Not-So-Spooky Things to Do in Ireland This Halloween Midterm

Michelle

September 11, 2022

things to do in Ireland at Halloween midterm

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If you enjoy the Halloween fun, but don’t want a fearful fright, you’ll love our round up of not-so-spooky events and things to do in Ireland this Halloween midterm break.

From crafts and woodland walks to treasure hunts and theatre, there’s still plenty of spooky (not scary) Halloween fun to be had for the whole family.

Not-so-Spooky Things to Do This Halloween

Halloween Spooktacular at Irish National Stud, Kildare

Halloween events

Dates: October 29th to November 2nd from 11am to 3pm

Head to the Irish National Stud for the annual Halloween Spooktacular! Take part in brilliantly creepy arts and crafts workshops, trick or treat circus shows, scary storytelling, and much more. There will be giant games and other fun activities, sure to keep the little ones entertained.

All the regular attractions are available, including an opportunity to meet the Living Legends team, visit the Irish Racehorse Experience, take the fairy trail route, and walk along the stepping stones in the Japanese Gardens for hours of outdoor fun. This is also a lovely time to meet some of the horses in their paddock.

This is a full day out so allow 4-5 hours to really make the most of it. The restaurant will be serving seasonal recipes along with the usual yummy cakes and treats.

Pre-booking is essential and all events are included in the admission prices. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Halloween at Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow

Halloween at Powerscourt

Powerscourt Estate is open this Halloween mid-term for visitors to come and enjoy the gardens, waterfall and house. There is lots for families to see and do and enjoy during their visit.

Hooky Spooky Halloween at Luggwoods

Luggwoods-Halloween

Dates: October 22nd – 31st, 2022

Experience all the crazy outdoor Halloween fun and frolics at Luggwoods. Hooky Spooky Luggwoods characters will guide you along the forest trail as you help them find the ingredients for the friendly witches Halloween brew – she might even have a Trick or Treat for you too!

Book your tickets now!

Creepy Crawl at Fota House

Fota Creepy Crawl

Dates: October 28th to 31st from 10am to 4pm

It’s time for the Creepy Crawl! Join in for a fun family, self-guided trail around the gardens at Fota House.

No pre-booking required, just turn up in your best Halloween costumes and get ready for some fun!

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Halloween Family Fun at Birr Castle Demesne, Offaly

Halloween at Birr Castle

Dates: From October 29th to November 5th

Birr Castle Demesne in Offaly promise tricks and treats for all the family this Halloween, including the Halloween Pumpkin Trail, where you will follow your map in search for all the pumpkins lost within the gardens. Costumes are encouraged!

The popular Wild Connections Halloween Camps are back for 2022 and run from November 1st to November 3rd. It is suitable for ages 5 to 12 years and runs from 10am to 2pm daily. Children will enjoy nature crafts, pond dipping, bird watching and loads of other fun activities each day. Find out more and book your Halloween Camp here.

Birr Castle Demesne is open from 9am to 4.30pm each day of the Halloween mid-term break. The Treehouse Adventure Playground and Courtyard Cafe will also be open daily.

Halloween at the Irish Agricultural Museum, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford

Johnstown Halloween

Dates: October 29th to 31st from 10am-4pm

Halloween has its roots firmly planted in Celtic tradition and Irish folklore, so to tie in with its Irish heritage this Halloween event will take place in the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Join some creepy characters as you follow the witches trail around the museum finding the clues to solve the mystery. Each guest will receive a Halloween treat and enjoy some Halloween fun along the way.

The Halloween trail is aimed at family groups and is not intended to have a high scare factor – just lots of fun!

Dressing in costume is highly recommended!

For more information, click here.

Pumpkin Hunt at Beyond the Trees Avondale, Wicklow

Pumpkin Hunt at Beyond the Trees

Dates: October 22nd to November 6th

Head to Beyond the Trees Avondale and join in a fun Pumpkin Hunt at the Treetop Walk. There are lots of prizes to be won!

