIRENS, an international artistic collaboration spanning Ireland and beyond.
The East Cork Early Music Festival celebrates centuries of musical heritage through concerts, workshops and performances in Cork.
October offers audiences a rich programme across Ireland's leading theatres. At the Abbey Theatre, audiences can experience ANIMALS, adapting Blindboy's short stories for the stage, alongside Women Take Centre Stage, a season celebrating the work of women artists and theatre-makers.
At the Gate Theatre, audiences can enjoy Meredith, a new work from acclaimed Irish writer Erica Murray.
Dublin Theatre Festival continues throughout the month, bringing an exciting programme of Irish and international productions to venues across the capital, showcasing some of the most distinctive voices in contemporary theatre.
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Elsewhere, Druid's acclaimed production of A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill continues its tour, with performances in Galway and Dublin.
Dance audiences can enjoy Ballet Ireland's Romeo & Juliet, touring nationwide and bringing Shakespeare's timeless story to audiences across the country.
Readers and writers will find plenty to inspire throughout October. The Kildare Readers Festival welcomes authors, poets and audiences for a programme of talks and events, while The Red Line Book Festival celebrates literature, storytelling and ideas across Dublin.
The bilingual arts projects Bóthar na Smaointe & An Uile Bhealach Abhaile bring creative experiences to audiences in Galway, Ennis, Belfast and Dublin, showcasing innovative Irish-language artistic practice.
Visual arts enthusiasts can explore a range of outstanding exhibitions this month. At the Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA Collection: Art as Agency continues to examine the power of art to shape social and cultural conversations.
The National Gallery of Ireland presents Hilma af Klint: Artist and Visionary, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the work of one of modern art's most influential and pioneering figures.
Meanwhile, the RHA Gallery is home to Una Sealy: Time Lines, a major exhibition from one of Ireland's most respected contemporary artists.
Architecture and design take the spotlight during Open House Dublin, inviting the public to experience the city through a unique programme of tours, talks and special events.
Film festivals across Ireland present a wealth of cinematic experiences this October. The Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival celebrates innovative short filmmaking, while the OFFline Film Festival in Offaly provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers.
The Clones Film Festival in Monaghan, Kerry International Film Festival, and Disappear Here International Film Festival in Donegal showcase a diverse selection of Irish and international cinema, fostering creativity and supporting filmmaking talent across the country.
October is also a significant month for children's arts. Galway's Baboró International Arts Festival for Children delivers an exciting programme of theatre, music, visual arts and creative experiences for young audiences and families.
In Offaly, Hullabaloo! Offaly's Children's Arts Festival offers imaginative and engaging events for children of all ages, while Bualadh Bos Children's Festival in Limerick celebrates the very best in children's theatre and performance.
The ISLA Festival in Dublin celebrates the vibrant cultural connections between Ireland and the Spanish-speaking world through a multidisciplinary programme of events.
Meanwhile, Waterford's Imagine Arts Festival brings together music, performance, literature, visual arts and cultural discussion in one of Ireland's most dynamic regional arts festivals.
October concludes with the return of the Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival, transforming the capital through a spectacular programme inspired by Dublin-born author Bram Stoker and the enduring legacy of Gothic storytelling.
RTÉ Supporting the Arts is proud to support and promote these events, helping audiences connect with the many artistic and cultural experiences taking place across Ireland this October.
We encourage everyone to explore, attend, and enjoy the wealth of creativity on offer this month!
