“What we know now – How we can shape the future” Conference marks 25 years of ODVSS providing support to victims of domestic abuse. The Conference brings together an array of experts to look back at what we have achieved and look how we can look forward into the next chapter how we can eliminate violence from personal relationships and continue to place the person responsible for the abuse firmly in the spotlight. This conference will be opened by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. Guests Speakers include Jacqueline Connolly MA HRM CIPD – Writer  Hanan Amer – Amal Women’s Association Melissa Boyle MBus, ACCA – Financial Education and Coaching Specialist for Women at Master My Balance www.mastermybalance.ie Mary Louise Lynch – Survivor and Founder of Si Si Sean Cooke – CEO Men’s Development Network Blessing Dada – award-winning Black-Irish mental health writer, speaker & content creator/blogger, who’s an outspoken passionate activist on various social justice issues, especially on the intersectionality of mental health awareness.  Lisa Marmion – Safe Ireland Services Development Manager.  Vicky Musitongo Law with Social Justice student in UCD. Youth Lead for Roots in Africa in Ireland.  Simone George – Human Rights Lawyer and Activist  Aislinn Daly – social worker working as part of the Travelling to Wellbeing Mental Health Service within Offaly Traveller Movement.  Clare Claffey – Councillor with Offaly County Council Other speakers to be confirmed soon with more details to follow.  For information email manager@odvss.ie or call 0579351796 Tickets: eventbrite

AM Events invites you to bring your DnD characters to a real Irish Castle this Halloween for a day of Fantasy/Horror adventures. Come and join our party as we confront an undead Chieftain that has preyed upon his subjects for centuries. Within the grounds of this ancient castle lies a terrifying evil. We know our deaths might lie within, but will we enter? €50 per player *Numbers are limited!* Games for all levels (including beginners) Strictly over 16s Pre-generated characters available (no experience necessary) Snacks & (non-alcoholic) drinks included Free parking & shuttle-bus (castle is outside town) Costumes and outfits gain inspiration! The opportunity to play DnD in a real Irish castle  Photo opportunities with a professional photographer (dress to impress!) Games run by experienced DMs from the Irish DnD community and some special DM guests 4-hour+ game of DnD Unique custom-written adventure incorporating the history of the castle & creatures from ancient Irish legends This is a multi-table DnD gaming event, not a live-play performance. More to be announced! Tickets: eventbrite

Hugh Lynch’s annual Canal Quarter Festival returns this year on the October Bank Holiday weekend. Lineup: Wolfe Tones Smash Hits The Whistlin Donkeys The Dooley Brothers Alex Roe Ruaile Buaile The Two Johnnies The Buckleys Super Bass The Collision DJs Every Night Tickets: €25 per night or €60 for a weekend pass More information: https://facebook.com/Hughlynchs

Tullamore’s much loved Halloween Event will return this October with a spooktacular programme of events. Thousands of people dressed in their spookiest costumes are expected to attend the “Free to attend” event, which will bring Tullamore Lloyd Town Park alive with two days of spooky installations and spellbinding performances. This year’s event is themed “Stranger Things” and is being delivered by Tullamore Municipal District in association with Up Close and Personal Promotions. This event is recognized as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Midlands and is the highlight of the successful year events programme which brings huge numbers of visitors to Tullamore. It will be held on Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd October between 3pm – 8pm at Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore. A sensory friendly time will be held 2pm – 3pm each day. It will also include food and beverage stalls, live performances, superhero meet-and-greet and creative workshops for children. This event is support by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. More information available on https://www.facebook.com/offalycoco

Taking place in Charleville Castle & Leap Castle on Sun October 30th 6:45pm – 2am Join us for an evening communicating with spirit in not one but TWO of the most haunted buildings in the world. Combine history, humour and a few hair-raising tales into a fun evening. Be guided how to use your own abilities to communicate with the resident spirit of the castles and also using tools such as glass divination, dowsing and communicating with the resident spirit of the castles. Listen to paranormal theories and stories presented by our special guest, Richard Felix (UKs Most Haunted Series, paranormal author and investigator). Both castles are a must for anyone with an interest in the paranormal or anyone just curious to see if there really is anything “on the other side”. This is a night you won’t want to miss. Tickets and more info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/offalyenchantingtours/757128#

All the fun of Playtown Tullamore & The I.C.E Rooms plus Face Painting Prizes for best Fancy Dress Playtown’s very own Cluedo style crime mystery Bring your own pumpkin for carving and exploding in the Spooky Science Lab Pre-book any play / party experience for 29th / 30th October by Friday 7th October and all of the above extras will be complimentary Website: https://playtowntullamore.ie

Venue: Tullamore Court As you might be aware, Offaly ranks lowest in the Country for female representation at Local Government level. This programme aims to change that with a social media campaign and workshops and trainings aimed at engaging and equipping women from across the county to get involved in politics. The launch will be opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke, and will feature a panel discussion with speakers to be announced soon. We will have refreshments and time for networking on the night.