The Pumpkin Hunt is included in the Treetop Walk entry fee.

For more information and to book tickets in advance online, click here.

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt at Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre, Dublin

Halloween events at Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre

Date: Saturday, October 29th from 12pm to 4pm

The team at Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre are inviting children aged 3-11 to take part in a spook-tacutlar pumpkin hunt on Saturday 29th October from 12pm to 4pm.

Children will be given their own Pumpkin Passport to get stamped and will receive treats from the shops along the route. Children are being asked to dress up in their most original Halloween costumes for the chance to win a spot prize!

Grown-ups are welcome, under 3s are too, but will not be able to collect goodies. The event is appropriate for all ages of the family, so rest assured it will be all treats, no tricks. Free Face painting is also available on the day.

For more information, check the website

Lough SpooKey at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon

things to do a Halloween

Dates: October 29th to November 5th

Lough SpooKey takes place during Halloween mid-term and events this year include a Mud Bugs Welly Adventure for kids aged  5 to 10 years. The adventure lasts 90 minutes and takes place on November 1st and 3rd at 11am and 2.30pm. Booking is essential and can by done by calling 071 9673122 or emailing [email protected]

For more information and updates, check the Facebook page.

Pooka Spooka at Causey Farm, Meath

causey farm for things in ireland at halloween

Dates: October 15th to 31st

Pooka Spooka at Causey Farm is a Halloween extravaganza with lots to look forward to, including:

  • Scarecrow corn maze
  • Mirror maze
  • Magician
  • Hayride
  • Limb throwing
  • Broomstick ride
  • Story telling
  • Traditional games and crafts

Suitable for families with children aged 2-12. Online booking is essential.

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Halloween Themed Afternoon Tea and Family Getaways at The Connacht Hotel, Galway

things to do around Ireland for Halloween

Dates: October 31st to November 4th

There are few things more deliciously indulgent than an afternoon tea, and now your little ones can join in with the fun too with Halloween themed afternoon tea specials. Enjoy a selection of homemade halloween themed miniature treats, desserts and selection of finger food, the family afternoon tea is perfect to mark this fun holiday or to gather with friends and family.

You could also Treat your family this Halloween Midterm to a Break in Galway City! Voted Best Family Friendly Hotel at the Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021, The Connacht Hotel prides itself on appreciating the importance of their younger guests and families.

The Friendly Fellows Kids Club is always a huge hit with families. Guests who book direct on The Connacht Hotel website can avail of their kid’s club for FREE. Taking place during weekends and Halloween school holidays, this popular attraction is suitable for kids from 3-15 years of age. The Kids Club provides families with fully equipped playrooms and action-packed entertainment programmes including, arts & crafts, sports activities, musical games, competitions, talent shows, quizzes, dancing and much more which can be enjoyed with the friendly fellows team!

Book your Halloween stay today and you’ll get:

✔️ Family dining in the child-friendly Rueben’s Restaurant.
✔️ Live music every evening from 10pm in Bar Solo throughout the Halloween midterm.
✔️ Leisure Centre with 20m swimming pool & kids pool.
✔️ Complimentary kids club when you book direct on The Connacht Hotel website.
✔️ Family Halloween themed afternoon tea (*booking essential).
✔️ Complimentary use of cots and/or rollaway bed(s), subject to maximum occupancy.
✔️ Complimentary use of baby bathtub, blankets, and highchairs.

‘Hurloween’ Tours at the GAA Museum, Croke Park, Dublin

Things to do in Ireland with Kids at Halloween

Dates: October 29th to November 4th

Explore Irish games and ancient myths this Samhain with spirited guides at the ‘Hurloween’ Tours at the GAA Museum. Instead of ghouls, they will be talking goals, old Celtic traditions, and mythology to celebrate the origins of Ireland’s earliest festival. Children may be knocking on many homes as they trick or treat this Halloween but none promises to be as memorable as the home of GAA, Croke Park!

