It will be all fright on the night!
It's going to be a great Halloween...I can feel it in my bones. The one thing about Halloween puns is that they fit perfectly for any spook-tacular event. If you are promoting an activity, some scary copy can help draw in a crowd of ghosts and ghouls. Let's face it, after the year we have had, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to carve out some fun with your family and fiends.
And there are plenty of tricks and treats to entertain the whole family during the mid-term break throughout Ireland; here is a selection of some wickedly awesome ideas to help you get into the spirt of things.
Have a fang-tastic Halloween.
PS I hope all my puns didn't drive you batty.
*Please check with any venue before traveling as government advice and restrictions can change at any time.
1) Wild Ireland Animal Sanctuary
RTÉs The Bear Man of Buncrana followed the dream of Killian McLaughlin who wanted to return long since departed animals to the shores of Ireland for the first time in thousands of years. Why not plan a visit to support this incredible project of love and watch bears, wolves, lynx and more in their new home in Donegal.
- Where: Wild Ireland Animal Sanctuary, Donegal
- When: Morning and Afternoon session daily with staggered check-in times.
- Admission: Booking online in advance only
This Halloween, step inside the ghastly vaults of EPIC! Come face to face with ghastly ghouls, wicked witches & all Halloween’s horrible creatures while following their wickedly trail through the museum. There are also online events including Pimpin’ Pumpkins and Transforming Turnips Online Workshop and a Family Ghost Story Online Workshop.
- Venue: EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin & Online
- When: Various during mid-term break.
- Admission: Online, in advance only
Pick out your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve it to your liking in one of their carving bays or visit the Spook Event on Halloween weekend when lots of scary creatures have taken over our farm.
- Where: Castleview Open Farm, Laois
- When: Pumpkin carving from Saturday 23rd to Friday 29th with Spook Halloween Event on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.
- Admission: Online, in advance
4) Pumpkin Party at The Ark, Puddenhill
Are you brave enough for a Spooktacular Pumpkin Party! Every child gets a pumpkin to take home with a stencil to cut out, as well as lots of fun in the indoor soft play area, outdoor playground and animal farm. There is lots of fun guaranteed with a few spooks along the way on this fun family day out.
- Where: The Ark, Puddenhill, Meath
- When: Thursday 28th - Sunday 31st.
- Admission: Online, in advance
5) Halloween @ Red Mountain Open Farm
With one of the largest indoor facilities available on any open farm in Ireland, don't miss out on a fantastic Halloween experience at the popular Red Mountain Open Farm where you can enjoy your visit whatever the weather. Activities include a ghost train, indoors and outdoors play areas, indoors and outdoor animal enclosures, pedal tractors & didi cars, sand pits and more.
- Venue: Red Mountain Open Farm
- When: 23rd - 31st October; two sessions per day 10:30 - 13:30 and 14:00-17:00.
- Admission: Online, in advance only
Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be visiting Kidspace in their best fancy dress to dance along with the kids to some fun tunes. There will be prizes on the day for the most creative dress, individual photo opportunities with Mickey and Minnie so you have great memories of this special breakfast to look back on and the chef will be serving lots of sweet pancakes.
There will also be time for playing in their 10,000 sq ft playcentre which includes a four story high playframe with ball pools, a zip line, climbing decks, slides, rope bridges, a large indoor bike track and two role play areas.
- Where: Kidspace Rathcoole, Dublin
- When: October 28th & 30th, 10:00 - 12:00
- Admission: Online, in advance
7) Ascarium
The Sea Witch is back for 2021!
Follow an immersive trail to help the Sea Witch find her missing potion ingredients, which are hidden throughout the depths of the tanks, and discover some of the spookiest creatures of the sea as you explore the aquarium. Make your way to the Witch’s lair where she will cast her spell to open her treasure chest revealing a special reward!
- Venue: Sea Life, Wicklow
- When: 9th - 31st October 202. Trail activity available every day but visit at the weekend or during mid-term to see the Sea Witch roaming the aquarium!
- Admission: Booking online, in advance.
8) Costumes & Pumpkins & Candy Oh My!
Come in your costumes and follow the spooky trail through the woods finding all kinds of "other worldly beings". Learn the stories of Halloween and Samhain. Hot chocolate and a bag of goodies awaits all the children and of course tea or coffee for the slightly taller people.
