Ireland has long been regarded as the home of Halloween, and so it comes as no surprise that there are events happening across the island to mark the occasion. From celebrating legendary Dracula author Bram Stoker to spooky Samhain stories.
So, here are all the activities to do across the country this spooky season...
Butler's Halloween Tour
Butlers Halloween Tour.
Who said Halloween has to be spooky? Butlers Chocolates are leaning more on treat than trick, as they offer Halloween Tours, running from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November.
Visitors can enjoy a tour of the Butlers Chocolate Experience, discovering how some of Ireland’s favorite chocolates are made, with plenty of chocolate treats along the way.
Guests can also get creative with a hands-on chocolate activity, perfect for families looking for a fun Halloween day out. You can find out more information here.
Samhain in the Heartlands
A Puca festival performer in Meath.
Samhain in the Heartlands is bringing the ancient Gaelic festival to Longford and Westmeath from Friday, 2nd October to Sunday, 8th November.
The 2026 program will feature around 50 events across both counties, bringing together fire and shadow processions, immersive performances, traditional music, storytelling, feasting, family activities and experiences at ancient sites, drawing on the folklore, mythology and landscapes behind the origins of Halloween in Ireland.
The jam-packed program is delivered by Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council, supported by Fáilte Ireland. You can find out more information here.
The Haunted Trail Malahide
The Haunted Trail Malahide.
Malahide Castle is getting in on the action, with their festival opening on 17 October. Samhain comes alive for all ages with Irish folklore, candlelit storytelling, and live Celtic music.
While there are events for those 'too cute to spook' during the day, Samhain takes on a different side from 4.45pm, when visitors will journey along The Haunted Trail and through the Samhain Forest before arriving at The Samhain Gathering,
The storytellers of Candlelit Tales breathe life back into tales of old and haunted Ireland, for the young and old alike, all set to traditionally inspired music. Seasonal food and drinks are also available for purchase.
You can find more information here.
Bram Stoker Festival
Bram Stoker Festival.
Crowds watch the Macnas Halloween Parade in Dublin city center, part of the
Wanting to delve into some fang-tastic events during the week of Halloween? Well, look no further than the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin.
The four-day event is jam-packed with activities for all ages, including a free Victorian-themed pop-up park in St. Patrick's Park. Running from Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October 2026, the festival celebrates the legacy of Irish writer Bram Stoker and his classic novel, Dracula.
With the full lineup of the festival yet to be announced, Dublin City Council has taken over different parts of the city for the weekend to fully embrace the legendary writer and the gothic era. Tickets are available here.
Pumpkin patches
Alright Pumpkin Patch, County Meath.
The ultimate fun day out that is the epitome of Autumn is a day out at a pumpkin patch. Grab yourself a cozy hot drink, and set out to pick the best pumpkin of the patch to carve your spookiest creation into.
With some fabulous places like Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Luggswoods in Dublin, there are a multitude of places to go for a fun day out in Ireland.
Luggwoods
Halloween at Luggwoods.
If you have little ones looking to get in on the autumn fun, take them to Luggwoods in the Dublin Mountains.
Magic moments await at Luggwoods, where wooded trails hide a secret potion for little ones to find. Then, they can climb aboard the Spookwood Express, where they’ll journey deep into the heart of the shadowy forest before reaching the Witch’s glowing cabin in the woods.
The Luggwoods Fall Festival runs 17 and 18 October and 24 to 31 October. Tickets for the two-hour experience are priced from €15.95 for adults and €24.95 for children, while infants go free. You can get tickets here.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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