A special ‘Warriors and Hurlers Workshop’ will capture imaginations as younger visitors learn all about the story of Setanta, a master hurler who according to legend used his sliotar and camán to slay the hound of Chulainn and receive the new name Cú Chulainn! Every child on tour will receive a book telling the story of Setanta and other Irish legends, which is a perfect Halloween treat!

The tours also include a visit some of the famous sporting venue’s best haunts including the players dressing rooms, the interactive games zone where you can test your own hurling and football skills and learn new ‘tricks’, and an exciting opportunity to walk pitch side where the spirited guides will teach you more about the history and skills of Ireland’s national games of hurling and camogie.

Hurloween’ Tours at Croke Park are ideal for families looking for seasonal fun rather than scares.

Tickets can be booked online in advance

Samhain at Strokestown Park, Roscommon

Halloween at Strokestown Park

Dates: October 29th to November 5th

The Jack O’Lantern’s Woodland Walk, with Enchanted Croí Theatre, takes place for families on October 30th and 31st. Jack O’Lantern and an Cailleach will lead the way through the Autumnal veils this Halloween. Step through the mists of time into Ireland’s Ancient past to celebrate the traditions of Samhain. Unearth stories, spells of wonderment and the shrill sounds of the Banshee!

Dracula Revisited for adults takes place on October 29th, and kids will love a spectacular, spooky science event on November 5th.

For more information and updates, check the Facebook page.

Lú Festival of Light, Drogheda

Things to do around Ireland at Halloween

Dates: October 28th to November 5th 2022

Lú Festival of Light will be a spectacular urban animation show and family festival. It is a free event and will showcase the myths and legends associated with the region, through lighting and laser mediums.

In addition to the shows, there will be music, street performers and walking tours of Drogheda town and a spooks tour with 100 local school children dressed up for Hallowe’en in association with the Puca Festival.

Suitable for families of all ages. This is a FREE festival.

For more information, check the website.

Tayto Park Tricky Trail, Meath

tayto park tricky trail

Dates: October 22nd, 23rd, 29th-31st and November 1st and 2nd

Head off on a spooky adventure through Tayto Park to find hidden treasure along your trail. There’s something for all the family, with fun interactive games, spooky story- telling, potions, spell casting and magical performances by a whole host of characters!

Set out on your Trail at Haunted Halls where song and dance will transport you to another realm. Or why not brave the ‘Scare Chair’, with a frightful family photo opportunity. Then with the Tricky Treasure Map, explore the paths to uncover the lost items throughout hidden locations – all in all, a magic-filled day for little ones (with a trick or treat treasure waiting for them at the end!)

Pre-booking is essential. This event is included in all ticket prices and no additional payment is required.

Download

We have a frightfully fun checklist of 50 Halloween activities for Kids that you can download and work your way through!

Trick or Treat for Sick Children 2022

trick or treat for sick children

Dates: October 2022

Children’s Health Foundation is calling on individuals, families, community groups, schools, creches and more to get spooky this Halloween by dressing up, hosting your own Trick or Treat party, and raising funds to support sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres.

Visit www.childrenshealth.ie/trickortreat to sign up for your free party pack. Your monster bash can be as big or as small as you like, and the funds you raise will be put to work where they are needed most in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly to support sick children from all over Ireland.

Celebrating the 10-year partnership that has helped to raise over €3.2M to date, MiWadi has created a podcast mini-series of fantastical Halloween-inspired short stories, fuelled by the imaginations of Joy, Luke and Noah, chronicling tales of bravery and adventure. The series is perfect for little ears as they get in the spirit for the Halloween season. Available from all podcast streaming platforms from October 7th right up until Halloween.

Halloween Pantomime at Rathwood, Carlow

Dates: October

There’s something spooky in the forest! This year the Rathwood Express will give a modern spin to a classic fairytale adventure in the Halloween Pantomime, “The Witches Of Rathwood” by Verdant Productions.

