Fun for all the family …
Stokerland, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 8
As part of Dublin City Council’s popular annual Bram Stoker Festival, this free pop-up fun park returns for two fun-filled days of ghoulish games and surprises in the shadow of St Patrick’s Cathedral on November 1 and 2. Children under 12 can enjoy a performance tent and food stalls, with free face-painting and spins on a classic carousel. Highlights include a headline show from The Great Innuendo, who will bring mischievous Victorian vaudeville, devilish tricks and Houdini-inspired escapes, while Spooky Penguin TV Doodle is offering drawing workshops with Niamh Sharkey and Owen Churcher. Visitors can also expect Madame Kakapo & Son, a chaotic walkabout duo from Amadan Ensemble who will deliver improbable fortune-telling and street theatre silliness. November 2 offers a more sensory-friendly experiece. Costumes and BYOPicnics are also welcome! @bramstokerfestival
Pumpkins After Dark, Newbridge House & Farm, Co Dublin
This new Halloween experience at Newbridge House in Donabate until the night of October 31 allows visitors to follow a path filled with over 10,000 intricately carved pumpkins, with spooky music to set the scene. Guests can also enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations and an array of bites, including wood-fired pizza, goodies for the little ones or something stronger for the adults! A sensory-friendly outing for the whole family to enjoy. @newbridgehouse
The Haunted Trail, Malahide Castle & Gardens, Co Dublin
Back with a bang on October 31, families can expect a one kilometre outdoor walk designed to be spooky but not scary, filled with enchanting decorations, costumed characters and interactive experiences, from spiders spinning webs to the resident witch brewing her potion and a colourful pumpkin patch. The trail promises memorable moments and photo opps against the backdrop of Malahide’s historic gardens. The experience concludes with the Monster Mash Party to let loose and indulge in seasonal treats. Wheelchair and buggy accessible, it’s suited to little ones who might tire easily. @malahide_castle
Ultimate Halloween Experience, Butlers Chocolate Factory, Dublin 17
Step into a spooktacularly sweet world at Butlers Chocolate Factory just 6km from Dublin city centre. Experience a unique behind-the-scenes look at Butlers’ factory floor – where all the magic happens! – to learn about the fascinating history of chocolate, while tasting along the way. Become a real-life chocolatier in the demonstration room where you can decorate a specially crafted chocolate pumpkin to take home. Kids under three go free. Get your golden ticket now for this weekend or at any time throughout the year as the chocolate magic never ends … @butlersthefactorytour
Guardians of The Gardens, Mount Congreve Gardens, Co Waterford
This new interactive trail brings twelve giant animatronic dragons to life across Mount Congreve’s historic woodlands and gardens from October 31 to November 2. As the sun sets, the estate will transform into an immersive realm with lifelike movements, glowing eyes and smoke in the air. Some creatures stand over five metres tall, towering above the trails to create spectacular photo opportunities. A guardians’ trail map will guide walkers on a journey full of puzzles and secrets to solve. Optional add-ons include a family dragon portrait, Little Dragon’s Play Zone (1-3yrs) or Kids Dragon Bounce (4-11yrs). @mountcongreve
Spookfest, Spike Island, Co Cork
Jump aboard the fun ferry to explore the historic fortress and prison on the (in)famous Spike Island, which have been transformed for the ultimate adventure on October 31. Arrive to a Halloween themed guided tour, then trick or treat around the fortress in interactive areas including a pirates’ prison ship, tunnel of terror, witches hollow (careful that she doesn’t cast a spell on you!) and spider sanctuary … if you dare. Don’t miss fire juggling performances every hour along the trail, with child-friendly exhibitions in the local museum. @spikeislandcork
Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Wexford
Secret Valley Wildlife park is a zoo that specialises in rescuing animals from compromised backgrounds and its Halloween experience is not one to miss. Running until November 2, a family day out at the park will see lots of exciting activities, including animal handling and keeper talks, an adventure hunt, play areas, a giant pumpkin patch, Halloween Valley Town, the Ballycross Witches’ Village and more. For those over 12-years-old who are looking for a bigger fright, why not pay the park a visit after dark? The Cornmaze Masacre is an immersive horror experience which features over 55 live characters set in a dark corn maze and abandoned farmyard. This is not for the faint hearted! @secretvalleywildlifepark
Jurassic Newpark, Co Kilkenny
This award-winning family attraction at Newpark Hotel features a Hocus Roarus Dino Show, Harry Potter Halloween Experience and Jurassic Hogwarts Express ride, as well as a haunted castle, of course. There’s also a chance to decorate chocolate apples, take part in a wicked walk scavenger hunt or explore the scare room, which sounds terrifying! Entry is complimentary for hotel residents, with tickets for day visitors available until November 2. @jurassicnewpark
