Ghosts? Goblins? Ghouls? Dinosaurs?! Whatever Halloween activity you are looking for, one of these spooky events is sure to tickle your fancy…
THE NIGHTMARE REALM
The Nightmare Realm returns and this year it is taking place in Dublin’s City Market, at Mary’s Lane, Dublin 7 until November 2. This year’s iteration is twice the size of previous events and comprises shocks and scares, dazzling special effects, immersive scenery, live actors, and five terrifying new mazes, including The Haunted Orphanage, The Sewers, Cannibals Playground, Attack of the Clowns, and Death Row. Adding to the buzz is the new addition of Halloween Town, a fun horror-village festival zone with a food court and dance stage, and Ireland’s first three dimensional binaural experience using only sound and your imagination to encounter on the classic Irish ghost story – the Legend of The Banshee. Tickets, which are priced from €22 to €36 (depending on the ticket type and day) are on sale at www.thenightmarerealm.ie.
BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL
Taking place across the October Bank Holiday weekend, more than 40,000 people are expected to enjoy Four Days of Deadly Adventures in the first live edition of the Bram Stoker Festival since 2019. The programme celebrates the legacy of one of Ireland’s most treasured authors and includes the premiere of Borealis, a (free) installation of light and sound in Dublin Castle. Stokerland, a Victorian pop-up fun park, opens in St Patrick’s Park and includes macabre theatre, games and performances. Other events include a screening of Nosferatu100, at the Pepper Canister Church, celebrating this iconic film’s centenary with the live performance of a new score written by internationally-renowned composer and musician Matthew Nolan in collaboration with Jeff Ballard, Sean Mac Erlaine, and Sharon Phelan. For information and to book tickets visit www.bramstokerfestival.com.
HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL, SOLAS ECO GARDEN SHOP, PORTARLINGTON, CO LAOIS
The SOLAS Eco Garden Shop will be transformed into a spooky den with a haunted house, creepy creatures and spinetingling witches, ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Owner, Georgina Carey believes that Halloween gives us the opportunity to reawaken the child in all of us: “The event at Solas means we can bask in the giddiness and delight that this time lends itself to. Who doesn’t love a good ghost story at Halloween! We’ll have a fire pit where people can toast marshmallows, enjoy hot chocolate and get all cosy. Personally, I can’t wait!”. www.thegardenshop.ie
PÚCA FESTIVAL, CO MEATH
Celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween, Púca is an authentic, immersive, and otherworldly festival, taking place in festival hubs Trim and Athboy in Co Meath, from Friday October 28 – 31. Púca will comprise three days of music, myth, food, folklore, fire, feasting and merriment in the country where Halloween began, with a range of ticketed and free events on offer. Music acts will include homegrown talent King Kong Company, Block Rockin Beats and The High Kings, while comedy headliners will include Neil Delamere, Jason Byrne, Joanne McNally, and David O’Doherty along with support acts. Storytelling and folklore will be brought to life with events headlined by Blindboy and Candlelit Tales. For a full programme visit www.pucafestival.com.
JURASSIC NEWPARK, NEWPARK HOTEL, KILKENNY
Over the mid-term break, Newpark Hotel Kilkenny is hosting a spooktacular ‘wicked walk’ through the hotel’s new prehistoric playground, Jurassic Newpark. Having launched in August, Jurassic Newpark is already proving to be a hugely popular attraction. The Wicked Walk takes place from Saturday October 29 to Sunday 6 November 2022 and is packed with activities. It must be pre-booked online at www.jurassicnewpark.com but hotel guests go free. Let it be said, however, it will be outdoors, cold, and spooky so layer up! The hotel can accommodate two adults and two children in their spacious deluxe family rooms while the luxury superior rooms cater for families with three children. The hotel’s mid-term family breaks for two adults and two children staying in a classic room start from €648 for two nights bed and breakfast with one evening meal. Three or four night stays are also available. This is certainly a trip you can sink your teeth into! For more information visit; www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com.
MALAHIDE CASTLE AND GARDENS
Malahide Castle and Gardens has undergone a spooky makeover for Diabolical Dorothy’s Dreadful Brew this October mid-term. The famous fairy trail has been transformed into an interactive treasure hunt for the family to explore with a booklet and a map to seek out ingredients for Diobolical Dorothy’s Dreadful Brew. Taking place from October 29 to 31 this is an exciting, adventurous day out for all the family. Tickets are €8 for adults and €5.50 for children; www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie.
SPOOKY SEASON ACTIVITIES AT DUNDRUM
Dundrum Town Centre has plenty of activities to keep you busy this Halloween. Whether you need to occupy the kids, or yourself, there is enough happening to keep everyone happy. An exciting showing of Jackula at dlr Mill Theatre is taking place on Sunday October 30 at 1pm and 4pm, tickets are for €9. Jackula, the story of Dracula’s younger brother, tells an inspirational story about becoming the world’s first fun vampire and showcases an exciting magic show. After this you can make a trip to Halloween HQ and curate the perfect Halloween costume. This is Ireland’s biggest Halloween pop up store company and have situated themselves in Dundrum Town Centre with all their props, gore, décor and more. It is definitely worth a visit. Rainforest Adventure Golf is the perfect mid-term activity, especially on those rainy days where a seasonal walk just won’t do. Located at the back of Dundrum Town Centre, this place consists of two indoor golf courses, a café and a mini arcade. The 18 holes bring you through the jungle with various spooky sound effects and exciting sets. An added bonus is the delicious pizza, wings, coffee and ice-cream you can grab after your round. Another activity, horror films at Movies@Dundrum. If you’re a horror fan or simply in the mood for a jump scare – head over to movies at Dundrum for a host of the most thrilling horror movies of the year. A good cinematic scare is sure to get you in the Halloween mood. www.dundrum.ie.
Main featured image via Unsplash.