Witches Petronilla & Goody are on the loose this Halloween! After being frozen for many years under a magical spell, they have finally been set free… and now they are about to cause havoc and seek their revenge on the people who put them there. Their plan is to steal all the pumpkins in Rathwood! It’s up to the people of Rathwood to stop them in their tracks, and the best way to do this is with lots of singing and plenty of dancing. Get ready for a scary show with potions and maybe the eye of a toad!

With an all-singing, all-dancing cast and just a little bit of fairy magic, this show will have the whole family screaming…with laughter.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Halloween at Nore Valley Farm Park, Kilkenny

Halloween activities at Nore Valley Farm Park

Dates: October 22nd, 26-28th and 31st

Halloween activities at Nore Valley Farm Park, Kilkenny include the annual Halloween Torchlight Treasure Hunts, bonfire, marshmallow toasting and scary maze.

Online booking is essential.

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Jackula at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum

what's on at halloween

Dates: October 30th

Being a vampire sucks, but being Dracula’s younger brother is driving Jackula batty.

Join Jackula on a spooktacular quest to step out of his older brother’s shadow and become the world’s first fun vampire. Laugh as Jackula makes his pet ghost dance.  Gasp as Jackula balances five glasses of water on his face. Smile as children help perform spellbinding tricks.

An inspirational Halloween magic show about staying true to yourself.

It’s not trick or treat. It’s trick AND treat. After the show every child is invited to perform at trick with Jackula and receive a treat. Great for photos and makes sure everyone is part of the fun.

Suitable for ages 3-12. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Howl-O-Ween Festival at Slieve Aughty, Galway

Dates: October 29th to November 6th

This is a brilliantly spooky time to visit Slieve Aughty for their annual Family Howl-O-Ween Festival.

It’s a spooky time at Slieve Aughty during the Halloween Festival, with ghosts and goblins galore, haunted houses, Halloween tricks and treats, scary stories, horses and ponies to pet and ride, arts and crafts, Halloween Evening Kids Disco Party and Charity Bank Holiday Monday.

Enjoy the fresh air of autumn with a walk to the haunted house and dare yourself to see if the corpse of the lady with the velvet ribbon is still there (a NEW story for 2022!).  This walk is approximately 45 minutes long and is not recommended for young children.

For the little ones, go on a witch’s walk (a short walk to Slieve Aughty’s enchanted wood). Along the way, count how many ghosts, witches and other Halloween creatures you see hiding in the forest and answer the Halloween riddles that help guide the way.  Children ages 5-12 can visit the Enchanted Forest aboard a quiet pony – rides leave every half an hour and advanced booking is recommended!

For more information, click here.

Pumpkin and Fun at Navan Adventure Centre, Meath

Dates: October 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th and 31st

There will be pumpkin picking and more fun at Navan Adventure Centre as your ticket includes a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, as well as the carving area, witch’s slimy snot-making, inflatables obstacles courses and slides, adventure obstacle course, inflatable maze, mini golf, and FootGolf.

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Don’t Miss…

Wrap up warm and head out for a family outing with a difference at one of these popular places for pumpkin picking in Ireland! Whether your kids have their hearts set on a giant jack-o-lantern or a cute little one, you’re sure to have lots of seasonal fun!

Places to go Pumpkin Picking in Ireland - Mykidstime

Killarney Pumpkin Farm

Killarney pumpkin farm

Dates: September 30th to October 2nd and October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-31

Pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch – or a ghoulish gourd from the wonky patch!

Other activities include a corn maze to get lost in, a chance to meet the alpacas, seasonal storytelling, a walk through the haunted ghost bus, a visit to the pumpkin pixie village, and meeting the witch at her haunted cottage!

For more information, check the Facebook page.

Halloween Festival at Clonfert Pet Farm, Kildare

things to do at halloween

Dates: October 22nd to 31st

Halloween events at Clonfert Pet Farm for 2022 will include:

  • Haunted house
  • Kids carnival
  • Pumpkin patch
  • Kids disco
  • Arts and crafts
  • and more!

Online booking is essential for this event.

