Halloween Fun & Adventures

Great Halloween Fun and Adventures

Here in Ireland, we celebrate Halloween with ancient Giants, Púca, Zombie morgues, walks in the woods if you dare, and also mummers in their straw disguises. This is a festival of wonder and excitement before the arrival of winter.

This is a selection of great events from around the country. You can find various events at Galway, Meath, Kilkenny, Waterford, Limerick, Trim, and Nenagh amongst other locations. We have supplied a list below to get you started.

MACNAS, IN THEIR HOMETOWN OF GALWAY

Macnas is the most amazing award-winning internationally acclaimed spectacle theatre company which is based in Galway. This should not be missed

• What: CON MÓR, The Giant. Macnas have an ancient giant living under the floor! Come and visit the giant at Macnas HQ, to see this giant on the banks of the River Corrib (see image above).
• Where: Macnas HQ, Fisheries Field, Galway
• When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October
• Times: 12 noon – 8pm
• Special elements: Remember to bring along your message of hope attached to your feather.

Also, there are Macnas pop-up performances happening around the city with the Macnas drummers, Macnas Stilters, and lots more.

Here is the Macnas link to find out the full details:

https://www.macnas.com/works/macnas-spectacle-youth-theatre

Farmaphobia – the most frightening Halloween event in Ireland

FARMAPHOBIA

Probably one of Ireland’s biggest and scariest Halloween attractions.

• What: Farmaphobia with 5 haunts spread over 100 acres to scare every visitor.
• Where: Causey Farm, Fordstown, Co. Meath, C15 P83R
• When: 1 October – 2 November
• Times: Runs daily, need to book in advance. Attraction lasts approx 1.5-2 hours.
• Special elements: Zombie Morgue but are they really dead? Clown Town, can you leave it? Momma’s Murder Maize with the Baker family.
• Age limit: strictly 13+ and all 13-16 year olds must be accompanied on-site by an adult.

This is the link to see full information and book your visit:

https://farmaphobia.com/

Scary Halloween pumpkins in front of bonfire

NORE VALLEY PARK HALLOWEEN EVENT

Come to Kilkenny for this Halloween Treasure Hunt and spectacular bonfire.

• What: Torchlight Treasure hunt, Scare Maze for 8 years +.
• Where: Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny
• When: 22, 26, 27, 28 and 31 October
• Times: 7-9pm
• Special elements: Afterwards, sit by the Bonfire and toast Marshmallows.

Check out their website for full details on this event:

https://www.norevalleypark.com/

Spinning fire as part of the outdoor performance

THE OPENING PROCESSION OF THE PUCA FESTIVAL 2022

Púca, the shape-shifting spirit, lives in the Irish countryside and is thought to bring either good or bad luck to anyone who meets them. They are tricksters and can cause chaos often appearing in human form with animal features chatting and telling stories. In the past, it was a tradition for the farmers to leave a small portion of the harvest in the fields for the Púca. This gesture ensured a good harvest for the following year.

The Púca Festival returns again this year with more events for Halloween.

• What: Samhain procession through the streets of time to welcome the arrival of the spirits and to kick off the Puca Festival
• Where: Trim, Co Meath. The Parade travels from Jonathan Swift Street to Trim Castle
• When: Saturday, 29 October
• Time: 6.30pm
• Special elements: Free event and no tickets needed. Why not make your own mask and get dressed up for this occasion with music, fire, and performances

Here is the link for full details of the festival: https://pucafestival.com/event/opening-procession-the-arrival-of-the-spirits/

Halloween Pumpkins along greenway

SPRAOI WICKED WOODS AT WATERFORD GREENWAY

This is the Waterford Greenway with a difference. You can enjoy the creatures of the night along with music and scary sounds for your woodland adventure.

• What: A celebration of the Irish Samhain to mark the start of winter. Beware of the creatures hiding in the forest.
• Where: Waterford Greenway Carpark Carraiganore, X91 XD96
• When: 28, 29 and 30 October
• Times: Shows from 6 pm- 8.30 pm nightly (show duration 30mins)
• Times Matinee: 2 pm- 3.30 pm (Saturday, October 29th only)
• Special points: Remember to have your torch with you and wrap up warmly against the cold.

For more information and booking details see this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/waterfordspraoi

Participants dressed up enjoying the Samhain Parade

LIMERICK SAMHAIN PARADE OF LIGHT

This is a free family event for everyone to come and enjoy.

The Bishop’s Lady will roam the medieval streets haunting all her onlookers.  The local communities have made lanterns for this festival.

• What: Samhain festival, with a light-filled parade through Nicholas Street, Limerick.
• Where: Begins at City Hall, Merchant’s Quay. Finishes at the Potato Market, Merchant’s Quay.
• When: Saturday 29 October
• Time: 7pm
• Special elements: Wear your Halloween costume for this great event.

https://www.limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/samhain-parade-light

Jack o’ Lantern In The Spooky Cemetery

SPLEODAR HALLOWEEN PARADE

Enjoy the excitement of the drummers and lantern carriers for this wonderful parade with the Chief Mummer, dressed in the distinctive straw headdress, leading the parade.

• What: Halloween Parade
• Where: Nenagh, Co Tipperary
• When: 29 October
• Time: 5.15pm – 6pm
• Special elements: Free event. Suitable for all the family with the excitement of the Mummer to delight the little ones

For full details please see this link: https://spleodar.ie/event/spleodar-halloween-parade/