It’s the time of year for pumpkins and ghouls, so to be seasonal here’s a list of some Halloween themed days out and activities that have come to my attention. I always feel the need to do something pumpkiny around this time of year before the leaf-kicking walks really kick off, so here are some ideas from all around the country, I’ve saved our personal favourite til last.
Hook Lighthouse is offering special Halloween tours, with a scary tours on Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and 30th at 7pm, 7.45pm and 8.30pm. The tours are for brave kids and adults and cost €10 per person. Phone 051 397055 to book, more info here.
Bram Stoker Festival is in Dublin on 28th October to 1st November kids events include Stokerland, a free family fun day in St. Patrick’s Park on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th. Info on http://www.bramstokerfestival.com/
The Dragon of Shandon parade takes place in Cork city on Monday 31st to mark Samhain featuring the bew York Brass Band, Cork City Samba and many others it promises to be a colourful display. More information here.
Imaginosity in Sandyford are running a “Trick or Treat for Temple Street” event on Friday 28th October featuring fancy dress and a Halloween disco, with all proceeds going to Temple Street Children’s Hospital
Wells House have a programme of Halloween events and workshops for the whole week of midterm, including the Dare to Scare outdoor tour, and fairy and dinosaur workshops. Extra charges on top of entry apply. More details here.
Belvedere House in Mullingar are running Halloween Treasure Hunts between 12-2pm on 29th, 30th and 31st. Pre-booking is essential, more details here.
Amber Springs Hotel Gorey have a Halloween Train Experience– Trains are kid friendly with a Scooby Doo theme during the day for the little ones and scarier trains after dark for the older kids. Tickets available here.
Castlecomer Discovery Park is hosting a Moody Monster Treasure Trail all weekend, entry is €10 per family (parking extra) no need to book. More information on their site here.
Dublin Zoo is holding the annual Boo at the Zoo event on Monday 31st with children in costume admitted for half price and a variety of spooky events from 12–4pm include a creepy animal trail, festive keeper talks and spooky arts and crafts.
A Very Gorey Halloween with a name like Gorey my town is the perfect place for a Halloween Festival, check out the family fun day on Saturday 29th in the Town Park which features pumpkin carving, constructive waste, a scarecrow demo and puppet show. Details here.
Virginia Pumpkin Festival has a bumper programme this year including Dracula’s Pumpkin Maze and the Grand Festival Parade and fireworks. Most events are free, see here for more information.
Our own personal favourite is Ballycross Apple Farm where we go every year to walk the orchards and pumpkin patch, eat waffles and buy “the best apples ever”.
For more Halloween inspiration check out
High Intensity Homemade Halloween
Fake Blood Recipe from Dr How’s Science Wows
Glowing Monster Slime from Dr How’s Science Wows
Crafty Creepy Crawlies from Where Wishes Come From
