Are you looking for fun family things to do in Ireland this Halloween? This is our spookiest ever roundup of Family Events and Things to Do with Kids Around Ireland at Halloween!

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Halloween is the perfect time to enjoy some fun together as a family. Whether you plan on staying local or want to have a mini-break, there is loads to do around Ireland this Halloween.

2021 UPDATE: Many venues are still deciding if they will open this year. We will keep this article up to date as we hear, but please check a venue’s website or Facebook page for their latest updates.

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Things to Do Around Ireland at Halloween

Things to Do in Dublin

You will be spoiled for choice of things to do in Dublin this Halloween 2021, with everything from:

Bubble, Boil & Trouble at National Museum of Ireland

Dates: Until October 31st

Celebrate Halloween by unleashing your inner witch or wizard at a special pre-recorded online art workshop from National Museum of Ireland.

Find out how to make your very own crafty, colourful potions from home! Spoooooky costumes highly recommended, but not essential. You can send in your spellbinding creations to share online at educationcb@museum.ie

Hooky Spooky Halloween at Luggwoods

Dates: October

Experience all the crazy outdoor Halloween fun and frolics at Luggwoods. Hooky Spooky Luggwoods characters will guide you along the forest trail as you help them find the ingredients for the friendly witches Halloween brew – she might even have a Trick or Treat for you too!

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Samhain 2021 at Marlay Park

Dates: October 23rd and 24th

SAMHAIN, the annual Haunted Walk spookfest, is back in all its gory glory in Marlay Park on Saturday October 23rd and Sunday October 24th 2021.

Dress your worst, in the most frightening clothes you can find and join this Haunted Walk in the forest as all the ghouls and goblins come back to life after their year’s break. But there is no rest for the wicked because SAMHAIN is on for two days this year Saturday October 23rd and Sunday October 24th from 4.30pm to 9.30pm each day.

Remember SAMHAIN is an outdoor event, so warm clothing is recommended. The walk is approx. 1.7km long on a path suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. The 4.30pm walk each day at Samhain will be tailored to suit people with special needs. This means that music and sound effects will be quieter, special effects and lighting will be softer and the number of visitors will be limited in comparison to other entry times in order to reduce queuing times.

Tickets are free of charge and each ticket admits 6 people. Book your tickets from dlrevents.eventbrite.ie

Spirit of Halloween at Rediscovery Centre

Date: October 23rd 2021

Join in at the Rediscovery Centre for two free Halloween workshops as part of Spirit of Halloween Festival!

Aimed at children 6-12 years old. You can choose to attend one or both workshops, however the Rediscovery Centre will not be responsible for your child between these two workshops.

• 11-12.30pm: Halloween Arts and Crafts workshop
• 3-4.30pm: Bat Workshop

For more information and to book free tickets, click here.

Magical Plants Guided Tours at National Botanic Gardens

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Kids! Bring your families along to find out how to use plants for potions and spells, poisonous plants to murder your evil enemies and even some rarely seen invisible plants!

For more information and to book free tickets, click here.

Junior Einsteins STEM Themed Halloween Camps

Junior Einsteins have fun, one-day Halloween Themed STEM camps in locations across a range of venues.

Suitable for ages 6 to 12 years and they can enjoy creating vampire blood, witches snot, freaky fossils, squelchy eyes and slime monsters!

Bram Stoker Festival, Dublin 3

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The Bram Stoker Festival will bring fun and adventure to Dublin for all ages over the Halloween weekend, playfully celebrating the gothic, the mysterious, the after-dark and the supernatural and delving into the legacy of one of Ireland’s most treasured authors.

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Things to Do in Cork

If you’re in Cork this Halloween 2021, there’s a variety of things to choose from, including:

Halloween Witches Walk at Fota House & Gardens

Dates: October 26th to October 31st from 11am to 4pm

It’s starting to get spooky at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens! Join in for a Halloween Witches Walk, an outdoor self-guided family trail suitable for children (8 years and under) which will follow a one-way system through Fota Arboretum & Gardens.

Tickets can be booked on the day, priced €5 per child and adults are free. Don’t forget your costumes!

