11 family-friendly Halloween events happening around Ireland this weekend

Spooky Treasure Hunt at Brigit’s Garden, Galway

From 29 October to 6 November, Brigit’s Garden in Galway is inviting visitors to dig out their finest Halloween costumes and join them for the Ghastly Ghouls’ Spooky Treasure Hunt throughout Halloween and the mid-term break. There’ll also be notions, potions and lotions with the Wacky Witch on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 October.

Creepy Crawl at FOTA House & Gardens

FOTA House and Garden in Carrigtwohill, county Cork will play host to guests as they descend on the grounds for a self-guided trail throughout the gardens. No pre-booking is required, just put on a spooky costume and head on down from 28-31 October.

Wild Connections Halloween Camp 2022

Birr Castle Demesne in county Offaly are running a fantastic Halloween camp from Tuesday 1 November to Thursday 3 November that would be perfect for 5 to 12 year olds. Allowing the little ones to connect with nature in the great outdoors under the guidance of our experienced team, activities include pond dipping, bird watching, nature crafts and wellness walks.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Train Adventure — Halloween Pantomime at Rathwood Carlow

This year, the Rathwood Express will give a modern spin to a classic fairytale adventure in a magnificent Halloween Pantomime by Verdant Productions. With an all singing all dancing cast and just a little bit of fairy magic, this show will have the whole family screaming… with laughter. Travelling through a forest full of spooky characters and surprises to the newly refurbished Rathwood Big Top, the Rathwood Express is perfect for those aged 3 – 8 years.

Pumpkin Picking at the Irish Military Park

There’s no Halloween activity more wholesome than spending the day at a pumpkin patch. Bring the whole family along to select their perfect pumpkin to take home later and carve together. They’ve even got carving kits available on site, as well as a playground, maze and Halloween disco to keep the little ones well entertained!

Tricky Trail at Tayto Park 2022

Bringing families on a spooky adventure through Tayto Park to find hidden treasure, the Tayto Park Tricky Trail has something for all the family — young and old — with fun interactive games, spooky story telling, potions, spell casting and magical performances by a whole host of characters! There’s even a frightful ‘scare chair’ for those brave few who want to leave with a family photo to remember the day forever.

Halloween Spooktacular at Irish National Stud

Taking place from Saturday 29 to Wednesday 2 November at the Irish National Stud & Gardens in county Kildare, the Halloween Spooktacular features an array of themed activities such as arts and crafts workshops, circus shows, spooky storytelling and much more. There will be giant games and other fun activities, sure to keep the little ones entertained.

CON MÓR at Macnas HQ

On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October, the Macnas crew are switching things up a little. At their HQ on Fisheries Field, Galway, you’ll find the giant CON MÓR perched on the banks of the River Corrib, and it’s said that this giant is so big, you could even park a car in one of its nostrils. Kiddies big and small are guaranteed to be wowed by the spectacle.

Púca Festival 2022

At the Púca Festival, there’s something for everyone to attend, no matter how young. From the Celtic Voyage Circus and spooky treasure hunts to craft markets and foraging excursions, the whole family can find something to enjoy at this gorgeous Halloween event in county Meath.

Bram Stoker Festival

Taking place from 28-31 October, the Bram Stoker Festival is bringing The Northern Lights to Dublin with a mesmerising, immersive light and sound experience which you’ll never forget. The free spectacle that will create a spectacular vision of the Northern Lights in Dublin Castle’s Upper Courtyard, its lush visuals and harmonious soundscape will bring the wonder and joy of an aurora borealis to people in cities who would never typically get a glimpse of this majestic vision.

The Nightmare Realm

Best suited to the bigger kids over the age of 13, The Nightmare Realm is Ireland’s largest indoor scream park, and it’s guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Taking place until 2 November at the all new location of Marys Lane City Market, Dublin, you can book your space at Urban Horror ‘22 now!