The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing colour, and pumpkins are popping up everywhere. It must be October – and Halloween is just around the corner.
It’s probably one of the few times a year when fog means eerie and not just plain cold. The best part of the entire season? Spending Halloween in Ireland – its country of origin.
Get your bucket list out and take note, we’re looking at five Halloween events in Ireland that are worth travelling for.
5. Samhain Chiarraí – explore Kerry event by event
Fire, folklore, and fall festivities are coming together at Samhain Chiarraí, the Halloween festival in Co. Kerry. If you’re looking for seasonal fun away from the big cities, keep reading.
Between 15 October and 1 November, you can find fun events all over the county. Make sure to check out the programme to find all the locations and what’s happening when. This is your chance to really explore Kerry.
So let the Halloween festival take you across the county. There are treasure hunts, a music festival, céilís, street parades, and so much more – where are you going to start?
Address: around Co. Kerry
Tickets: Samhain Chiarraí
4. Púca Festival – in Ireland’s Ancient East
Púca is the name of one of Ireland’s terrifying creatures from folklore – and the name of a vibrant and authentic Halloween festival, celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of the spooky day that is now an October highlight in many countries.
What can you expect? Irish music, performances, comedy, fire shows, storytelling – so many events over four days, all bringing ancient traditions back to life. This year’s festival is happening between 29 October and 1 November.
Not too far from Dublin, the Púca Festival takes place in Athboy and Trim – you may have heard of Trim Castle, one of five must-visit historical sites there. So why not turn it into an entire trip? Enjoy the festival and explore the area!
Address: Athboy and Trim
Tickets: Púca Festival
3. Gaillimh Ah-Boo – enjoy the big parade
Throughout October and November, Galway should be on your Halloween radar. With events and performances that bring the season to life, you will certainly find the right type of scary for you. The Dark Tour of Galway might be something for you?
Don’t forget about the big highlight – the Macnas Parade on 25 October. Not only is it their 40th anniversary, but the parade is magnificent. This year’s title is Fiáin (“wild”). Be ready for impressive structures, fantastic performers, and a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Remember, Halloween is not over after 31 October. Extend your experience because this year, Blas na Samhna is collaborating with Gaillimh Ah-Boo, celebrating Galway food and drink throughout November.
Address: around Galway
Tickets: Gaillimh Ah-Boo and Blas na Samhna
2. Derry Halloween – Europe’s largest Halloween festival
For four nights this October, Derry is turning into Europe’s largest Halloween festival – and this year is extra special: The 40th anniversary of the Derry Halloween. If that isn’t enough, just check out the programme.
Between 28 October and 1 November, performances, walks, trails, and more will invite you to celebrate Halloween. Derry Cemetery History Tour, anyone? Or how about a deep dive into witches in Ireland? Costume contest?
There’s something for everyone – and the big highlight is certainly the fireworks show. The Derry sky will light up in mesmerising, sparkling colours. Let the season spook you!
Address: around Derry
Tickets: Derry Halloween
1. Bram Stoker Festival – one of Ireland’s most famous authors
There is probably no other name as synonymous with Halloween as Dracula – the vampire that practically put vampires on the map. You can discover Dracula around Ireland, but who gave us Dracula, you ask? Well, it was Bram Stoker – a Dublin native.
The Bram Stoker Festival isn’t just celebrating the author. Expect presentations, talks and walks, storytelling, shows, interesting facts about the supernatural, the Gothic era, and so much more. This year’s festival is taking place from 23 October to 26 October.
As for the venue, it’s all over Dublin. There’s something for everyone – just take a bite, eh … a look, at the programme and get your tickets – some events are for free, others cost an entrance fee. Bonus: You can catch the Macnas parade here on 26 October.
Address: around Dublin
Tickets: Bram Stoker Festival
Halloween is almost like a season of its own now – and the festivities are – fortunately – not just bound to 31 October. You can enjoy the spirit of Samhain right where it started – in Ireland.
These five events already offer plenty to experience – but why limit yourself to just one? Get your calendar and map and start planning that spooky Halloween road trip across the Emerald Isle.
