On the back of a hugely successful summer seasons of festivals and events, the island of Ireland is all fired up to launch the best ever Autumn / Winter festival season. Historical tributes, walking festivals, jazz festivals and delicious culinary delights; Ireland is a cultural haven of events and happenings this October. You’ll find something to stir the spirit across all counties and regions this Autumn and Winter. Here is a look at our top five picks for the very best festivals that you won’t want to miss this October.

1. Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival- 7^th-9^th October

The much-loved town of Kinsale in the heart of County Cork, comes alive in October with the Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival. This popular festival features an afternoon chowder cook-off, a champagne reception, locally sourced meals, live music, a mad hatter event food trail and much more. See here for full details www.kinsale.ie/event/40th-kinsale-gourmet-festival-2016/

2. Kerry Film Festival – 19^th-23^rd October

The Kerry Film Festival is one of County Kerry’s largest and most popular film festivals. The Kerry Film Festival is an internationally recognised short film festival celebrating emerging filmmaking talent, both at home in Ireland as well as abroad. The much-loved film festival is mainly based in the stunning town of Killarney with a range of further events taking place all around the Kingdom. Many other events take place throughout the year which tie into the Kerry Film Festival including Secret Cine Club, Silver Screenings in Siamsa Tire and Summer outdoor screenings. See here for full details www.kerryfilmfestival.com

3. Wexford Fringe Festival – 19^th October – 6^th November

The county of Wexford comes alive this October with a range of festivals from the Wexford Opera Festival to the popular Wexford Fringe Festival. The festival opens on the 19^th of October with a giant fireworks display in Wexford town and the annual open-access arts festival features a range of events and activities. Enjoy everything from drama productions, historical tours, classical recitals, jazz, light opera, a range of musicals and much more at the much-loved festival.  An event for all, the festival also features antique and second hand book fairs, a huge number of art and photography exhibitions. See here for full details www.visitwexford.ie/events/wexford-fringe-festival

4. Guinness Jazz Festival – 19^th October – 6^th November

A visit to Cork’s Guinness Jazz Festival is a must for all music lovers. The Guinness Jazz festival runs from the 28^th until the 31^st October.  Soak up the electric atmosphere of the festival which is one of the most popular and anticipated events in the Irish festival calendar. Each year music lovers flock to the city to experience this annual and much-loved event which over the years has played host to some of the most famous jazz music names and musicians in the industry. The event is set to take place in over 70 venues in the historic city of Cork. See here for full details www.guinnessjazzfestival.com

5. Wicklow Walking Festival – 28^th – 31^st October

For adventure-lovers, the Wicklow Walking Festival is a prime opportunity to take in the stunning scenery of the Wicklow countryside. The festival is based in the Brockagh Resource Centre with many walks scheduled to run in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.  The Brockagh Resource Centre is situated between the village of Laragh and the popular tourist attraction of Glendalough. See here for full details www.walkinghikingireland.com/wicklow-walking-festival/