- Where: Durrow Wood, Laois
- When: October 30th & 31st 12pm - 5pm
- Admission: Online, in advance
Visit Wells this Halloween mid-term Break and enjoy a Halloween walk through Mogue’s Woodland Walk with plenty of witches, ghosts & ghouls to add to the fun of the spooky season! Mogue’s Walk will be themed with Halloween fun and some scares.
- Where: Wells House, Wexford
- When: 23rd - 31st October
- Admission: Online, in advance; included as part of car entry.
10) Samhain at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
This Halloween mid-term Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is returning to its Irish pagan roots and will mark the festival of Samhain in their own unique way. Focusing on the old Irish traditions associated with this time of year, visitors are invited to come and experience a traditional Irish Samhain; meet a host of creepy characters, visit the Haunted Castle, uncover spooky secrets on the interactive Samhain/Halloween Clue Trail, visit the frightening fairy village and much more.
- Where: Bunratty Castle, Limerick
- When: Saturday October 23rd to 31st
- Admission: Online, in advance. Free to members, just present your membership card at admissions.
11) Wildlands Galway
Wildlands adventure centre in Galway are hosting spooky Orienteering sessions for children aged 4+ this Halloween. Explore the wild, woodlands and magical fairy trail, keeping your eyes peeled for the Troll Bridge, Fairy Houses, the Moycullen Mummy, Wicked Witch of Wildlands and more. The Olive Tree Kitchen will have plenty of Halloween treats on its menu too.
- Venue: Wildlands, Galway
- When: October 25 – 31st.
- Admission: Booking online, in advance. This is a self-led activity and is complimentary for ticket holders of a Wildlands activity and their parents.
Funderland is back! Following a successful return to Cork, they now move on to Limerick during the mid-term break. There are always a host of attractions to whiten the knuckles of the most seasoned thrill seekers with lots of activities for younger thrill seekers too.
- Venue: Funderland, Limerick
- When: Daily from October 22nd
- Admission: Online, in advance, to avoid disappointment.
A Spooky Treasure Hunt around Brigit’s Garden will certainly get you into the Halloween spirit. Are you brave enough for the mummy in the Crannóg and the coffin in the Stone Chamber? Collect the clues and help us get rid of the spell cast on the Gardens by the nasty Púca!
This is an outdoor treasure hunt that can be done at any time over the midterm period as an additional activity for visiting families. Unfortunately, the Bonfire and Story-telling will not be going ahead this year.
- Venue: Brigit’s Garden, Galway
- When: 23rd - 31st October, 10:00 - 17:30
- Admission: Included in General Admission booking.
14) Halloween at Airfield Estate
Enjoy a mid-term day out at Airfield Estate in the heart of Dundrum. It’s time to explore the seasonal bounty of the estate with a specially designed Autumn worksheet. Follow the path of the black cat as it leads you to discover some unusual nocturnal animal antics and spooky facts. (Bring your own pencil).
You can also enjoy a drop-in craft activity each day outdoors in the farmyard where the little ones create their own nocturnal animal-inspired mask.
- Venue: Airfield Estate, Dundrum, Dublin
- When: From Saturday 23rd October – Sunday 31st October 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Last admission at 3:30 pm. The craft table will be open from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 – 3:30 pm during this time.
- Admission: Online, this is included with a day ticket, or is FREE for annual pass holders.
This fun, family event will feature 10 of the most popular activities at Sky Park, including their new Wooden Maze, laser combat, archery, monster croquet and Halloween Train. This is a great event for all ages and abilities, under 6’s come free and everyone else is just €20pp. It’s the perfect safe outdoor adventure to welcome Halloween with a bang, fun adventures for the whole family with a few Halloween surprises thrown in. Parking is free and there are facilities on-site including a café for refreshments, toilets and a large marquee.
- Venue: Sky Park, Louth
- When: October 23rd - 30th; 17:30-22:00 (last entry 20:30). Sky Park is also open daily over the mid-term.
- Admission: Online, in advance only
16) Spooktacular Days at the Playcentre
There will be lots of spooky activities during two hours of fun play time including fancy dress, deadly disco dancing, spooky stories, sweets & treats, hot food and much more.
