Haunted trails, paranormal investigations, spooky markets and Halloween parades are among the eerie events to be enjoyed with the whole family this October. Here are some of our top picks.
Tricky Trail at Emerald Park
19&20, 26-31 October, Ashbourne, Meath, more info here
Tricky Trail is back for a frightfully fun family day out, so get ready to experience some spooky storytelling, eccentric experiments, magical performances and more. Pick up your Tricky Trail map before you embark on a terrific treasure hunt, collect every lost item along the way, prepare to meet an array of wildly interesting characters and take part in some spooky fun and games.
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, they’re all present for a spooky night out.
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.
The Haunted Trail
26&27 October, Malahide Castle & Gardens in Dublin, and Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare, more info here
Step into a world of gentle frights and Halloween delights at The Haunted Trail, Ireland’s newest interactive Halloween experience filled with magical moments perfect for little ghosts and ghouls. While aimed at younger children, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy this outdoor and accessible walk across a 1 kilometre route. Enjoy spine-tingling surprises, eerie decorations, costumed characters, fantastic photo opportunities, and plenty of fun for all.
Beware of Dracula! Halloween Family Tour
26 October — 3 November, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin, more info here
Irish author Bram Stoker needs your help! His famous character Dracula, a notorious vampire, has somehow escaped from his book in EPIC’s Storytelling Gallery and into the vaults of the museum. Can you and your family help track him down and spell him back from whence he came?
The Pop-Up Movie Club
26&27 October, Marina Market, Cork, more info here
Fancy treating your kids to a screening of some spooky season classics? Cork’s Marina Market will be showing titles including Hocus Pocus, Hotel Transylvania, and A Nightmare Before Christmas as part of their pop-up movie club for less than €7.
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!
Halloween at The Mansion House
30 October — 4 November, Dublin, more info here
This Halloween, some 1,500 teenagers will venture through the eerie rooms and haunted halls of The Mansion House, delving into the supernatural hair-raising special effects, and chilling ghost stories from Dublin’s past. A Paranormal Investigation will take place, and though the main event is for over 13s, there will also be a pumpkin patch and face-painting for the little ones.
The Nightmare Realm
Until 1 November, Mary’s Lane, Dublin, more info here
Recommended for fear-seekers aged 13 and over (those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult), The Nightmare Realm specialise in 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.
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