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News from October 7, 2025

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Crown Prince Haakon addresses wife Mette-Marit's absence during overseas trip
Technology

Crown Prince Haakon addresses wife Mette-Marit's absence during overseas trip

Crown Prince Haakon has commented on his wife's absence as he began his three-day visit to the US. The Norwegian royal, 52, is visiting the states of Iowa, Minnesota and New York to mark the 200th anniversary of the first Norwegian emigration to America. However, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 52, had to cancel her participation in the trip. The royal is currently on a month-long hiatus from royal duties as she undergoes pulmonary rehabilitation in Norway. Mette-Marit was diagnosed with the chronic lung condition in 2018, and since then she has had to place restrictions on the number of engagements she undertakes. Haakon's trip began with a visit to Decorah, Iowa, which became a gathering point for Norwegian immigrants in the 1850s. The future Norwegian king answered questions from the press during his engagements, including one about whether he misses his wife. "It's always nicer to travel together," the prince told VG. "But I think it's great to be able to be here anyway, and I think it's good that she gets to be in the pulmonary rehabilitation she's in now." Last month, Mette-Marit said ahead of her treatment: "I should have done it a long time ago, but now is the time. So I'm going to do it. Because I need a little more help than before to cope with daily life with pulmonary fibrosis." In a statement, the Norwegian royal palace previously explained: "Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit will undergo a month of pulmonary rehabilitation in Norway from the beginning of October. The Crown Princess will therefore not carry out official assignments in October, but some exceptions are planned, such as the dinner for the representatives of the Storting at the Royal Palace on October 23. The Crown Princess is scheduled to resume her official work in November." During the remainder of his visit, Crown Prince Haakon will also travel to Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota, where he will meet Minnesota governor Tim Walz. On 9 October, he will also welcome the ship "Restauration" in New York, which is a replica of the first ship that set sail with Norwegian emigrants in 1825.

The best spooky and family-friendly Halloween 2025 events around Ireland
Technology

The best spooky and family-friendly Halloween 2025 events around Ireland

It's that time of the year again! Halloween is nearly upon us. Whether you're planning on doing something local, taking a staycation or embarking on a fun day trip, there's so many fun events planned across the country throughout the month. We have rounded up some of the best spooky events that you can check out during the month of October in Ireland. The Nightmare Realm, Dublin The much-loved fear and fun fuelled Nightmare Realm is back until November 2nd. This year’s Realm features five brand-new, cinematic haunted mazes, an expanded HalloweenTown, and over 150 live performers in a fully immersive, festival-style setting.. The Nightmare Realm, proudly sponsored by Fanta, is an adrenaline-fueled Irish production like no other—fusing Hollywood-style set design, cinematic production, live performance, and chilling storytelling into one unforgettable experience. Think open-world gaming meets Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be stalked by demons, thrown into nightmares, and immersed in a world where fear becomes entertainment. Tickets are priced from €24 to €40 (depending on the ticket type and the day attending). Family bundles (2a+2c) are available for peak nights priced €110. Date night deals available on select nights. This event sells out quickly, so pre-booking is essential. Access is easy, as it is located beside the Kylemore stop on the Luas Red Line with free on-site parking for 300+ cars. In partnership with the Land Development Agency . For more information and tickets, visit www.thenightmarerealm.ie Emerald Park After Dark, Meath Emerald Park is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Halloween event, Emerald Park After Dark. Opening Friday, 17th – Thursday, 30th October, get ready to take to the night skies on your favourite theme park attractions this Halloween! This year’s After Dark promises to be bigger than ever with 12 attractions, including for the very first time, Ireland’s largest flume attraction, The Viking Voyage. Guests can brave the plunges and splashes of this legendary ride, now with a unique twist, enjoy the adventure completely in the dark! Tickets are available now from Emeraldpark.ie Jurassic Newpark, Kilkenny From haunted castles to Hogwarts magic, dinosaurs to daring dino rides, Jurassic Newpark is set to cast a fang-tastic spell over Kilkenny this October midterm. Running from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November, the award-winning family attraction at Newpark Hotel promises a mix of thrills and giggles where dinosaurs prowl, wizards conjure spells, and pumpkins light the way. New for 2025 are a Haunted Castle, eerie Haunted Cabin, and Aragog’s Tunnel, alongside the Harry Potter Halloween Experience, Hocus Roarus Dino Show, and a ghostly spin on the Jurassic Hogwarts Express. Perfect for younger ghouls as well as braver explorers, the atmosphere is spooky rather than scary, making it an ideal family day out. Entry is complimentary for hotel residents, with tickets for day visitors priced at €18.50 and must be pre-booked online. Family midterm break packages at Newpark Hotel include accommodation, breakfast, one dinner, and access to Jurassic Newpark, from €100 per person sharing. See www.jurassicnewpark.com . Samhain Shopping, Dublin Dublin artist Eibhin Kavanagh's Gauche Market and Fiona Wilson's Facere Market have joined forces this October to launch Samhain Shopping, a five day spooktacular shopping experience coming to The Mart Gallery in Rathmines, Dublin. From October 22-26th Halloween lovers can shop local made spooky decorations, jewellery, art, candles, homewares and more. Free entry. It will be open 12-6pm daily, with different vendors daily. Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin From Friday 31 October to Monday 3 November, the veil lifts for four days and nights of deadly adventures in Dublin. From a spectacular Hallowe’en Weekend Macnas parade to haunted screenings to late-night cabaret to candlelit choirs, Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival 2025 promises an intoxicating mix of spectacle, sound and story in venues and public spaces all over the city. The city’s gothic fun park, Stokerland, returns to St. Patrick’s Park with two full days of free family entertainment beneath the shadow of the cathedral. Expect a monstrous mix of circus, street theatre, music and mayhem with walkabout acts, magic shows, fortune tellers, storytelling, art workshops and curious characters at every turn. For more information, visit www.bramstokerfestival.com Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork Ireland’s biggest city based music festival returns from 23rd to 27th October as the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival fills the city with over 500 musicians across 100 events in nearly 80 venues. Funk collective Cymande, LA hip-hop pioneers The Pharcyde, roots reggae heroes The Congos and Irish favourites Maverick Sabre, Le Boom & Khakikid are just some of the line up highlights that also includes Lee Fields & The Expressions, Orchestra Baobab, Annie & The Caldwells, Rejjie Snow, Nubya Garcia, Adrian Younge Orchestra, Tolü Makay and the rising brilliance of Sienna Spiro! The reach of the festival also extends beyond the city to surrounding areas such as Douglas and Kinsale. With its mix of jazz greats, global innovators, and breakthrough Irish talent, it’s set to be another incredible weekend of music with a great festival vibe across the city. See www.guinnesscorkjazz.com . Pumpkins After Dark, Dublin Pumpkins After Dark is Ireland's newest outdoor Halloween event. Featuring over 10,000+ hand-carved pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind walk-through experience is the must-see event of the autumn season. Explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, fairies and dragons, movie and pop culture icons – this family friendly event has something for everyone. Snag tickets at https://ireland.pumpkinsafterdark.com/. Kellogg’s Skyline Tour at Croke Park, Dublin This Halloween, Dublin’s darker side comes into focus high above the city on the Kellogg’s Skyline Tour at Croke Park. Tales from the Pale is a brand-new storytelling experience that blends folklore and fright with panoramic views, as lively guides recount grisly tales of grave robbers, the infamous Hellfire Club, Misery Hill, and the city’s most Gothic son, Bram Stoker. From this breathtaking vantage point, Dublin’s skyline itself becomes a stage for eerie history retold under crisp autumn skies. Tales from the Pale is strictly for the brave and the curious aged 16 and over. Tours start at 3pm and run on Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th, Friday 31st October, and Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November. Tickets are priced at €24 for adults and €22 for students and seniors and must be booked online in advance. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a shiver or two. See www.crokepark.ie/tales .

