Sunday 25th July to 2nd August marks the dates for the 2010 Howya Festival in Durrow, Co. Laois. The event is otherwise known as the Festival of Friendships. This year the event is incorporating the inaugural All Ireland Scarecrow Championships.

The festival has events running for both adults and children, with sports tournaments, a fun duck derby, table quizes, nostalgia nights, comedians, dances on the green for charity, the famous Crystal Swing band playing and a Wild West night amongst other fun things.

Grab some friends and head along, and if you decide a costume is needed, of course you can get Cowboy costumes and accessories and anything else you need from TheCostumeShop.ie!

Howya Festival and All Ireland Scarecrow Championships

Just as the Americans celebrate our St. Patricks Day, we should celebrate the Fourth of July!

The 4th of July is a huge holiday celebration in America to mark the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence, allowing America freedom from England. America usually marks the event with firework displays, parties, concerts and barbeques to get everyone together.

Why not hold your own 4th of July party? Have all your friends over for a bbq and have a red,white and blue theme.

We have both mens and ladies Captain America Costumes,ladies Uncle Sam Costume, Barack Obama Masks and to help you decorate we have beautiful Sky Lanterns, perfect for outside and American Balloons!

Uncle Sam Costume

Cow Costume

While we’re on a roll with the animal theme at the moment something came across our path… A Mooathon!! On September 26th, Donegal undertakes its’ 5th Annual Mooathon- a 26 mile marathon to get people more active, and have fun while doing it.

If you’re attending the Mooathon why not run in style in our Cow Costume, or our Comical Cow Costume? Or if you’re not in the mood for full costume, why not try our Face Paint Set to draw on cow markings?

Pink Pirate's Treasure Costume

Stuck for costume ideas for the next fancy dress party you’re invited to? Well, we’ve done all the hard work for you, here are the most popular costumes on thecostumeshop.ie  to give you some ideas and have you looking the part at the next event.

1. Flight Attendant Costume- Turn heads with this sophisticated costume. Ideal for wearing with your pilot partner.

2. Pirate’s Treasure Costume- Pirate costumes are always a great idea, this particular costume has some lovely detailing, and the bright pink shade is perfect to make you stand out in the crowd. Make sure to add the finishing touch to the costume by adding the pink bow stockings!

3. Snow White Costume- Instantly recognisable, Snow White is always a classic. Finish off the outfit with the red bow stockings, or add some flare to the costume with a red petticoat.

4. Nun Costume- Another classic, the nun’s costume is always a hit at costume events. Dress it up with cross necklaces and you’re all set. If you’re feeling a bit daring, try something different in our Naughty Nun costume.

5. US Navy Officer Costume- Channel your inner Top Gun in this high quality, all white naval costume, complete with Hat and Gloves. Finish off the look with our Aviator Glasses.

This is simply the coolest Transformers Costume we’ve ever come across, i wonder how long it took for the guy to put together.

Awesome Halloween Costume – Watch more Funny Videos

We’ll be getting in the official licensed Transformers range in the coming weeks, just in time for Halloween, unfortunately they won’t be as transformable as the above video.

Bumble Bee Transformers Costume - Childs Costume

We always find it really amusing when we have a visitor from outside our industry to the office. This morning we i was giving a tour of our warehouses and facilities to a guest and they were perplexed that even at this time of year Adult Fancy Dress Costumes are in demand. So i thought for anyone who doesn’t get the appeal of a random fancy dress costume to liven up someones day, here’s the simple psychology behind it – when your dressed up as someone else, its harder to be yourself.

Austin Powers Costumes

Where as you might think twice about chatting to the hot new girl in the office, on fancy dress Friday (yes big corporations do have them!) it would be almost rude for Austin Powers not to chat her up!

Think the lad in the next cubical has low morals after overhearing some of his weekend plans – don’t live in silence, don on a Nun Costume and read him the riot act.

Nun Costumes

Why are fancy dress costumes and costume parties so popular nowadays?

Well for one reason it really makes a night memorable, after a while nights tend to be a little same same. Was X’s party really that different from Y’s? Usually there not, but with a costume party there is so much more to remember about the night. 

Wolverine, Evil Jester and Superman

Another great reason is that its a really good social thing, you have so many more reasons to talk to a complete stranger. Superman has every reason to go over to wonder woman and suggest to hatch a plan to eliminate all the super villians in the room. Sometimes a good costume is all you need for an opener and a little attention.

However my favourite reason would have to be the pictures and memories you get. 

Shackles the Clown Costume (with Fake arms)