Carton House, Co Kildare

Carton House demesne is a treasure-trove of history; from the oldest building on the grounds, Tyrconnell Tower, dating back 500 years to the romantic and curious Shell Cottage, built for Her Grace, Emily, Duchess of Leinster, and decorated inside and out with shells. Halloween at Carton House includes breakfast daily, dinner for two on one evening, themed Halloween activities and complimentary access to the resort’s wellness facilities from €1,040 per family based on two adults and two children sharing for two nights. Other activities on the estate include fishing, archery, nature cycles, golfing, and plenty of board games too. There’s also guided nature cycles through this walled estate which has Special Area of Conservation Status, so keep your eyes peeled for the herd of red deer, as well as other wildlife including rare species of birds and plants; www.cartonhouse.com.

Cahernane House Hotel, Co Kerry

As part of its two-night Halloween package, Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry is hosting a night of storytelling with Eddie Lenihan, one of the few traditional seanchaí’s still working in Ireland. Irish fairy stories form a huge part of Lenihan’s repertoire. His tales are not for the easily spooked – banshees, devils, monsters, and of course ghosts populate his stories, part of the hotel’s Halloween package, which can be booked from October 23 – 25, from €349. This includes bed and breakfast for two nights for two adults and two children. It also includes dinner for the family on one evening, a kid’s movie and popcorn and storytelling with Lenihan for adults in the Drawing Room. To continue the Halloween theme, there are great places to explore in the area including Muckross House and Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane. The castle was built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century and is believed to be one of Ireland’s most haunted castles. According to legend, it is said that every seven years O’Donoghue rises from the lake and circles the shore on a white horse. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the ghost will have good fortune for the rest of their lives; www.cahernane.com.

The K Club, Co Kildare

For kids and kidults, The K Club has a cleverly curated “Madness & Mystery” Halloween activity programme running daily from Saturday, October 23. Mad Hatter tea parties, spooky woodland walks, egg and spoon races, skincare seminars to tarot card readings are just some of the treats. A two-night stay with breakfast each morning, and one evening meal in The Barton Restaurant  with full access to Madness & Mystery programme is available from €745 per night, based on two adults and two children; www.kclub.ie.

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin

Located on Exchange Street, Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect base from which  families can explore Ireland’s medieval capital with a free Dublin Pass given to guests. Travel back to Viking times at Dublinia, in the heart of the old city, visit the Chamber of Horror at The National Wax Museum and experience medieval Dublin on foot from Dublin Castle to Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Stop for refreshments in the Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub with a ghostly legend of its own.  “The Little Rock Stars” family package starts from €299 for one night in two interconnecting rooms or a family room, and includes an overnight stay in a cool, family room, a Dublin Pass, with a la carte breakfast and dinner in Zampas Bar & Restaurant – where children dine for free! www.hardrockhotels.com/dublin

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast  

This boutique hotel is on the doorstep of all that’s interesting in Belfast, and comprises 16 elegant, playful rooms, impeccably furnished with antiques, and curios, that make the perfect backdrop for your own Belfast story. Book in and there’s an additional treat. On Tuesday, October 26, “The Gravest Showman” is a Victorian ghost tour with Hidden Belfast, led by Gerry, a superb storyteller who covers the diverse stories beyond the graves with great passion and dark humour. An overnight at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction with tickets to The Gravest Showman on Tuesday, October 26 is available from £120 for overnight stay and tour, or £25 to attend the walking tour and storytelling; www.chambersofdistinction.com.

Clontarf Castle Hotel, Co Dublin

Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve in the neighbourhood home of famed gothic novelist Bram Stoker and reread the dark tale of Dracula within the castle walls of Clontarf Castle, a place filled with history and stories dating back to 1172.

The Halloween fun (and goodies!) starts on arrival with spooky castle treats for children, and a Castle Treasure Trail for the family to follow within the hotel. Guests young and old are encouraged to don their favourite superhero or spooky attire as there will be prizes for the best (and scariest!) Halloween costumes on Halloween night. The “Spooktacular Fun” package is available from October 21 to November 1 and starts from €220 per room per night (based on a family room). This includes a two night stay, Artisan Castle breakfast each morning and dinner one evening for two adults and two children in Knights Bar; www.clontarfcastle.ie.

Brooks Hotel, Dublin

For a city centre break Brooks Hotel could not be more central. Situated in the Creative Quarter of Dublin on Drury Street, with theatres, great restaurants, bars and an eclectic mix of interesting boutiques on its doorstep, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to explore the city and within walking distance of Dublin Castle, Little Museum of Dublin, Museum of Literature, Guinness Storehouse and all major the museums and galleries.

Enjoy a one-night stay with a Halloween film in the hotel’s screening room. The package includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with breakfast the following morning and lots of other treats including bubbly, homemade cakes and late checkout. The total stay is from €295 (based on two adults and one child); www.brookshotel.ie.