Five frightful frolics to take part in this week

1 The Dublin Ghostbus Tour

Led by Norman (aka Mr Bates), this double decker journey takes you through Dublin’s scariest sites, including St Kevin’s Cemetery and the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral. That may not sound all that eery, but when paired with Norman’s tales of what went on in these locations throughout history – including grave digging and body snatching, not to mention murder, chills will inevitably crawl up your spine – trust us, dublinsightseeing.ie.

2 Tayto Park After Dark

Yep, you read that correctly – Tayto Park is opening its doors for an after-hours fright fest, complete with 5D Halloween movie, a visit to the House of Horrors, and, of course, a night time ride on the C? Chulainn Coaster. From October 24 – November 1, taytopark.ie/events/halloween.

3 The IFI Horrorthon

Five days of the most terrifying films running October 22-26, including The Exorcist III and a tribute to Wes Craven, ifi.ie/horrorthon.

4 The Bram Stoker Festival

?Four days of living stories and four nights of deadly adventures ?? from October 23-26, culminating in the Macnas Twilight Procession across Dublin city and a screening of Bram Stoker’s Dracula at the Light House Cinema, bramstokerfestival.com.

5 A visit to any one of the country’s finest haunted houses and castles

Our faves? Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate (check out their Facebook page) provides a good scare, as does Ardgillan Castle in Skerries (ardgillancastle.ie). (Did you know Ardgillan really is haunted? Some say the ghost of the Lady’s Stairs still walks the grounds of the castle towards the sea where she met her end, searching for the husband and family she had to leave behind ?) While Malahide Castle (malahidecastleandgardens.ie) runs its Masquerade Mystery October 28-31. We’ll be sure to creep up behind you if we see you there.