It’s one of the most captivating Cork sights of the year.

When darkness falls on October 31st, the Dragon of Shandon lurches out into the city streets for Samhain, dancing between worlds in a celebration of the living and the dead.

Accompanied by a macabre assortment of creatures, the Dragon, a 36ft monster made entirely of tape and controlled by 12 puppeteers, will begin its journey tonight at 7pm.

Our advice? Get there 20 minutes early to nab a good vantage point.

The parade, run by Cork Community Art link since 2006, will emerge at the Old Cork Butter Exchange, winding down Shandon Street, onto North Main Street (7.45pm) and continuing into town via Castle Street.

The fun will culminate in a 20-minute finale show on Cornmarket Street (8.20pm), with groups including the Coal Quay Shawlies, Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, the Skeleton Troupe, the Cork City Samba Band and Inferno, but you can catch the action anywhere along the route.

Here’s the full map so you can find a good spot this evening…

First time venturing out into the darkness in search of dragons? Here’s a little taste of the action from years gone by…

Mammy Dragon #dragonofshandon pic.twitter.com/aZCs1ZRHU4

— BellsofShandon (@BellsofShandon) October 31, 2015

Image credit: Cork Community Art Link