This October bank holiday weekend, get in the Halloween spirit with all manner of events happening around Ireland. We’ve picked only a handful of options that you can attend, but there’s a million more (well, 56 actually, that you can check out here)!
👻 Halloween has its roots in Ireland, so it’s only right that you get involved! 👻
Cauldron of Smithfield, Dublin
On Halloween eve head to Smithfield Square in Dublin City for the Cauldron of Smithfield - a night of music, monsters and madness! The whole square is going into full festival mode with a House of the Damned scare tent, circus + street performers, music stage, zip line (yes, you read that right) with it all culminating in a Night Creatures Halloween parade! There’s loads here for young and old so get your best costume on and head into town!!!
Macnas Halloween Parade, Galway
In Galway on October 27th? You MUST make your way to the Macnas Halloween Parade which will be roaming the streets of Galway with their giant puppet creations! Around 70,000 people attend this annual spectacular, making it the biggest free event in the country. Join the hundreds of performers and thousands of spectators for an unforgettable Halloween experience!
Dockers & Demons, Dublin
With events, performances and activities starting on Thursday, October 24th and running through until All Hallow’s eve, there are no excuses not to head towards the Docks-Irishtown-Ringsend neighbourhoods for a bit of Halloween craic! Dockers & Demons has everything from Deadly Discos to a Spud Fest (we’re intrigued), there’s definitely something for everyone here!
Forest of Fear, Carlingford
Friday 25th to Thursday 31st of October, Carlingford Forest is turned into the ‘Forest of Fear’ for kids of all ages (and scare levels)! Choose from the 6+ (kinda scary), 12+ (Super scary) or 16+ (stupid scary) forest walk options and get ready to have your forest nightmares become a reality 👻 There’s also zombie laser tag, axe throwing and a night-time zip line thrown in for good measure!
Derry Halloween, Derry
A week-long celebration of all things otherworldly is what awaits you in Derry from October 26th to November 1st. One of the best this island has to offer, Derry Halloween festivities run the gamut from the kid-friendly Halloween Hay Sculpture Trail to a you-must-be-this-tall series of concerts called the Samhain Sessions. Book a hotel and stay for the weekend to make the most of everything that’s going on!
Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin
A celebration of Ireland’s famed Dracula author, Bram Stoker, this 4-day festival taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend is a must-visit if you’re a fan of the written work, the myth behind it or just like an excuse to get into fancy dress! Taking place at multiple locations across the city of Dublin, the Bram Stoker Festival is a veritable feast for the sense this Halloween!