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SpookFest at Fota House & Gardens

Dates: October 23rd to 25th 2021

This interactive show is 1 hour and 15 minutes and will include dancing, games, and lots of Halloween fun

Fancy Dress is not compulsory, but strongly encouraged – there will even be a prize for the best dressed grown up! To top it off, every child will receive a treat bag filled with Halloween goodies.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Things to Do in Limerick & The South West

Lots to choose from for families in Limerick & The South West this Halloween 2021. A few inspiring ideas:

Screening of The Addams Family at UCH

Date: Sunday October 31st 2021 at 3pm

Get set for a family date to watch The Addams Family at University Concert Hall, Limerick.

This perfectly spooky and hilarious movie is the perfect choice for the afternoon, and is a classic that the whole family will enjoy.

Tickets priced from €5 and can be booked online here.

Knocnnagoshel Halloween Group Ghost Trail

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The annual Knocknagoshel Halloween Group Ghost Trail was cancelled for 2020 but organisers are hoping to be back for 2021.

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Things to Do in the South East

From pumpkin carving to food festivals, you won’t be short of things to do in the South East this Halloween 2021.

Halloween at Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow

Powerscourt Estate is open this Halloween mid-term for visitors to come and enjoy the gardens, waterfall and house. There is lots for families to see and do and enjoy during their visit.

Halloween Tunnel of Terror at Johnstown Castle, Wexford

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Johnstown Castle is back open, but the resident ghosts are none-too happy! They’ve had the Castle all to themselves and cruel Cromwell and other devilish ghouls want to keep the Castle closed, but luckily there are some good ghosts who will lead a spook-tacular family tour to help get rid of the ghastly ghouls for good!

The spook-tacular family tour, led by some good ghosts such as Sir John Esmonde, will take visitors through the dungeons to banish the evil ghosts for good!

The tour must be booked online in advance and takes approximately half an hour and the ticket includes entry to the Estate and the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Halloween at Nore Valley Farm Park, Kilkenny

Dates: Daily from October 16th 2021

Halloween activities for 2021 at Nore Valley Farm Park, Kilkenny include pumpkin picking from October 16-30th 2021. Get creative and carve your pumpkin at the farm or take it home with you to work on.

In addition, there will be a selection of evening activities for campers and day visitors to enjoy. These include the annual Halloween Torchlight Treasure Hunts, bonfire, marshmallow toasting and scary maze.

Online booking is essential Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Spooktacular Woodland Walk at Wells House, Wexford

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Visit Wells House & Gardens this Halloween Midterm Break and enjoy a Halloween-themed treasure hunt through Mogue’s Woodland Walk, which will be themed with Halloween fun!

Gather the pieces along the walk as detailed on your Witch’s Spell and then place into the witch’s cauldron at the end of the walk.

Teddy’s Halloween Adventure at Wexford Arts Centre

Dates: October 26th

Sammy Ragdoll wants to take her best friend Eddy the Teddy to a Halloween party but he’s feeling a bit frightened.

Join in the fun with Eddy the Teddy and Sammy with puppets, mime and singing lots of fun entertainment for all the family.

Suitable for ages 0-6. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

The Canterville Ghost

Dates: October 26th

The Canterville Ghost is based on Oscar Wilde’s story for children. The story tells the tale of an American family who move into a haunted house in England. The ghost doesn’t scare the family and, indeed they play tricks on the frustrated ghost. Their teenage daughter Virginia takes pity on the ghost and they become good friends.

Suitable for ages 5-10. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Wexford Spiegeltent Festival

Dates: October 21st to 31st 2021

From its inaugural year in 2012, Wexford Spiegeltent Festival has grown to be one of the biggest and most successful multi-genre festivals in Ireland.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Paradiso Spiegeltent, the Festival has a unique atmosphere, blending the Olde Worlde feel of the Spiegeltents with the best in popular entertainment.

The line up for 2021 includes The Coronas, Wild Youth, Hudson Taylor, Des Bishop, The Academic, Neil Delamere, Glen Hansard, and more.

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Things to Do in the Midlands

We have lots of ideas on things to do with the family in the Midlands this Halloween 2021, including:

Halloween Spooktacular at Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare

Dates: October 23rd to 31st from 11am-3pm

This Halloween, the Irish National Stud & Gardens will hold its annual Halloween Spooktacular! Dress up in your costume and each day there will be spooky crafts, trick or treat magic shows, scary storytelling and much more!

