Looking for family-friendly Halloween fun over the bank holiday weekend and mid-term break? Here are 10 of the best events taking place across the country.
With the October Bank Holiday weekend and midterm break on the horizon, Ireland is bursting with Halloween events to keep the family entertained for days. Across the country, farms, forests, castles and zoos are transforming into enchanted worlds filled with pumpkins and potions and the odd witch or two.
From twilight trails to haunted trains, there’s something to delight all the kids and the adults, too.
Here are our top 10 picks.
The Haunted Trail
28 – 31 October, Malahide Castle & Gardens, more info here
The Haunted Trail returns this Halloween, taking place exclusively at Malahide Castle & Gardens. Families can enjoy a one-kilometre outdoor adventure that’s spooky but not scary, filled with costumed characters, magical scenes and photo moments. The experience ends with a Monster Mash Party of music and treats. Fully accessible and perfect for little ones.
Boo at the Zoo
25 October – 1 November, Dublin Zoo, more info here
Get ready for a Halloween adventure in the wild as Boo at the Zoo returns to Dublin Zoo from October 25 to November 1. The zoo will be transformed into a world of spooky surprises, where families can enjoy keeper talks, Halloween discos, pumpkin carving, and the thrilling Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt with annual passes up for grabs. Kids can dive into hands-on fun at the Bone Zone, and on Halloween (October 31), children dressed in costume go free with a full-paying adult.
Luggwoods Fall Festival
25 October – 1 November, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, more info here
At Beyond the Trees Avondale, families can experience a full week of spooky adventures. By day, young detectives can take part in the Woodland Who Dunnit mystery game (from 10am), solving clues and uncovering secrets hidden deep within the forest. As night falls, the Treetop Twilight Trail (from 5pm) transforms the walk and viewing tower into an enchanting world of eerie lights, storytellers and playful chills.
Limerick Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch
26 October, Limerick City, more info here
At the Limerick Harvest Festival, ancient harvest traditions meet modern Halloween. Taking place at The Milk Market, this family-friendly festival brings together community, culture and creativity in the heart of the city. Explore Limerick’s first-ever City Pumpkin Patch, enjoy live talks and demos, browse local food, craft and garden stalls, and take part in hands-on harvest and Halloween activities.
Spirit of Samhain at Killarney Pumpkin Farm
Now until 31 October, Killarney, Co. Kerry, more info here
Nestled in the hills of Headford, just outside Killarney town, Killarney Pumpkin Farm comes alive over the coming weeks with its Spirit of Samhain festivities. Wander through pumpkin vines, dance under fairy lights at The Pixie Disco, cast spells at the Potion Station, explore the Corn Maze, and meet the farm’s friendly alpacas.
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