Family Article

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Ireland 2023

02-10-2023

Halloween, a time of spooks, treats, and delightful scares, is a festival that resonates with both the young and old. In Ireland, Halloween isn't just about trick-or-treating; it's a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, folklore, and community gatherings. For families, it's an opportunity to bond, create memories, and immerse in Ireland's vibrant cultural festivities. This guide aims to spotlight the most enchanting family-friendly Halloween events across Ireland in 2023. 

Halloween's significance in Ireland is unparalleled. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, it's a time when the veil between our world and the otherworld is believed to be the thinnest. Today, this festival has evolved, blending its rich history with modern celebrations, making it a favourite among families.

The Origins of Halloween in Ireland

Known as "Samhain" in Gaelic, Halloween marks the transition from the bountiful harvest season to the onset of the chilling winter. The ancient Celts believed that during Samhain, the boundaries between the living and the spirit world blurred.

To ward off any wandering spirits, they would light bonfires and don costumes. This age-old tradition has metamorphosed into the contemporary Halloween festivities we relish today.

For more fun activities to do with your kids at home, check out 10 fun Halloween activities for kids.

Halloween Events in Dublin

Hooky Spooky Halloween Experience at Luggwoods

  • When: October 21st – November 5th
  • Where: Luggwoods Forest, Lugg, Co. Dublin, Ireland
  • What to Expect: Journey through the enchanting Luggwoods forest with interactive character guides.
  • Activities: Embark on a magical adventure through Luggwoods forest, assisting in gathering ingredients for the Friendly Witch's brew. The trail culminates at the Luggwoods Pumpkin Patch, where every child can choose their own pumpkin. Set against the backdrop of the Dublin Mountains, this event seamlessly blends the Halloween spirit with the splendour of nature.
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages but might be especially enjoyable for children aged 3 and above.
  • Admission Fee:  Child Ticket is €19, Adult Ticket €16 and babies go free.

Halloween Tours at the GAA Museum

  • When: October 28th – November 1st
  • Where: Croke Park, Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3
  • What to Expect: Interactive ‘Warriors and Hurlers Workshop’ delving into the story of Setanta and the legendary Cú Chulainn.
  • Activities: Experience a unique Halloween twist on Ireland’s ancient sport at Croke Park. The ‘Hurloween’ tours take kids on a journey from the time of Setanta to modern-day hurling legends. Not just a historical tour, it's an interactive adventure where children can visit the Croke Park dressing rooms, walk pitchside, and immerse themselves in the tales of Irish legends. Each child receives a special book recounting these tales, adding a touch of Halloween magic. The experience wraps up with a visit to the GAA Museum and its Interactive Games Zone.
  • Age Group: Suitable for children aged 5-12 years, accompanied by an adult.
  • Admission Fee: Child (Ages 3 – 12) is €12.05, Adults is €16.43 and Children under 3 are free.

Halloween Events in Galway

Halloween Festival at Slieve Aughty Centre

  • When: October 28th – November 5th
  • Where: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack West, Loughrea, Co. Galway
  • What to Expect: A magical journey through the Enchanted Forest, where you can meet friendly witches and enjoy a fun-filled pony ride.
  • Activities: The Slieve Aughty Centre in Galway invites families to its annual Halloween Festival, a delightful experience that combines the magic of fairy tales with the spookiness of the season. As you embark on a journey through the Enchanted Forest, you'll encounter friendly witches and maybe even some forest animals. Children will be thrilled with the pony rides, while the arts and crafts sessions offer a chance to get creative. The festival also boasts a spooky walk, storytelling sessions, and a chance to visit the organic garden. And after all the excitement, you can relax at The Three Towers Organic Kitchen, which serves up delicious organic treats. It's a Halloween experience that promises enchantment at every turn!
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages.
  • Admission Fee:  Children (ages 2 -12) is €20, Adults and under 2 years of age go free.

Halloween Events in Cork

Field of Dreams Pick-A-Pumpkin Festival

  • When: October 8th & 15th
  • Where: Field of Dreams at Clash Road, Curraheen, Cork, T12 XH4C
  • What to Expect: A delightful Pumpkin Trail with various stops including the Haunted Cabin, outdoor Games Area, and the captivating Pumpkin Patch.
  • Activities: The Field of Dreams Pick-A-Pumpkin Festival is back, promising a day filled with Halloween fun and excitement. Spread over two Sundays, attendees can pick their perfect pumpkin from 10 am to 3.30 pm. The festival offers more than just pumpkin picking; guests can explore the Haunted Cabin, engage in outdoor games, interact with sheep at the Sheep Pen, capture memories at the Halloween Photo Booth, and get creative in the Arts & Crafts area. Add to that the spooky songs, thrilling stories, temporary Halloween tattoos, and the intriguing 'Guess the Pumpkin Weight' competition, and you have a day that's packed with entertainment. To satiate those Halloween cravings, the Pumpkin Café will serve a variety of seasonal treats and beverages. It's a festival that guarantees fun for the entire family!
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages.
  • Admission Fee: Standard entry €5 ( No pumpkin, 1 person), Family/Group (entry for 4 people + 1 pumpkin) is €32.50 and Pumpkin ticket (Entry for 1 + 1 pumpkin) is €20.

