There is something about Halloween season in Ireland that feels extra magical. As the evenings grow darker and the leaves start to fall, the country transforms into a place filled with pumpkin-lined doorsteps, spooky castle trails, and playful frights the whole family can enjoy.
While the festival itself is deep rooted in the Irish celebration of Samhain, when communities marked the end of the harvest season, today Halloween is all about creating special moments of wonder with the whole family – from dazzling parades to haunted houses and even fun filled activities at home.
Across Ireland, towns and cities are hosting events that balance the spooky atmosphere with child-friendly fun for the whole family to enjoy this Halloween break. And if you would rather cosy up by the fire, there is plenty of ways to bring the magic indoors, from pumpkin carving to baking barmbrack and ghost stories by candlelight.
Whether you’re planning a big family day out or looking for simple ideas to try at home to keep everyone entertained, here are some of the best family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween this year.
Derry Halloween Festival
@staysandgetaways #halloween #festival #IrelandHomeofHalloween #fillyourheartwithireland @Tourism Ireland ♬ original sound – 𝖆𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖑𝖑
The iconic Derry Halloween Festival is back this October, promising to bring yet another year of spooky magic to the historic city. Running from the 28th to the 31st of October, there is a whole line up of fun events suitable for all the family.
This year the festival will host parades through the week for spectators to enjoy, along with their yearly firework display. If you want to explore the ancient city walls with a twist, they have spooky walking tours that are suitable for all ages, with many other exciting events from film camps, storytelling sessions and even food markets.
Most events across the weekend are free and suitable for all ages, meaning you can the whole family can experience the Halloween fun without having to spend a fortune!
There is so much to offer at this fantastic festival so be sure to check out their programme of events on their website.
Púca Festival
@pucafestival Thank you for an unforgettable Púca Festival 2024!✨ To everyone who joined us in Ireland’s Ancient East, thank you for making our biggest Púca Festival yet a truly magical experience. This year, we set out to create a unique and diverse programme of events that would bring Celtic Samhain traditions to life, thrill and entertain audiences, and draw visitors to the heart of Trim and Athboy.🔥 Festival highlights included the awe-inspiring Lighting of the Samhain Fire at Athboy’s Fair Green, our most authentic Púca Procession yet through Trim, and the bustling Harvest Market at the Porchfields. With over 40 storytellers, workshops, music, and comedy acts, Púca Festival 2024 captured the true spirit of Samhain. With over 49,000 visitors joining us from around the world, we’re grateful to everyone who shared their Samhain with us. Here’s to the memories we’ve created together at Púca Festival, until we gather again!⭐️ #PucaFestival #IrelandsAncientEast #HalloweenOrigins #Samhain #ireland #festival #halloween #celtictradition #irishheritage ♬ original sound – Púca Festival
The Púca Festival, which takes place in Trim and Athboy, is back for another year of spooky, spectacular show of events. Starting on October 30th to the 2nd of November, the four days are jam-packed with events for everyone to enjoy.
They have a stellar lineup of craft and circus workshops for the kids, along with talks on the ancient history of Samhain, and haunted walks that are child-friendly.
It’s not a festival for the kids to enjoy, with adult workshops being held throughout the few days. There will also be a collection of comedy performances with some of Ireland’s best-known comedians, like The 2 Johnnys and Jason Byrne, taking centre stage at the Trim location.
For more information on ticket prices and schedules, check out their website, where they have a full lineup listed.
Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem Event
@bunratty.castle Spine-chilling thrills and devilish delights await you as Bunratty Castle & Folk Park transforms into a Halloween haven from October 25th to 27th! #halloween #BunrattyCastle #booknow ♬ original sound – Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare will host a weekend of Halloween madness on October 25th to 27th, celebrating all things wonderfully spooky.
The weekend is tailored for children and families, with traditional Irish Halloween games, historic tales of Halloween long ago, and spooky storytelling set amongst the haunting castle walls. The event will also see the return of the Haunted Train that is suitable for all ages for the perfect level of child-friendly thrill.
Tickets for this event are €17 for a child and €23 for an adult, with family rates available. You can prebook your tickets online with two time slots to choose from, with a morning slot at half 10, and an afternoon slot at 2:00PM.
The tickets will allow you three-hour access to explore all the fantastic activities they have on offer and to explore the castle grounds – a perfect day out for all the family! Find out more here.
