Don’t miss our pick of what’s on and things to do with kids around Ireland this month, from virtual events to family fun days!
We have listings below for an amazing mix of family and kid-friendly events taking place around Ireland. They include plenty of free options, and ideas to introduce the whole family to a variety of cultural events, music events and festivals, open days, classes and much more.
What’s On: October 2023
Irish Heritage Trust Family Events
Autumn Fête at Strokestown Park, Roscommon, Fota House, Cork & Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Date: Sunday, October 1st 12pm to 5pm
Enjoy a day of family fun with the Irish Heritage Trust at:
- Strokestown Park & Gardens, Roscommon
- Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork
- Johnstown Castle & Gardens, Wexford
There will be music, dance and activities to suit all ages.
How to Book: For more information and bookings, click here.
The Lion King, Dublin
Dates: September 28th to November 11th 2023 (with a relaxed performance on November 9th)
The award-winning musical returns to Dublin at the Bord Gais Theatre.
With an incredible cast of more than 50 actors, singers and dancers, the story of The Lion King roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets, and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Galway Docklands Festival 2023
Dates: September 29th & 30th & October 1st
Enjoy family friendly activities on and off the water at the Galway Docklands Festival including a Family Funday on October 1st.
For more information. click here.
Open House Dublin Festival of Architecture, Dublin
Dates: October 7th to 15th with Open House Junior taking place on October 7th & 8th
Open House Dublin is a free festival of architecture with 100’s of guided tours, films, exhibitions, talks and events taking place throughout Dublin city and county during the week.
As part of the festival, there is a Junior program with workshops, guided tours and more.
For more information and to book your FREE tickets, click here.
Family Fun Day in Bram Stoker Park, Fairview, Dublin
Date: October 7th 1pm to 4pm
Dublin City Council and Dublin Bay North For All are proud to present a free Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 7th in Bram Stoker Park in Fairview.
The event boasts a diverse array of music, dance, sport and creative activities. It truly has something for all-ages. On the day there will be face painting, arts & crafts, GAA, soccer, boxing, athletics, music & dance, kids yoga and lots more!
All are welcome and encouraged to take part in this great day out for the local community.
Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Concert Film Comes to Odeon Cinemas Nationwide
Dates: From October 13th 2023
Missed out on tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert next year? Even if you managed to get tickets, you can enjoy an early preview of the show at ODEON cinemas nationwide from October 13th. Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour concert film will be in ODEON cinemas nationwide from October 13th for a limited time.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Galway
Dates: October 13th – 22nd 2023
Baboró International Festival of Arts for Children is back for 2023 and bring an impressive line up of art, theatre, music, dance and more for children and families to enjoy.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
CBI Book Doctors at The Book Clinic, Dalkey Library, Dublin
Date: October 14th from 10am to 1pm
Dalkey Library is delighted to announce that we will be hosting the CBI Book Doctors. It’s sure to be busy so drop in early on the day to get a personal consultation and pick up your next fantastic read!
No need to book, all welcome.
Red Line Book Festival 2023, Dublin
Dates: October 16th – 22nd 2023
The Red Line Book Festival is back for 2023 and includes; talks, music, book and poetry readings, workshops, a Family Fun Day and much more. Events take place in libraries, theatres and venues around South County Dublin.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
permanent tsb Ideal Home Show 2023, Dublin
Dates: October 20th to 22nd 2023
Ireland’s largest home show returns to the RDS Simmonscourt for 2023. Visit for expert advice, demonstrations, retail therapy and inspiration for your home and garden.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Polar Bear and Penguin, Family Show Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois
Dates: October 21st 2023
Suitable for ages 5+ this magical show showcases the unlikely encounter between polar opposite characters meeting for the first time. Getting to know each other and surviving in an ever changing world.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Hooky Spooky Halloween at Luggwoods, Dublin
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.
K2Alpacas Pumpkin Patch in Aid of The Down Syndrome Centre, Wikclow
Dates: October 21st to 30th 2023 (select dates) – School trips: Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October.
K2Alpacas in Wicklow has teamed up with the Down Syndrome Centre to host a fundraising Halloween event. Make it a family day out and enjoy the fun activities including:
- Pick your own Pumpkin
- Meet the Alpacas
- Spooky game boards
- Enchanted Fairy forest walk
- Photo Booths
- Refreshments & goodies
The pumpkin Patch is open on October 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th & 30th. School trips: Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October.
The Centre provides bespoke services for children and young adults with Down syndrome. By supporting the Pumpkin Patch event, you are helping to provide services to children with Down syndrome.
For more information and to make a booking, or a donation check out the website.
Halloween Afternoon Tea and Family Stays at The Connacht Hotel, Galway
Dates: October 23rd to 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! 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 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.
The Civic Halloween Spooktacular Live Family Show, Dublin
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.
Family Halloween Tours at The National Print Museum, Dublin
Dates: October 31st to November 3rd 2023
The National Print Museum are having family-friendly tour, where you’ll interact directly with artefacts from the Museum’s collection this Halloween mid-term.
Learn about the history of print, experience the traditional craft of typesetting and printing, and make and decorate your very own printer’s hats! Tours run daily from 2pm to 3pm.
Visitors can also drop by the Creative Corner to make some Halloween crafts to take home.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
Halloween Events at the GAA Museum, Croke Park
‘Hurloween and Teidí Tours at Croke Park, Dublin
Dates:October 28th to November 1st 2023 for Hurloween Tours and November 1st & 2nd for Teidí Tours
The GAA have 2 very special tours taking place this Halloween Mid-term for all GAA-mad kids!
- 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.
- 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.
Halloween Spooktacular at The Irish National Stud, Kildare
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.
Samhain at Strokestown Park, Roscommon
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. Adults and kids under 1 go free. Be sure to dress up in your most ghoulish costume! And collect all the clues for a spookalicious treat!
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Lough Spookey at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Roscommon
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.
BOO for Barretstown at Russborough House & Park, Wicklow
Dates: October 29th to November 3rd 2023
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.
Upcoming Events in 2023
MS Readathon 2023
Dates: November 1st to 30th 2023
Taking part in the MS Readathon is easy – just sign up at www.msreadathon.ie and start reading. Children can register with their school (teachers, you can register your class) or individually.
Your child can pick whatever books they like, and as many as they like, then ask friends and family to sponsor them. After November 30th this money should be sent back to MS Ireland.
Hullabaloo! Children’s Arts Festival, Offaly
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.
Steve Backshall Ocean Live Show
Dates: November 10th 2023
Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life.
From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep: this exciting show is also a great opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Dublin Book Festival 2023
Dates: November 8th to 12th 2023
The Dublin Book Festival has a full program of events taking place from November 8th to 12th including schools, family and children events where children will get an opportunity to enjoy readings and draw-alongs with some of their favourite authors.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical, Dublin
Dates: December 5th 2023 to January 7th 2024
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical will have its Irish premiere at the Bord Gais Theatre, Dublin.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
About the Author: Emily Manning