- Venue: The Playcentre, Cavan
- When: Friday 29th October. Toddler session at 10am with 4+ at either 12:30 or 15:00
- Admission: Online, in advance.
17) Spirit of Halloween Festival
The Rediscovery Centre is offering two free Halloween workshops as part of their Spirit of Halloween Festival! Aimed at children 6 to 12 years. There is a Halloween Arts and Crafts workshop from 11:00 - 12:30 and a Bat Workshop from 15:00 - 16:30
- Venue: The Rediscovery Centre, Dublin
- When: Friday 29th October 2021, 11:00 - 12:30 and 15:00 - 16:30
- Admission: Online, in advance only
18) Pooka Spooka
A fun, family Halloween day out on the farm with seasonal activities including traditional crafts and games, scarecrow corn maze, mirror maze, magician, hayride, limb throwing, broomstick ride, storytelling and many more.
- Venue: Causey Farm, Meath
- When: 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th,
- Admission: Online, in advance only
Celebrate the spooky season with the craziest characters of Halloween during a 1 hour and 15 minutes interactive show with dancing, games and lots of Halloween fun. Fancy Dress is not compulsory but strongly encouraged and 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.
- Venue: The Rock Farm, Slane, Meath
- When: October 29th & 30th
- Admission: Online, in advance only
20) Busy Barn Mini Farm | Halloween Camps
Let Busy Barn Mini Farm keep your children busy during the mid-term break with their popular Halloween school holiday camps. Activities include arts and crafts, feed the animals, pizza making and much more. Their indoor and outdoor facilities are perfect whatever the weather.
- Where: Busy Barn Mini Farm, Waterford
- When: Monday 25th October - Wednesday 27th October
- Admission: Booking in advance
21) Harvest @ Sweeney’s Bronze Turkeys
As we enter harvest season, why not celebrate in style on a family farm for some informal family fun! Events and activities include pumpkin picking, painting, storytelling, farm animals, dress the scarecrow, scarecrow competition, food & craft market, warm spiced apple juice and hot food & beverages while Halloween/autumn costumes are highly encouraged.
- Venue: Sweeney’s Bronze Turkeys, Louth
- When: October 16th & 17th, 11:00 - 15:00
- Admission: Online, in advance only
22) Junior Einstein Halloween Camps
Do you dare try a spooky Halloween camp featuring Pet Slime Monsters, Vampire Blood, Witches Snot, Spooky Smoke Ghosts, Alien flying saucers, Frankenstein Barbie Doll & much more at the famous science camps for 6-11 year olds.
- Where: Available Dublin (North & South) North Wicklow, Louth, Kildare, Meath and Westmeath
- When: One-Day Camps during the October Mid-Term
- Admission: Online, in advance
23) Pumpkin Patch
Come and pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, design and carve it to keep the ghosts away this Halloween. Entry is free and pumpkins are priced from €5 to €15 depending on size. There will be refreshments available: tea, coffee and sweet treats.This is an outdoor event and can get muddy so bring wellies.
- Venue: Mollies Family Farm, Offaly
- When: 16th and 17th of October and from the 23rd to 31st of October from 10am to 4pm each day.
- Admission: Register online, in advance only.
View some amazing Lego models as well as, free Lego play area, free speed build competition, treasure hunt, chill out area, colouring table for younger kids and a sensory area. On Saturday 30th October there is a very special two hour show from 6-8pm The lights will be turned down low, the music off and the crowds gone for our very special fans who need this atmosphere to feel comfortable.
- Venue: Red Cow Hotel, Dublin
- When: 30th & 31st October
- Admission: Online, in advance only
25) Pumpkin Picking & Tractor Ride
Visit Tinahely Farm for their annual pumpkin picking and tractor ride this Halloween! Tickets must be bought in advance and include: Pumpkin picking and a tractor ride out to the pumpkin patch, play in the barn and one pumpkin per child.
- Venue: Tinahely Farm Shop, Wicklow
- When: 23rd, 24th & 25th October
- Admission: Online, in advance only
26) October Midterm at the Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House
A treasure trove of family fun, the Pirate Adventure Park awaits this October midterm break!
This outdoor attraction includes the Cannonball Run slide, Pirate Queen swinging ship, Pirates Plunge flume ride, swan pedalo boats on the lake, Westport House Express, table-tennis, mini zip line and pumpkin carving is included for each child in your ticket.
