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

Michelle

September 11, 2023

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

Things to do at Halloween

Dates: October 28th to 31st 2023

Head to the Irish National Stud for the annual Halloween Spooktacular! Take part in brilliantly creepy arts and crafts workshops, magic shows and scary storytelling, and much more.

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.

Hooky Spooky Halloween at Luggwoods

Luggwoods-Halloween

Dates: October 21st to November 5th 2023

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!

Child tickets from €19, babies under 1 go free, adult tickets from €16, book online.

The Civic Halloween Spooktacular Live Family Show, Dublin

Not so spooky things to do in Ireland at Halloween midterm

Dates: October 27th to 31st 2023 (Various dates and times)

Celebrate the spooky season with a live Halloween spooky-but-not-too-scary show. Brought to you by the team that brings you the Civic Panto. Join Princess Arabella and her trusty butler Wiggles as they face a mysterious challenge in Spookville. When three mischievous witches pay a visit to her palace, things take a thrilling turn. Will they triumph over the witchy mischief and save the day?

There will be a sensory friendly performance on October 29th at 2pm. Call the box office on 01 4627477 to book.

Child tickets from €14, adult tickets from €17 or get a family ticket from €60. Find out more and book your tickets here.

Creepy Crawl at Fota House

Fota Creepy Crawl

Dates: For 2023 TBC

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 at the Irish Agricultural Museum, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford

Johnstown Halloween

Dates: October 28th to 30th from 10am-4pm (2023 dates TBC)

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: 2023 TBC

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.

Lough SpooKey at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon

halloween in Ireland 2023

Dates: October 29th to November 3rd 2023

Lough SpooKey takes place during Halloween mid-term and events this year include

  • Halloween Movie time
  • Walking with Dinosaurs
  • Costume Party with DJ
  • Giant inflatables
  • Balloon modelling and kids games
  • Cecilsteins Lough Spookey Expedition
  • Mud Bugs Welly Adventure for kids aged  5 to 10 years. 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 2023 (Select dates)

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 Family Fun at Birr Castle Demesne, Offaly

Halloween at Birr Castle

Dates: From October 28th to November 4th

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!

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

things to do around Ireland for Halloween

Dates: October 23rd to October 31st

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!  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 at The Connacht. 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 for the younger guests of the hotel.

Kids from 3 – 15 years are welcome to take part. 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’ & Teidí Tours at the GAA Museum, Croke Park, Dublin

Things to do in Ireland with Kids at Halloween

Dates: October 28th to November 1st 2023 for Hurloween Tours and November 2nd & 3rd for Teidí Tours

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.

These special tours are where GAA-mad kids can learn more about Ireland’s ancient sport from the time of Setanta right up to the era of Cian Lynch!

‘Hurloween’ Tours are suitable for children aged between five and 12 accompanied by an adult. Tours include a visit to the Croke Park dressing rooms and a walk pitchside where our guides will teach you more about the history and skill of hurling and camogie.

The trip also includes a ‘Warriors and Hurlers Workshop’ where younger visitors will learn more about the story of Setanta, a master hurler who used his sliotar and camán to slay the hound of Chulainn and receive the new name Cú Chulainn!

Everyone on tour will have a chance to visit the GAA Museum and Interactive Games Zone, and every child on tour will receive a book telling the story of Setanta and other Irish legends – the perfect Halloween treat!

Teidí Tours include a bear making workshop and a family friendly guided tour of Croke Park with time afterwards in the GAA Museum.

Hurloween’ and Teidí 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

Tree Week Tree Folklore Event at Strokestown Park

Dates: October 28th to November 5th 2023

Follow the Samhain Trail this mid-term break at Strokestown Park. The trail is self guided and runs from 11am to 4pm daily.

For more information and updates, check the Facebook page.

Lú Festival of Light, Drogheda

Things to do around Ireland at Halloween

Dates: October 27th to November 4th 2023 (Select dates)

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.

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

For more information, check the website.

Emerald Park Tricky Trail, Meath

Dates: October 21st, 22nd, 28th-31st and November 1st 2023

Head off on a spooky adventure through Emerald Park to find hidden treasure along your tricky 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!

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 2023

trick or treat for sick children

Dates: Tuesday October 31st 2023

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.

Halloween Spooktacular at Rathwood, Carlow

Dates: October 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st 2023

There’s something spooky in the forest! This year the Rathwood Express will spirit you through a forest full of spooky characters to the Big Top for a family friendly musical Spooktacular! Afterwards you can pick your perfect pumpkin in the spooky pumpkin maze to take home. There will be treats galore and a fun fair to enjoy too.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Torchlight Treasure Hunt at Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny

Dates: October 27 to 31st 2023 (7pm to 9pm) and Pumpkin Picking takes place on weekends from October 14th 2023

Families can enjoy picking and carving pumpkins from October 14th. From October 27th enjoy the Torchlight Treasure Hunts where you can search the farm for clues! For older children and parents the Scare Maze will be back. Afterwards enjoy the bonfire and some marshmallow treats.

Be sure to dress in costume for a chance to win some prizes!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Jackula at dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum

what's on at halloween

Dates: October 29th 2023

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 28th to November 5th

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.  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 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st 2023

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 November 1st 2023 (Select dates)

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 21st to 31st 2023 (Select dates)

Halloween events at Clonfert Pet Farm for 2023 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 2023 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 1st to 4th 2023

Hullabaloo 2023 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

BOO for Barretstown at Russborough House & Park, Wicklow

Halloween events 2023 Ireland

Dates: October 29th 2023

Nestled near the edge of the Blessington lakes, the beautiful demesne of Russborough House will be transformed into a place of Halloween fun for all the family, and all to help raise vital funds for local Kildare children’s charity, Barretstown.

Sign up to take part in this seriously spooky walk; with proceeds from ticket sales supporting Barretstown. Spooky woodland characters will guide you along the 2.4km looped outdoor walking trail, through the atmospheric Russborough woodland, on your quest to spot as many spooky creatures along your way. Have a fun few hours, in your best fancy-dress and in doing so, help raise vital funds for Barretstown.

Dress up in your best fancy-dress and come join us for a fun day for all the family!

For more information, click here.

Halloween Workshops at Rediscovery Centre, Dublin

halloween events

Date: October 21st 2023 from 2.30-4pm & November 2nd & 3rd

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

  • October 21st – at this year’s Halloween Workshop, children will take part in a variety of fun and educational Halloween-themed activities, games, and arts & crafts.
  • November 2nd & 3rd – children will enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including experiments, bug hunts, halloween crafts, including pumpkin picking and decorating and making mini-scarecrows, halloween games and more.

Workshops are suitable for ages 6 – 12.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Halloween Drive In Movies at Leopardstown Dublin

things to do this month retro drive in movies

Date: October 19th to 30th 2023

Retro Drive-In Movies present a number of family options to enjoy over the Halloween Mid-term including:

  • Hocus Pocus – October 19th & 29th
  • Hotel Transylvania – October 21st
  • Ghost Busters – October 21st
  • Halloween Town – October 22nd
  • Beetle Juice – October 22nd
  • The Snapper – October 30th

For more information and to see the full line up and book tickets, click here.

Halloween Themed Family Shows at Wexford Arts Centre

Date: November 4th

You can enjoy 2 family friendly Halloween shows at the Wexford Arts Centre:

  • Teddy’s Haunted House suitable for kids up to 6 years
  • The Ghost of Dorothy Dingley  suitable for kids aged 5 to 10 years

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Published On: September 11th, 2023 / Categories: Ireland / Last Updated: September 20th, 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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