Halloween Events in Limerick

Samhain Festival 2023

  • When: October 26th – 28th
  • Where: Around Limerick City
  • What to Expect: Parade of Light and diverse family-friendly activities.
  • Activities: Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Limerick with the Samhain Hallowe’en Festival. Organized by Lumen Street Theatre, this festival celebrates Irish traditions, focusing on Limerick's medieval quarter. From October 26th to 28th, the streets of Limerick will come alive with workshops, storytelling sessions, street theatre, and the mesmerizing Parade of Light. Workshops include Lantern Making, Mask Making, and more. Engage in Tall Tales for Adults, a Stanzas Hallowe'en Special, and a unique Death Café. A true blend of art, culture, and spookiness, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for families.
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages.
  • Admission Fee: Varies depending on activity

Halloween Events in Clare

Halloween at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

  • When: October 28th – 30th
  • Where: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty East, Bunratty, Co. Clare
  • What to Expect: "Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem" Invasion
  • Activities: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park presents a haunting "Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem" event from October 28th to 30th. Dive into a world of eerie attractions, from the Witches Kitchen to tales of Samhain at Corry's Pub. Experience the chilling Torture Chamber, traditional Halloween games, and the ghostly Halloween Haunted Train. With appearances from the Count of Bunratty, Frankenstein, and Gandalf the Wizard, it promises a mix of gentle scares for kids and thrilling encounters for the brave.
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages.
  • Admission Fee: Child is €12.50, Adult is €18.00 and Children under 3 are free.

Halloween Events in Meath

Pumpkin & Fun 2023 at Navan Adventure Centre

  • When: October 21st – 31st
  • Where: Navan Adventure Centre, Proudstown Road, Navan, Co. Meath
  • What to Expect: Reuben's high-energy Comedy Show, a mix of magic, mime, puppets, and funny voices that promises to entertain the entire family.
  • Activities: As Halloween approaches, Navan Adventure Centre is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, the Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween Festival. This festival is designed to create unforgettable spooky memories for children. Activities include a professional family fun comedy variety show, a visit to the pumpkin patch where kids can pick their own pumpkin, pumpkin carving, a Halloween disco, inflatable obstacle courses, mini-golf, football golf, off-road pedal go-karting, and much more. Additionally, there are add-on extras like Halloween laser tag, pedalo boats on a "blood-filled" pond, a kids train ride, face painting, and amusement carousel rides. The event also features a coffee shop and hot food vendors on-site. This festival is most suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years, but all are welcome to join in the fun.
  • Age group: Suitable for ages 3-12 years, but all are welcome.

Halloween Events in Kilkenny

Monster Mash Bash Kilkenny

  • When: October 28th at 12:00 – 13:45
  • Where: Avalon House Hotel, The Square, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, R95 NA06
  • What to expect: Meet your favourite fairytale friends - The Rose Princess, The Webbed Warrior, and The Snowflake Sisters.
  • Activities: Dive into a magical Halloween experience at the Monster Mash Bash in Kilkenny at Castlecomer. This event is brimming with interactive games, enchanted storytelling, and a sing-along show featuring all-time favourite fairytale classics. Children are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and fun. On entry, each child is gifted a trick or treat bag, setting the stage for the adventures ahead. The event also offers magical photo opportunities, a chance to win prizes worth up to €300, and a special meet and greet session with the fairytale characters.
  • Age group: Suitable for children above 3 years old. Note: This event is not suitable for children under the age of 3 years old.
  • Admission fee: Child Ticket is €20 while Adult ticket is €5

Halloween Events in Donegal

Halloween Family Fun Day 2023 at Donegal Railway Museum

  • When: October 28th from 12:30 to 6:00pm
  • Where: Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, The Old Station House, Tyrconnell St, Donegal
  • What to Expect: A day of spooky fun and entertainment on the rails.
  • Activities: All aboard for a spooktacular journey at the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre! The Halloween Family Fun Day promises a day filled with eerie excitement and railway revelry. Families can look forward to a range of Halloween-themed activities, ensuring both kids and adults have a ghoulishly good time. The Heritage Centre, with its rich history and vintage charm, provides the perfect backdrop for a unique Halloween experience. Whether you're a train enthusiast or just looking for some festive family fun, this event is sure to be a hit. Don your best Halloween costumes and join in the festivities at this iconic location.
  • Age Group: Suitable for all ages.
  • Admission Fee: Child is €8 while Adult is €5

Conclusion

Halloween in Ireland is more than just a festival; it's an experience. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the mystical landscapes of Galway, there's a Halloween event tailored for every family.

As the spooky season approaches, it's time to mark your calendars and gear up for a memorable Halloween adventure. Embrace the traditions, indulge in the festivities, and create cherished memories with your loved ones.

For more family-friendly activities to enjoy throughout the year, visit things to do with kids at home.

Things to do in Ireland with Kids:

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