Derry Halloween Festival
What started as a fancy dress event in a pub has become Europe’s largest Halloween celebration 40 years on. The historic walled city of Derry can rightly lay claim to being the home of Halloween on this island. From 28 October to 1 November, it transforms into a playground of myth, magic, and mischief with a stunning programme of free and ticketed events. Marvel at spectacular light shows, acrobats and circus performers. Experience the masks, music and mischief of Samhain as you wander the cobbled streets for the carnival parade or spectacular fireworks finale. See derryhalloween.com
Dark Horse Avenue
Normally telling the history of the Irish racehorse, The National Stud & Gardens in Co Kildare is inviting families to step into a world of spooky magic as they welcome back their popular immersive Halloween Extravaganza on Dark Horse Avenue from 24-27 October from 11am to 3pm daily. Taking advantage of expansive grounds, autumn’s rich colours set the scene for a weekend of ghoulish fun close to Kildare town as youngsters explore the haunted mansion with ghostly surprises and spooky storytelling at every turn. For visitors seeking a gentler kind of magic, the witches’ potion quest has bubbling cauldrons and mischievous charm in the thatched cottage.
Afterwards visitors can wander around the peaceful Japanese Gardens, St Fiachra’s Garden and experience the award-winning Irish Racehorse Experience.
Usual admission rates for online tickets apply for the Halloween event. Adult €21; child €13; family of two adults and two children €57. Children under three go free. Booking is advised. See irishnationalstud.ie
Skeleton maze
Ovens Pumpkin Patch, just 15 minutes from Cork city, is looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages over the weekends of 17-18 October and 24-25 October. Attendees can inspect live pumpkin vines on the working farm where Fintan Riordan and his family have devoted 3ac to growing more than 3,000 pumpkins. See how they grow before selecting your preference for your Jack O’Lantern just in time for 31 October.
There’s a covered marquee for activities and games like pumpkin bowling, ring toss and the skeleton maze. You can also get out and about to explore the spooky forest trail or meet the farm’s friendly Shopshire sheep.
Admission for adults and children over two €11.50 (without a pumpkin); admission plus pumpkin to take home €16.50; children under two go free. See pumpkinpatchcork.ie
The spirit of Samhain
Samhain in the Heartlands boasts over 50 events this year, from spooky processions, immersive performances, traditional music, storytelling, feasting, family activities and experiences at ancient sites like Uisneach, Co Westmeath, the sacred centre of Ireland.
Now in its second year, the festival is promising a myriad of authentic Halloween experiences for every taste across the counties of Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. Highlights this year include the Fire and Shadows Procession in Longford town on 31 October, a Halloween cruise on Lough Ree from 26-30 October and The Morrigan Procession in Roscommon town on 30 and 31 October.
New to this year’s programme include a high-end collaborative Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner with Lough Ree Distillery, Skelly’s Bar and Droimeann Beef, Samhain – The Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí in Moate, a new immersive masquerade food, culture and heritage event; The Last Wake at Doory Hall and a When The Veil Thins Street Procession in Athlone. See samhainheartlands.ie
Tall tales in Kilmallock
Kilmallock, Co Limerick, is the venue for a very affordable Halloween day out for all the family. Join renowned storyteller Dáithí Collopy as he brings his captivating traditional Halloween storytelling performance show to the Friar’s Gate Theatre stage on Wednesday 28 October.
Gather around to hear the legends and folklore around Halloween and Samhain in story and song. This event is supported by Limerick City and County Council. Tickets: €5. See friarsgate.ie
Lú Festival of Light
A great free option over the Bank Holiday Weekend is happening in Drogheda, Co Louth, as the town’s historic streets and landmark buildings will be transformed by light, colour and ancient storytelling for the Lú Festival of Light.
Visitors can follow a mesmerising, self-guided evening walking trail to see buildings like St Peter’s Church, St Laurence’s Gate and the Old Abbey come alive with breathtaking, large-scale 3D projection mapping, telling the gripping tales of Celtic gods, goddesses and legends.
Beyond the illuminating digital canvas, events will spill out on the street with performances and events like the Spooks Parade from 23-26 October.See lufestivaloflight.com
Dragon boats in Ballina
For something completely different this Halloween, head for the riverside in Co Mayo on Sunday 1 November, from 9am to noon.
Ballina Dragons mark the end of the season with a Halloween Paddle on the River Moy.
The club is asking the public to come along to this spooktacular event where you can expect dragon boats, epic costumes and friendly racing along the river. The local club is paddling along Gráinne Mhaol, Medb’s Warriors and Lough Rynn Dragon Boat Club.
See @ballinadragonboats on Instagram
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