Louth County Museum unveils free Halloween screenings and lectures

Louth County Council invites members of the public to enjoy a diverse programme of free events at County Museum Dundalk, featuring family-friendly Halloween film screenings during the mid-term break and a series of thought-provoking evening lectures exploring Irish history, identity and society in early November.

The Museum will host a special Halloween film programme for children and families, with screenings taking place daily at 2.30pm during mid-term week. Young visitors are encouraged to come along in costume and enjoy a selection of seasonal favourites, including Goosebumps on Tuesday, 27 October; Hotel Transylvania on Wednesday, 28 October; Maleficent on Thursday, 29 October; Ghostbusters on Friday, 30 October; and Hocus Pocus on Saturday, 31 October.

Following the mid-term programme, the Museum will present a series of evening lectures and discussions examining key themes in Irish history, identity and public life.

The series opens on Wednesday, 11 November at 7pm, when Professor Michael Cronin will discuss his latest book, Why It Matters to Be an Island. Drawing on themes including climate change, geography and identity, the lecture explores how Ireland's island status continues to shape its future.

On Thursday, 12 November at 6.30pm, the Museum will host a live podcast recording titled History, Heritage and Identity: What Makes Us Who We Are? Supported through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport's Night-Time Economy initiative, the event will feature a panel discussion on Irish identity and its meaning for different communities. Speakers include Dr Síobhra Aiken of Queen's University Belfast, Professor Donal Hassett of Maynooth University and Linda Ervine of the Turas Irish language project.

The lecture programme concludes on Thursday, 19 November at 7pm with historian and author Ian McBride discussing his book The Origins of the Northern Ireland Peace Process: Self-Determination, Consent and the Downing Street Declaration.

Commenting on the evening lecture series, Brian Walsh, Curator, County Museum, said:

"This lecture series cuts to the heart of who we are and the events that have shaped us to this day. Each talk will explain our past, how this influences our daily lives and will help guide us as we look to plan the future. It promises to be an exceptionally interesting series."

All events are free of charge, but advance booking is essential. Reservations can be made by contacting County Museum Dundalk on 042 939 2999. Online booking through Eventbrite will be available for the evening lecture series from Thursday, 22 October.