Irish author Bram Stoker and his classic novel ‘Dracula’ will be in the spotlight later this month in Dublin’s ‘My Name is Dracula’ festival that will run from Friday October 26 to Sunday October 28.

RTE reports on the inaugural Stoker celebration. The festival invites the public "to venture into the unknown for a gothic scarefest like no other and discover the hidden secrets that lie beneath the capital's streets this Halloween.”

Best-selling crime author Patricia Cornwell will open the festival with a talk entitled ‘The Anatomy of Fear.’ Cornwell will be introduced by the State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy.

There will be a display of the life and work of Stoker during the festival at  the Little Museum of Dublin, St Stephen's Green. Stoker’s great-grand-nephew Dacre Stoker said the upcoming exhibit is “the single most important collection of material related to Bram that has ever been put on public display.”

Aside from the exhibit, the festival will also feature an outdoor screening of ‘Nosferatu’ with a live score by 3epkano, ‘Gothic Tales from the Crypt’ in Christchurch Cathedral, walking tours, children's workshops and panel discussions. RTE’s Diana Bunici will interview best-selling author Derek Landy and others about their influences in ‘Nightmare at Smock Alley.’

Street theatre company Spraoí will close the festival at the grounds of Dublin Castle on Sunday evening, October 28.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí said: "For the first time ever, Dubliners and tourists alike can enjoy a weekend of spine-chilling adventure by taking a tour of Dublin's gothic past.

"This three-day festival includes film, exhibitions, plays, literature and performances and I invite Dubliners to celebrate Bram Stoker and his legacy of Dracula. What better way to celebrate Halloween than to get first-hand exposure to Dracula's blood-thirsty exploits?"

For full event and ticket details, visit: www.bramstokerfestival.com.