12 spooky sessions to consider this Halloween, from Spike Island to Hurloween
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As people continue to flip between several Halloween costumes and outfit inspirations, it’s important to have a spooky soirée to go to and show off the final product.
Here’s a list of wickedly spooky events taking place across the country that are available to book now.
The former prison island welcomes visitors back during spooky season with a spine-chilling creepy guided tour of parts of the island that are strictly off-limits.
Organisers are increasing the spookiness this year as they welcome renowned mentalist and escape artist Dean Jacob to the island.
His appearance, titled Sinister by Dean Jacob, is a spine-chilling night like no other which will feature a live interactive show of mind-bending illusions, heart-stopping escapes, and eerie encounters that will leave audiences questioning their realities.
Sinister After Dark tours will take place every Friday and Saturday night throughout October, starting on October 4 and 5. In the week leading up to Halloween this will extend to a four-night run across the week.
The After Dark tours are always a sellout success, so booking your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment is advised.
You can purchase tickets via digitickets.ie.
The Nightmare Realm, which was voted Ireland’s Best Halloween Experience and Europe’s Best Scream Park, is returning to its haunt at Dublin’s City Market from Friday, October 4 to November 1 with its biggest and most impressive event yet.
Their new experience, the Village of Fear XV features five thrilling new mazes, interactive secret rooms, an expanded Museum of Horrors, a food court, and an even larger Halloweentown.
The Nightmare Realm is also offering a one-time family-friendly show with a toned-down scare factor on October 28 from 12pm-2pm.
Owner of The Nightmare Realm Karl O’Connor said: “For the first time in Nightmare Realm history, we’re offering a toned-down, scare-free version of our experience, perfect for families with young children.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to create a fun and safe indoor space for kids to enjoy trick-or-treating. We've been asked to do this for years, and it feels great to finally make it happen.”
Reduced prices are available for this special event, costing under 12’s €17.50 including a pumpkin, and adults €13.50.
Those aged 13+ up, carers and infants under 1 year are free, without a pumpkin.
Tickets can be booked here.
The spooktacular market organised by Rotten Rouge promises to be an amazing selection of small businesses selling a range of Halloween accessories ranging from accessories to homewares and decorations.
Located in Wigwam, 54 Abbey Street in Dublin, the free event will also offer a spooky vibe with tarot readings to get yourself in the Halloween spirit.
Taking place from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 13, tickets are available here.
The PopUp Movie Club will showcase some Halloween classics right in the heart of the Marina Market on October 26.
With a variety of food vendors and cosy couches already on site, the Marina Market is an ideal location for movie buffs to go to watch the likes of Hotel Transylvania, A Nightmare Before Christmas, and everyone’s favourite, Hocus Pocus.
But only the bravest will survive when The Conjuring hits the screen at 9pm.
Tickets start at €5 per person and can be bought here.
The GAA Museum at Croke Park invites families to celebrate the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, with a unique twist on Halloween at their ever-popular ‘Hurloween’ Tours.
Leave the ghouls and ghosts behind and dive into Ireland’s sporting history, from the legendary tales of Setanta to the heroic leaders of today like Shane O’Donnell.
This year’s Hurloween Tours, which run from Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday October 31 at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm daily promises a unique experience for families looking for seasonal fun.
The organisers say the Hurloween Tour is perfect for children aged between five and 12 while accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets in advance online at crokepark.ie/halloween.
Based in Co Meath, The Púca Festival celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with an authentic festival that is strongly rooted in tradition.
Former Walking on Cars frontman Pa Sheehan will join Bell X1 as a special guest at the Púca Big Top on Saturday, November 2.
Don’t miss CRAICLY Stories where the Irish storytelling community will bring ghostly tales to life, featuring special guest Sinead O’Brien from her sold-out Edinburgh Fringe shows.
Púca Festival recently won the prestigious Grand Pinnacle Award at the 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards.
Tickets start at €19 and are available via universe.com.
For some hip and haunting music then Cork is your one and only stop. The world-renowned Guinness Cork Jazz Festival runs from 24 to 28 October, celebrating its 46th year.
This year’s festival is jam-packed with eclectic performances with the finest international jazz artists including headliner Gregory Porter, and a stellar line-up of Irish and emerging talented.
See www.guinnesscorkjazz.com for the line-up and ticket information.
Instead of buying a plethora of new decorations and costumes this Halloween season, why not be more sustainable and swap with others in the spooky spirit?
Organised by the Toy Library, the Halloween Dress and Decoration Swap at Fitzgerald's Park will take place from 10am to 2pm this Sunday (October 13).
Whether you're on the look out for new decorations or wish to donate costumes you won't use, everyone is welcome.
Click here to register.
Magic Hammer Events in association with Dunnes Stores and Jetland Shopping Centre present this charming children’s Halloween event that is friendly for all ages.
Visitors will meet Hattie O’Goodspell, the good witch of Munster in her enchanted house. Firstly, you will meet a trainee witch that hasn’t received her license to fly yet and will show you around Hattie’s House. Hattie will then wow the children showing them her broomstick and hat collection as well as showing them a few of her magic spells.
Based in the Jetland Shopping Centre in Limerick city, Hattie’s house will run from Friday October 18 to Sunday October 20 and Thursday October 24 to Thursday October 31.
A professional photographer will be on hand to capture a few spooky snaps to keep as magical memories. Photos can be viewed and purchased immediately after your visit.
Pictures start at €16.
Then each child will receive a small treat from Hattie before leaving.
Booking online at happyhalloween.ie in advance is essential.
Boo! For Barretstown, sponsored by Halloween HQ, returns with its family friendly spooktacular Halloween experience in Barretstown Castle on October 27.
Families will have the chance to dress up in their favourite costumes and enjoy a wicked walk through Barretstown’s secret garden.
After their stroll, families can pick up their snacks in the courtyard and experience some trick-or-treat games before they settle into their seats in our beautiful theatre for a special Disney film screening.
Families will have an option of two sessions, with the first starting at 1:30pm, with a screening of Disney Pixar’s iconic Monsters Inc. at 2:30pm. The second session begins at 5pm with a screening of Disney Pixar’s extraordinary musical Coco at 6pm.
Tickets for Boo! For Barretstown can be purchased here. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Each ticket includes a special interactive Halloween experience before the Disney film screening, plus a goody bag of treats for every child in costume.
Greywood Arts are hosting a family friendly traditional lantern making workshops to lighten the way through Samhain.
Continuing the tradition of our Celtic ancestors, visitors can take part in a lantern making workshops for all ages on Monday, October 28 for all ages and evening sessions for teenagers and adults on Tuesday, October 29.
Artist Caoimhe Dunn will be on hand to teach this beautiful craft of shaping wet willow branches to form tissue paper covered beacons.
The lanterns will be lit and form the key element of this year’s Samhain Parade into Glenbower Woods in Killeagh on 2 November 2 at 5:30pm.
Percussionist Fergal O’Connor will lead a drumming workshop before the parade and the drummers will guide the way into Glenbower Woods.
The procession of light will be followed by hot chocolate and treats at Greywood Arts and all are welcome to take part in the magical Samhain parade.
For more information see greywoodarts.org/upcoming-events/.