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

Samhain 2022 at Marlay Park, Dublin

Dates: TBC

SAMHAIN, the annual Haunted Walk spookfest, is back in all its gory glory in Marlay Park in October.

Dress your worst, in the most frightening clothes you can find and join this Haunted Walk in the forest with all the ghouls and goblins!

Remember SAMHAIN is an outdoor event, so warm clothing is recommended. The walk is approx. 1.7km long on a path suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. The 4.30pm walk each day at Samhain will be tailored to suit people with special needs. This means that music and sound effects will be quieter, special effects and lighting will be softer and the number of visitors will be limited in comparison to other entry times in order to reduce queuing times.

Hullabaloo! Children’s Arts Festival, Offaly

hullabaloo arts festival

Dates: November 2nd to 5th

Hullabaloo 2022 Festival workshops and family performances will take place in Birr, Clara, Edenderry and more during the Festival dates.

Children and families can enjoy art, storytelling, animation, film, musical theatre, dance, paper folding, craft and much, much more!

For more information on events, click here.

Don’t Miss…

Grab the colours and get ready for a monster session of colouring! Get creative and have some fun with these Halloween colouring pages which are perfect for keeping children busy in the run up to the trick or treat excitement!

Halloween colouring pages - Mykidstime

Superhero Halloween Costume Workshop at Rediscovery Centre, Dublin

halloween events

Date: October 22nd from 2-4pm

Join Arran Murphy from Rediscover Fashion to create your very own Superhero Halloween Costume. Bring your ideas, some unwanted t-shirts, add in some fabrics and trimmings from the stock of donations, along with some expert advice from the team to make your very own superhero costume. Everyone will leave with a completed superhero cape and mask.

Tickets admit one adult and one child age 6+

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Halloween Workshop for Kids at Rediscovery Centre, Dublin

Date: October 29th from 2.30-4pm

Looking for fun activities for Halloween? Join the Education team and get involved in some terrifying Halloween hands-on activities!

At this year’s Halloween Workshop, children will take part in a variety of fun and educational Halloween-themed activities, games, and arts & crafts. Suitable for ages 6 – 12.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

The Teddy, The Witch and the Pumpkin at Wexford Arts Centre

what's on at halloween

Date: November 4th

Sammy Ragdoll manages to persuade her best friend Eddy The Teddy to go out “trick or treating” for Halloween. He doesn’t always have good ideas though. With a timid Eddy, who has a tendency to wander off, and a mischievous Monkey as a friend, there’s always a chance an unexpected adventure may occur…!

This show for made for young children up to the age of six. It has a Halloween theme, but there’s nothing that will frighten anyone (except poor Eddy The Teddy!). Older children can enjoy it but it’s mainly aimed at the young ones, often those for whom this is their magical first experience of live theatre!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Wexford Arts Centre

things to do at halloween in ireland

Date: November 4th

A Halloween theatre treat for children aged 5 – 10 years old and their families.

The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow is a classic Gothic story by American author Washington Irving, and adapted by Mike Brooks. The story is set in 1790, in Sleepy Hollow, a small town near New York. The place is home to many tales of the supernatural especially that of The Headless Horseman.

Ichabod Crane, a school teacher from Connecticut moves into town. He is superstitious and believes all the local legends. He soon becomes a rival to Brom Bones for the affections of Katrina. She rejects Ichabod. Perhaps the Headless Horseman wants Ichabod to leave town too, or is it Brom in disguise?

Barking Dog Theatre Company’s two talented actors (with the help of some puppets and children from the audience!) present this exciting tale, specially adapted for children. With original music and audience participation, as well as use of puppetry and mime, this afternoon play is the perfect way to finish your child’s Halloween festivities before the bells of Christmas start jingling!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Published On: September 11th, 2022 / Categories: Ireland / Last Updated: January 21st, 2023 / Tags: , , /

About the Author: Michelle

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Michelle is a Mum to 2 girls and co-founded Mykidstime.

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