Budget 2026: How to apply for over €1,000 fuel payment as it's increased and expanded
Technology

Budget 2026: How to apply for over €1,000 fuel payment as it's increased and expanded

A vital winter payment has seen some changes as part of Budget 2026. Fuel Allowance will see a €5 weekly increase come into effect from January, as well as expanded eligibility to families on Working Family Payment coming into effect from March 2026. Here's everything you need to know about Fuel Allowance and how to claim. What is Fuel Allowance? Fuel Allowance is a payment to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. It is paid to only one person in a household. How much is Fuel Allowance? At the minute, the Allowance is paid out in two lump sums worth €924, or in weekly payments over 28 weeks of €33. However, the 28-week payment has been upped by €5 to €38 per week as part of Budget 2026, bringing it to an overall sum of €1,064. The Fuel Allowance season normally begins in late September of each year and ends in April. The first lump sum this year was be paid out on the 22nd of September, with weekly payments also starting on that date. Who is eligible for Fuel Allowance? To get Fuel Allowance, you must: Be over 66 or over Be under 66 and get a qualifying social welfare payment Live alone (or only with certain people) Satisfy a means test As announced in Budget 2026, Working Family Payment will be considered a qualifying social welfare payment where it wasn't previously. You must also live in Ireland. You cannot get Fuel Allowance if your heating costs are provided in full as part of your accommodation. Fuel Allowance is a means-tested payment. This means that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) examines all your sources of income. Your gross weekly income must be below a certain amount to pass the means test. For the full details on these conditions, click here. How to apply Applications are still open for the payment. but if you apply for Fuel Allowance after the start of the Fuel Allowance season, it will not be backdated. For families who are on Working Family Payment, the eligibility will be come into effect in March 2026 and be backdated to January 2026. You do not need to reapply for Fuel Allowance each year as long as, your circumstances remain the same and you continue to get the same social welfare payment. You can apply for the Fuel Allowance online. You must have a MyGovID account to apply online. If you can’t apply online, you can use a paper application form: If you are aged under 66, fill in the NFS1 form to apply for fuel allowance. If you are aged 66 or over, fill in the NFS2 form to apply for fuel allowance. You can also get a form from your local post office or by phoning 0818 200 400. You should ask for the relevant form for your age. You can get help to fill in your application form at your Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens Information Centre.

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