Halloween night is almost upon us – the pumpkins are carved, the costumes are made, and the sweets are ready for the trick or treaters who are bound to knock on your door.
Not yet in the Halloween spirit? There are a plethora of spooky activities running around Ireland that are guaranteed to create a terrifyingly brilliant atmosphere.
From over 18’s events that will make your blood curdle, to fun family events that can be enjoyed by the smallest of monsters, here are the top 10 Halloween scary events in Ireland you need to experience!
10. Dun Na Si Halloween Spooktacular
Set in the beautiful grounds of Dun Na Si amenity and heritage park in Moate, Co. Westmeath, the Dun Na Si Halloween Spooktacular has become one of the best Halloween events in the Midlands.
Aimed towards families, the usually tranquil heritage centre is transformed into a haunted park with ghouls and monsters lurking behind every corner.
The Spooktacular is an event that brings the whole community together and inspires a fantastic Halloween atmosphere in the small town – a huge number of locals work together to run the event, lending their face-painting skills and donning costumes to become part of the Halloween Spooktacular ensemble cast.
Address: Dun Na Si Amenity and Heritage Park, Lake Road, Moate, Co. Westmeath
9. Spooktacular Boo
If you are near the Dublin area during Halloween week, make sure to check out this magical event that takes place in Dublin Zoo.
The Spooktacular Boo is a day full of tricks and treats, where children can look forward to immersing themselves in face-painting sessions, colouring competitions, and pumpkin-carving classes!
There are also spooky story-telling sessions and the always popular monster disco set on the sprawling main lawn.
The animals are not forgotten during the event either – zookeepers lead demonstrations based around their creepier animals – think anything that slithers and crawls! Kids are encouraged to go in costume and there is half-price admission for anyone dressed for the occasion, so grab that witches hat and get on your broom down to Dublin Zoo!
Address: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
8. Farmaphobia
Strictly for adults only, Farmaphobia is this year celebrating a whole decade of fuelling the nightmares of the 160,000 visitors they have had to date.
Based in Co. Meath, Farmaphobia places five different scare attractions near each other, all with equally terrifying themes.
Returning attractions include the panic-inducing Zombie Morgue, where visitors are submerged in the twilight zone of the half-dead.
The Field of Screams is another must-see haunt, where visitors become hopelessly lost in the labyrinth-like maze, made all the more horrifying by the sound of whirring chainsaws in the distance.
At Farmaphobia you will laugh, you may cry, and you will definitely scream – this one is not for the faint of heart!
Address: Girley, Fordstown, Navan, Co. Meath
6. The Scare Factory
The Scare Factory in Limerick city centre is another event where it is best to keep the little monsters at home.
This year the Scare Factory takes place in Cleeve’s factory, one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in Limerick which provides an eerie, haunting background for the Scare Factory experience.
There are scary surprises lurking behind every corner of the Scare Factory – think ghosts and ghouls, horrific asylum scenes, and possessed children roaming the corridors.
The Scare Factory has grown bigger and better each year since it was established five years ago, with each annual offering scarier than its predecessor – don’t go to the Scare Factory alone!
Address: Cleeve’s Factory, O’Callaghan Strand, Limerick.
5. Halloween Festival at Westport House
For some more family-friendly Halloween antics, head West for the acclaimed Halloween Festival at Westport House in Co. Mayo. During Halloween week the historical grounds are transformed in to a hub of fiendish family fun.
The Estate House becomes a haunted house which is mild enough to be enjoyed by those of all ages, and the wicked witch of Westport visits to entertain the crowds with her wild tales. Other activities include pumpkin carving, cupcake decorating, and dance classes.
This is truly one of the best family-aimed events in the country a must for those in the West of Ireland!
Address: Westport House, Westport, Co. Mayo
4. Paranormal Ghost Hunt at Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road Gaol has witnessed the execution of 17 men in its 150-year stint as a prison, and now the gates to the Belfast Prison are open to the general public. Ever fancied being a paranormal investigator?
Then this Halloween experience is the one for you. The paranormal ghost hunt is a spine-tingling experience where visitors are encouraged to interact with the spirits that linger in the jail.
Patrons are provided with paranormal investigation equipment and brought to the most haunted hot spots in the jail – including the ominously named Hangman’s Cell.
The investigations are carried out in low lighting and are deeply atmospheric – for just £15, there are few experiences in the country as haunting and nerve-racking as this!
Address: Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast
3. Zombiegeddon
If you’ve ever wondered just how well you would survive a zombie apocalypse, this Kildare event is right up your street.
Patrons must attempt to survive the zombie apocalypse unarmed – make your way through the maze-like trenches and avoid the zombies who are hungry for human flesh!
The area is large and ominous, and you will have to work your way through the chilling village morgue and the shudder-inducing infirmary to survive.
Zombiegeddon is a death-defying chase that will ensure your adrenaline is sky-high just in time for Halloween!
Address: Knocknagalliagh, Redhills, Co. Kildare, Ireland
2. Halloween at Birr Castle
Another family-friendly event, Halloween at Birr Castle is a firm favourite every year. Specifically aimed towards children under 10 years of age, Halloween at Birr Castle is tailored to submerge families in the Halloween spirit without the aftermath of unwelcome nightmares!
Children will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat in the ghostly gardens, encountering characters such as mummies and witches. Children are encouraged to dress up and make the most of the night, with prizes for the best costume on offer.
Address: Birr Castle, Birr, Co. Offaly
1. Glenart Outdoors: Paranoia
This Wicklow based event is described on its site as Ireland’s “most intense and terrifying Halloween scare house” – and we have to say it certainly lived up to the hype.
Set in an abandoned asylum, its nine terrifying scare attractions will leave you quaking in fear and shaking with adrenaline.
The actors here are second to none and make the stories of the old asylum come to life before your eyes.
Top attractions include The Cell, where the most dangerous and disturbed residents reside, and The Dark House, which we don’t recommend for those with phobias of clowns!
Paranoia is the perfect Halloween experience that will leave you shook to the core and ready for the scariest holiday of the year.
Address: Vale Road, Ballyraine Middle, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