Emerald Park
@emeraldparkireland What’s your favourite part of the Tricky Trail? 👻 #halloween #spookyseason #autumnvibes #halloween2024 #fyp ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song(191109) – PeriTune
This year, Emerald Park’s Tricky Trails is set to return, bringing more spooky family fun. Kicking off on October 11th and running through to the 31st, the event includes a terrific treasure hunt for kids of all ages.
Along the trail, there will be spooky games and characters, like Helga’s House and Professor Oswald’s lab, which give kids to do some terrific challenges for some Halloween goodies. Tickets for this Halloween trail are at no extra cost, with general admission tickets guaranteeing you free entry to the event.
This is the perfect chance to experience everything Emerald Park has to offer, from heart-stopping rollercoasters to a zoo that is full of surprises, while also experiencing some Halloween fun.
More information on dates and ticket prices is on the Emerald Park website, with early bird discounts available.
Woodland Hotel Limerick – Pumpkin Patch
@woodlandshotel 🎃 INTRODUCING WOODLANDS PUMPKIN PATCH. 🎃 Join us for a magical autumn adventure this October & November at Woodlands! Open on: October 18th–19th, and daily from October 25th to November 2nd Perfect for families, team outings — even a first date! And yes, your dog is welcome too Step into the season through our Enchanted Spooky Tunnel, the gateway to a world of autumn fun. This year’s event is packed with unforgettable experiences, including: 🦙 A Petting Zoo full of friendly animals 🧸 A Huge Variety of Traditional Games 😵💫 A Maze to get lost in (and laugh your way out!) 🎃 An Incredible Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes 🚜 A Farmyard Tools Display 🧁 Autumn-themed Treats 🤩 Activities for Children throughout the day Come for the pumpkins. Stay for the memories. Book your tickets now through this link: www.woodlands-hotel.ie/woodlands-pumpkin-patch/ #WoodlandsPumpkinPatch #FitzgeraldsWoodlandsHouseHotel #AutumnFun ♬ original sound – Woodlands Hotel
If you’re looking for something less spooky, the pumpkin patch at the Woodlands Hotel Limerick, offers the perfect autumn day out.
The pumpkin patch allows you to walk around the grounds and take some fabulous family photos with the stunning autumn backdrop. It also includes a family-friendly maze and traditional Halloween games for the kids to participate in. That’s not all – the pumpkin patch will also be hosting a petting zoo, perfect for kids of all ages.
The pumpkin patch will be running from the 18th and 19th of October, and daily from the 25th right up till the 31st. The tickets for this event can be bought online which cost around €15 for the experience. It is set to be a wonderful family day out!
EPIC Museum
EPIC Museum are running plenty of Halloween-themed events to celebrate the birthplace of Halloween.
Tours will look at the roots of Samhain, the Irish origins of American jack-o’-lanterns, Irish myths and legends overseas, Goodie Glover – the last (Irish) woman hanged for witchcraft in Boston, The Dullahan and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, Oliver Cromwell – Irish myths and folklore, and Bram Stoker and Dracula.
Track down Dracula in the Storytelling Gallery and explore the museum with clues, storytelling, and a vampire myth-making activity in the Beware of Dracula Tours from the 27th October to 1st November.
Discover the Irish origins of Halloween, including folklore, ghost stories, and tales of the Irish diaspora on the Ghosts, Ghouls and “Goodie Glover Day” tour on 30th and 31st October.
Get your tickets here.
Halloween Experience at Butlers
Step into a spooktacular world of Chocolate at Butlers, this Halloween. Yep you read that right!
Experience a unique behind-the-scenes look at the Butlers Chocolates factory floor, learn about the fascinating history of chocolate, all while enjoying delicious chocolate tasting along the way. Visitors are then given the chance to step into the shoes of a real-life chocolatier in the demonstration room, where they can decorate their very own specially crafted chocolate pumpkin to take home as a souvenir.
Costumes are encouraged – the spookier the better.
Tours are running from 25th October to 2nd November with ticket prices starting at €16.95, Family (2+2) €58.00, Family (2+3) €72.50. Find out more here.
The Haunted Trail at Malahide Castle
Families can once again look forward to an unmissable Halloween tradition as The Haunted Trail will take place exclusively at Malahide Castle and Gardens on Sunday 26th October, Monday 27th October and Friday 31st October.
Families can expect a one-kilometre outdoor walk designed to be spooky but not scary, filled with enchanting decorations, costumed characters and interactive experiences.
Aimed at younger children yet welcoming for all ages and abilities, the trail promises magical moments and memorable photo opportunities against the backdrop of Malahide’s historic gardens.
Find out more here.