All the regular attractions are still available, including an opportunity to meet the Living Legends team, join guided tours, take the fairy trail route or travel along the stepping stones in the Japanese Gardens for hours of outdoor fun. This is a full day out so allow 4/5 hours to really make the most of it.

All Halloween events are included in the admission prices. Pre-booking on the website is essential.

Halloween at Belvedere House & Gardens, Westmeath

Dates: October 30th and 31st 2021

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park are great to visit at any time, but the Halloween Treasure Trails are particularly wonderful for families. Expect lots of fun and treats!

Online booking is essential.

Halloween Family Fun at Birr Castle Demesne, Offaly

Dates: From October 23rd to 31st 2021

Birr Castle Demesne in Offaly promise tricks and treats for all the family this Halloween, including;

• Halloween Pumpkin Trail
• Family Quest
• The Gallery Challenge
• …and a few more surprises along the way!

Halloween Happenings at Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Kildare

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park will host the infamous Halloween Happenings for 9 spooky days in 2021!

Lots of ghastly ghouls and terrifying treats are in store at Lullymore, including:

• Haunted Holograms
• Terror Train Trips (be prepared for Zombie Attacks!)
• Terror Treasure Hunts
• and freaky fun throughout the Park

Come in fancy dress (optional) for an extra spook factor.

Online booking is essential, with morning and afternoon slots available. Usual Family Admissions apply, no extra cost for the Halloween Event (one Terror Train trip included)!

Halloween at Rathwood, Carlow

Create a Halloween experience to remember for your little ones, with the Spooktacular Pumpkin Train Ride Adventure at Rathwood.

Take a spooky train ride through an enhanced forest, pumpkin carving, and hot chocolate – it doesn’t get more magical than this.

Halloween Festival at Clonfert Pet Farm, Kildare

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Halloween events at Clonfert Pet Farm will include:

• Haunted house
• Kids carnival
• Pumpkin patch
• Kids disco
• Arts and crafts
• and more!

Online booking is essential for this event.

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Other Fun Halloween Events for Families in the Midlands

• Glendeer Pet Farm’s Spooktastic Halloween Event usually takes place during the midterm break, where kids can cast spells with a scary witch, toast marshmallows over an open fire, enter the eerie maze but be warned, it’s at your own risk! Please check the website for details of 2021 event.
• In Offaly, the Hullabaloo! Children’s Arts Festival is TBC this Halloween
• Enjoy family friendly treasure hunts and ghost tours at the haunted Huntington Castle, Carlow this October. Check the website for further details.
• Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow usually host a Halloween Festival on October 31st.

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Things to Do in the North West

Some of the things to do with kids in the North West this Halloween 2021 include:

Ashtree Garden Centre, Donegal

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

There’s an annual Pumpkin Festival at Ashtree Garden Centre, Donegal Town, with pumpkin picking, carving, themed games and halloween treats in the potting shed tearoom.

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Halloween Events at NMI Country Life, Mayo

The National Museum of Ireland Country Life run a schedule of free and low cost activities for all ages during school breaks

Other Fun Halloween Events for Families in the North West

• • The Mayo Dark Sky Festival features talks, workshops and stargazing in Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy.
  • Sligo town and county has lots going on over Halloween, including; The Hazelwood Haunting, Easkey Scarecrow Festival, Beltra Country Market fancy dress & carved pumpkin competition, Strandhill People’s Market.

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Things to Do in Galway

This Halloween 2021 there are plenty of things to do for families in Galway, including:

Galway Aboo Halloween Festival

Dates: October 30th and 31st

Something spooktacular is taking place in Galway this Halloween. The city’s medieval streets will host the country’s biggest Halloween Festival with many fun and free events planned for the weekend with high-spirits guaranteed.

The highlight of the festival is expected to be the fiendishly creative Macnas Halloween Parade (see below, TBC) that will wind its way through Galway city centre. Spectators are encouraged to dress up too!

Free Macnas Halloween Parade, Galway

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The annual Macnas Halloween Parade is a sight to behold and this year it takes place on the streets of Galway.

