13 Halloween-themed events happening this spooky season

The Nightmare Realm

10 October — 1 November, Mary’s Lane, Dublin, more info here

Since their inception back in 2009 in the town of Tralee, The Nightmare Realm have been terrorising the people of Ireland with their truly terrifying haunts and attractions. In Ireland’s largest indoor scream park, an evening at the ‘No.1 Haunt in the World’ is sure to be quite the horrifying experience. In this year’s Village of Fear, you’ll encounter vampires, witches, killer clowns and new mazes from The Meat Market to The Last Gas Station On The Left. Godspeed.

Halloween at Pálás and Light House

10-31 October, Galway and Dublin, more info here

This Halloween, prepare for chills, thrills, and unforgettable frights as the folks at Pálás and Light House cinemas bring you a spine-tingling line-up of horror classics, cult favourites, and genre-defining masterpieces. Highlights include Death Becomes Her, Carrie, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul.

Paranormal Tours

12-31 October, The Crumlin Road Gaol, more info here

Are you brave enough to search for paranormal activity in one of Belfast’s most haunted buildings? There have been sightings, noises and unexplained happenings within the walls that have seen 17 men executed over its 150 year history. This Paranormal tour will take you to the various hot spots of the Gaol where paranormal activity has been reported and the guide will tell you the harrowing stories associated with these areas. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in some new and exciting experiments.

Retro Drive-In Movies

17-29 October, Leopardstown, more info here

If you’d rather work through your Halloween-themed watch list in front of the big screen, Retro Drive-In Movies have quite the line-up showing at Leopardstown Racecourse throughout the month. From childhood classics like Hocus Pocus and Monsters Inc to seasonal staples like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Shining, and the original Halloween, they’re all present for a spooky night out.

Farmaphobia

Until 2 November, Meath, more info here

Said to be the biggest and most terrifying Halloween event in Ireland, the tormented and twisted minds of Farmaphobia return this year with five incredibly creepy haunts spread across over 100 acres of fear in Fordstown, county Meath. The attractions include a cult land where you can prepare to be sacrificed by the Children of the Forest, a town full of clowns, a Peril Penitentiary and a Zombie Morgue.

Halloween at Rathcroghan

21 October — 1 November, Tulsk, Roscommon, more info here

Did you know that the ‘gateway to the underworld’ is located in Roscommon? With the cave of Oweynagat being the home of Halloween, during which the veil between the realms is at its thinnest, what better way to celebrate the ancient festival of Samhain than with a special guided visit? Bear in mind that the tour can get muddy, dark and narrow, so outdoor footwear and clothing must be worn.

Bram Stoker Festival

25–28 October, Dublin, more info here

Get ready for four days and nights of deadly adventures as Dublin gets gloriously gothic this October bank holiday weekend. One of Dublin’s biggest festivals, where the ordinary fades into the shadows and the extraordinary comes to life, the line-up features events and activities for gothic enthusiasts and families alike. Slaughterhouse of Horrors at the IFI is a particularly enticing event.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Extravaganza

26 October, The Sugar Club, Dublin, more info here

Expect a night to remember as friends old and new come together to celebrate the season with guest performances, prizes for best dressed, complimentary goodies and audience participation. Hold onto your fishnets and behold as Richard O Brien’s 1975 cult classic comes alive on The Sugar Club stage just for you. Prepare for a wild, wild night.

Macnas Halloween

26&27 October, Galway city, more info here

Though much of the details remain under wraps for the time being, Macnas are set to return to the streets of Galway this Halloween with a giant new show that’s set to take your breath away. All we can do for now is sit in wait for the world-renowned masters of storytelling and pioneers of imagination to bring their latest instalment to life.

Spike Island Spookfest

26-31 October, Spike Island, Cork, more info here

This family-friendly event invites you and your little ones to hop on board the fun ferry before embarking on a fang-tastic adventure through the mysterious Spike Island, where you will find areas of the ancient fortress and prison transformed into a realm of Halloween wonderland. Wear your costumes, and make the most of the newest addition, a Halloween themed quiz trail!

Derry Halloween

28-31 October, Derry, more information here

For four nights this October, the Walled City of Derry is playing host to Europe’s largest Halloween festival, celebrating the spirit of Samhain in the official home of Halloween. Inviting you to find out more about the folklore, history and heritage that makes this place so special, the story of Halloween is brought to life through illumination, aerial performance, pyrotechnics and music.

Púca Festival

31 October — 3 November, Meath, more info here

This year’s Púca programme brings some of the most amazing talents in music, comedy and performance to the festivals hubs of Trim and Athboy, featuring Kingfishr, Gavin James, Bell X1, and Mary Coughlan, comedic geniuses such as Deirdre O’Kane and Neil Delamere, as well as fascinating tours, talks and workshops.

The Gravedigger

Throughout October, Dublin city, more info here

Fancy stepping on board the Dublin Ghost Bus Tour? The stories begin with Trinity College, where you’ll be transported back some 600 years to when the old Augustinian Priory—and of course the plague house—were in its place. Guided by the spirits themselves, this tour makes three historical stops along the way and finishes up with a well-deserved drink in Gravediggers pub.

Featured image via Derry Halloween.