Things To Do in Lucan, Celbridge & Co. Kildare This October 2026

Christine and Tony McAleavy tell the remarkable story of Batty Langley (1696–1751) — author, garden designer, architect, inventor and the mind behind the design for Castletown’s own Gothick Lodge. An ideal Saturday afternoon for anyone curious about the history on Celbridge’s doorstep, and at just €5 it’s one of the best-value outings of the month.

One of north Kildare’s best-loved Halloween days out returns on selected dates from 17 to 31 October — a pumpkin patch, funfair, haunted house and spectacular live fire shows, just minutes from Celbridge and Leixlip. Sessions run at 10am, 1pm and 4pm and sell out quickly, especially across the mid-term break, so book early.

Perfectly timed for the Bank Holiday weekend, Carol O’Neill leads an entertaining multimedia journey through witches in art — from Goya to modern reimaginings. A grown-up way to get into the Halloween spirit in one of Ireland’s grandest Palladian houses.

With no work on Monday, Bank Holiday Sunday is the night for it. Santoria Band play all your favourite hits live at The Penny Hill — free in, with the show starting at 10pm. Arrive early to get a good spot.

A brilliant mid-term treat for families: The Court Yard Hotel on Main Street screens Hotel Transylvania under an outdoor canopy, with popcorn and sweet treats available. Entry is free but you’ll need a ticket, and bean bags for the kids are first come, first served — so arrive early and bring warm layers and a blanket.

Mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty, harpsichordist David Adams and cellist Norah O’Leary bring the great operatic heroines of the Baroque — Dido, Lucretia, Euridice and more — to life on an autumn evening at Castletown. A special night out on the eve of Halloween, right in the heart of Celbridge.

October is the final month of the season for the Sunday market in St Catherine’s Park — four last Sundays of artisan food, coffee and crafts in 200 acres of riverside parkland between Lucan and Leixlip. Pair it with an autumn walk along the Liffey while the leaves are turning.

October is peak season for autumn colour in Castletown’s 540-acre parklands — ideal for a family walk over the mid-term or a quiet Sunday stroll along the Liffey. The parklands and Wonderful Barn folly are free to explore, and there’s still time to catch a guided tour of the house before the season closes in early November.