Éanna the owl lands in Cork city
Families in Cork are about to meet a very special new friend, just in time for Halloween.
Éanna the Owl has been created to help children and parents embrace the beauty of the night, while taking part in magical events across the city over the coming weeks.
As the nights grow darker, Cork City Council is inviting families to discover the wonder of after-dark adventures through a series of activities led by Éanna.
A highlight will be the launch of the Stargazers’ Club in partnership with Munster Technological University’s Blackrock Castle Observatory.
Young explorers will be able to look through telescopes, hear from real astronomers, and marvel at the stars above.
The first event takes place at Blackrock Castle Observatory on Saturday 11 October, from 7pm to 8pm, with more stargazing sessions planned in different parts of the city too.
Éanna will also flutter into the Dragon of Shandon Halloween festival, where families can join spooky strolls and themed trails in the heart of Cork.
With Éanna as their guide, these evenings promise a mix of fun, imagination, and shared discovery.
To keep the magic alive at home, Cork City Council has also created free resources – including a storybook of Éanna’s adventures, colouring pages to spark creativity, and educational materials for parents and teachers on why darkness matters for biodiversity, sleep, and wellbeing.
Beyond the events, Éanna is designed to be a symbol of comfort, curiosity, and connection to nature after sunset.
Developed as part of Cork City Council’s Night-Time Economy Strategy, the owl encourages children to see the night as a time for discovery rather than fear.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “Éanna is a great example of how Cork is reimagining its night-time spaces to be inclusive, educational, and inspiring. By helping children feel safe and curious about the night, we’re not only nurturing young minds but also strengthening our community’s connection to the natural world. This is a thoughtful initiative, which reflects the spirit of innovation and care that defines our city.”
Fiona Collins, Cork City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, said the project is about creating balance.
“Living in a city means finding harmony between light and dark. Éanna helps us reframe how we think about night-time – not just as a space for adults or nightlife, but as a time full of potential for learning, creativity, and community," she said.
At its heart, the owl’s story is about more than Halloween. Éanna reminds us that the night sky belongs to everyone. By making the evening hours less fearful and more magical, Cork is helping children – and adults too – discover the wonder that lies beneath the stars.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.