- Venue: Westport House, Mayo
- When: Daily from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, 23rd October to Sunday 31st October inclusive
- Admission: Online, in advance only.
27) Ghosts of Dublin: Night Walk
Join the world’s biggest ghost hunt and visit the most haunted places in town, hand-picked to deliver your worst nightmare. The world’s most popular haunted city exploration games are now coming to Dublin after delivering chills in cities all around the world. Learn the terrifying true stories behind places you’ve never noticed and be gobsmacked by the true histories of places you see and visit every day. All this while solving bespoke puzzles, riddles, and cryptic codes that will test your nerves and wits at every step.
- Venue: Start at National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology, Dublin
- When: Sat, Oct 30th, 19:30
- Admission: Online, in advance only
Get up and get out as Kilkenny Pumpkin Picking returns to Kells this autumn harvest season. Hughes Farms is open from Friday 15th of October to 31st of October. Tickets are €4 each for entry. Children under 12 months are free and do not need a ticket. Pumpkins are available at an additional cost of between €4 - €6 on site.
- Venue: Hughes Farm, Kilkenny
- When: 15th - 31st October
- Admission: Online, in advance only
29) Killoween: Halloween in Kill
‘Killoween’ is a drive thru spooktacular Halloween event for all the family. Meet ghosts witches and lots of scary characters in the haunted woodlands of Gardenmorris House in Waterford.
This is a drive in ticketed experience; Halloween with a difference. There is no physical contact with any of the ghosts or witches and you are required to stay in your vehicle and drive through the haunted woodland setting. All in support of Kill GAA Club.
- Venue: Gardenmorris House, Waterford
- When: 30th October
- Admission: Online, in advance only
30) Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween
Featuring Pumpkin Patch (take home your pumpkin of choice), Pumpkin Carving Area (carving tools provided), Make your own witches slimy snot (can take home), Inflatables Obstacles Course & Slides (must be 1 meter tall or over), Adventure Obstacle Course, Inflatable Maze, Mini Golf and FootGolf.
This is an outdoor activity where 2 metre social distancing can easily be maintained. We will have a one way system in place as you go around the activities in your group.
- Venue: Navan Adventure Centre, Meath
- When: October 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th, 31st
- Admission: Online, in advance only
31) Pumpkin World
Pumpkin World at Reynoldstown is a fantastic family fun day out in the countryside. Every child will receive a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Plenty of parking available and free of charge. Wear wellies / raincoats!
- Venue: Reynoldstown, Naul, Co. Dublin
- When: October 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 30th. Friday 22nd October is a special needs day out.
- Admission: Online, in advance only
32) Halloween at Mount Falcon Estate
If you fancy a mini-break, you can’t go wrong with the self-catering midterm specials in the magnificent Mount Falcon Estate that includes three family activities; Little School of Owls and Raptors where you can hold and fly falcons, hawks and as array of owls, Forest Puppet Show & Storytelling with Jay Ryan from RTÉ Junior and an Exercise & Halloween Craft Workshop.
- Venue: Mount Falcon Estate, Mayo
- When: 3/4/7 night packages over the mid-term break.
- Admission: Online, in advance only
Birr Castle Demesne will host a wide programme of exciting activities over the Halloween break including a special Halloween pumpkin trail, the Quest, the Red Tree Trail, the Gallery Challenge and the Solar Trail. All activities are included in general admission tickets.
- Where: Birr Castle Demesne, Offaly
- When: Sunday 23rd October to Sunday 31st October
- Admission: General admission tickets are available online, daily activities will be allocated on a first come basis
34) Halloween Fun at Clonfert Pet Farm
A fantastic, fun-filled day out with the Haunted House, Kids Carnival, Disco, Arts & Crafts and the children can pick their own pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch.
- Venue: Clonfert Pet Farm, Kildare
- When: October 23rd - 31st, 2021
- Admission: Online, in advance only.
35) Pumpkin Patch at Ladyrath Lane
The Royal County serves up another regular trick and treat with over 10,000 pumpkins ripe for picking and carving along with bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle course, playground, face painting and so much more on the day.
- Venue: Ladyrath Lane, Meath
- When: October 16th,17th,23rd,24th,25th,26th,27th,28th,29th,30th
- Admission: Online, in advance only
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