23/10/2026
Free Halloween films and history talks lined up at County Museum Dundalk
Halloween film favourites and talks on Irish history and identity are set to take place in the coming weeks, with a series of free events in October and November at County Museum Dundalk, with Louth County Council inviting the public to enjoy the diverse programme.
Hosted by the museum, the film programme for families includes five afternoon film screenings during the Halloween mid-term break, followed by three evening events exploring everything from Ireland’s island identity to the origins of the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The daily Halloween film screenings run from Tuesday 27th October to Saturday, 31st October, with a different film showing each day at 2.30pm.
Goosebumps kicks things off on Tuesday 27th, followed by Hotel Transylvania on Wednesday 28th, Maleficent on Thursday 29th and Ghostbusters on Friday 30th, while Hocus Pocus wraps up the programme on Halloween, Saturday 31st October.
Children are encouraged to come along to the events in their Halloween costumes to enjoy the selection of seasonal films on show.
In November, the museum will turn its attention to Irish history, identity and public life with three evening lectures and discussions.
Getting the lecture series underway on Wednesday, 11th November at 7pm, Professor Michael Cronin will be discussing his latest book, Why It Matters to Be an Island. His talk will explore how Ireland’s island status continues to shape its future, touching on issues like geography, climate change and national identity.
On Thursday, 12th November at 6.30pm, the museum will host a live podcast recording entitled History, Heritage and Identity: What Makes Us Who We Are?. Supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Night-time Economy initiative, this panel discussion will feature Dr Siobhra Aiken of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Donal Hassett of Maynooth University and Linda Ervine of the Turas Irish language project. Together, they will explore what Irish Identity means to different communities.
The series concludes on Thursday 19th November at 7pm, when historian and author Ian McBride will discuss his book, The Origins of the Northern Ireland Peace Process: Self-Determination, Consent and the Downing Street Declaration.
County Museum curator Brian Walsh said the 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,” he said.
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, 22nd October.