Halloween Fun at Brigit’s Garden, Galway

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Enjoy a Spooky Treasure Hunt around Brigit’s Garden and woodlands. This is an outdoor treasure hunt that can be done at any time over the midterm period as an additional activity for visiting families.

The Spooky Treasure Hunt will get you into the Halloween spirit and you are welcome to come in costume! Are you brave enough for the mummy in the Crannóg and the coffin in the Stone Chamber? Collect the clues and help get rid of the spell cast on the Gardens by the nasty Púca!

No advance booking is required, just pay admission at reception as usual.

Halloween Festival at Slieve Aughty, Galway

This is a brilliantly spooky time to visit Slieve Aughty for their annual Family Halloween Festival.

With ghosts, goblins, haunted houses and of course a visit to the enchanted woods, are you brave enough to join in? Fun is guaranteed for all ages.

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Things to Do in the North East

Things to do in the North East this Halloween 2021 include:

Pooka Spooka at Causey Farm, Meath

Dates: October 24-25th and 27-30th 2021

Pooka Spooke at Causey Farm is a Halloween extravaganza with lots to look forward to, including:

• Scarecrow corn maze
• Mirror maze
• Magician
• Hayride
• Limb throwing
• Broomstick ride
• Story telling
• Traditional games and crafts

Suitable for families with children aged 2-12. Online booking is essential.

Tayto Park Tricky Trail, Meath

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Get ready for spooky story telling, potions, spell casting and magical performances with the Tricky Trail at Tayto Park – plus a trick or treat treasure waiting at the end of the trail!

Prebooking is essential. Entry to the event is included in all ticket prices and members can book as normal on these dates.

Tayto Park After Dark, Meath

Dates: October 23rd and 30th 2021

Take to the night skies on your favourite attractions like The Cú Chulainn, Rotator, Air Race and much much more at Tayto Park After Dark.

Púca Festival, Meath

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Returning in 2021 with music, fire, feasting and merriment across Ireland’s Ancient East, join the Púca Festival to celebrate the Celtic New Year with the spirits of Halloween.

When light turns to dark and the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead thins, the creatures of Samhain, Ireland’s ancient Halloween tradition, come to life.

Family-friendly events include The Spirit of Púca Inhabits Slane Castle and Trim: Awaken the Spirits.

Halloween SpookFest at Slane Castle, Meath

Dates: October 29th and 30th 2021

Taking place at the Rock Farm Hay Barn, on the Slane Castle Estate, wear your fancy dress costume and party with the WonderWorld crew to celebrate the spooky season with the craziest characters!

This interactive show is 1 hour and 15 minutes and will include dancing, games, and lots of Halloween fun. To top it off, every child will receive a treat bag filled with Halloween goodies.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival

Dates: October 3rd to November 7th 2021

According to legend, Samhain, the ancient Celtic Festival that we now call Halloween, originated here in Co. Meath in the Boyne Valley more than 2,000 years ago.

Samhain was said to mark the harvest and a time of transition, with feasting and celebration as the long winter nights approached. It incorporates aspects of Celtic Irish, Scottish and Welsh customs.

The Spirits of Meath Festival includes a wide range of events, and you can see the full programme of events here.

Waffles the Witch’s Tricks & Treats, Louth

Date: October 25th

Join in with Waffles at the An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk, Co Louth as she conjures up a ton of fun in this spellbinding show.

Kids and adults help Waffles perform magic tricks and cast spells, turning Pancake the cat’s frown upside down. Waffles weaves together magic tricks with a narrative about the importance of being happy and working together.

Fun for the whole family! Suitable for ages 3 – 8 years.

Tickets €7 each or €30 for a family ticket. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Things to Do in Northern Ireland

Things to do with Kids in Northern Ireland this Halloween 2021 include:

Derry Halloween 2021

Dates: October 29th to 31st 2021

One of Europe’s largest Halloween festivals, the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Festival takes place in Derry, with Guildhall Square the focus for many of the events.

This October, experience Derry Halloween like never before. The spirit worlds will come to life across the walled city. Immerse yourself in all that Derry has to offer… if you dare!

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