From clowns with chainsaws to deadly dinosaurs, Celtic sporting mythology and music festivals, there are some wickedly good Halloween events happening across the country this October. Here is a roundup of the festivals and events you won’t want to miss!
the 2024 festival.
Visit Europe’s Best Scream Park, The Nightmare Realm at Dublin City Market.
The Nightmare Realm, which was voted Ireland’s Best Halloween Experience and Europe’s Best Scream Park, is returning to its haunt at Dublin’s City Market from Friday 4th October-1st November 2024 with its biggest and most impressive event yet. The Nightmare Realm is daring visitors to step through the veil of their immersive world at a brand new experience: Village of Fear XV- which embodies everything that haunts your nightmares, with five thrilling new mazes, interactive secret rooms, an expanded Museum of Horrors, a food court, and an even larger Halloweentown. In partnership with Club Orange and Dublin City Council.
See thenightmarerealm.ie for more information.
Take a wicked walk at Jurassic Newpark, Kilkenny
Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween midterm at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. From Saturday, 26th October to Sunday, 3rd November 2024, embark on a magical journey where worlds collide as you trail from a den of deadly dinosaurs, to a world of wonderful wizarding, and all the spooky stops in between! dinosaurs, wizards, and ghouls collide in a fun-filled, spooky ‘Wicked Walk’ adventure through the hotel’s renowned family attraction, Jurassic Newpark. The entire park will be seasonally decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, bats, and skeletons, offering an interactive Halloween experience for the whole family. Be sure to get into the ‘spirit’ by dressing up in a spooky costume or your favourite dinosaur outfit!
See jurassicnewpark.com for more information.
Discover the Magic of Samhain with Hurloween Tours at Croke Park
The GAA Museum at Croke Park invites families to celebrate the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, with a unique twist on Halloween at their ever-popular ‘Hurloween’ Tours. Leave the ghouls and ghosts behind and dive into Ireland’s sporting history, from the legendary tales of Setanta to the heroic leaders of today like Shane O’Donnell! Young GAA fans can journey through the centuries, learning about Ireland’s oldest games while embracing the spirit of Samhain. This year’s Hurloween Tours, which run from Tuesday 29th October – Thursday 31st October (10.30, 12.30 and 14.30 daily) promise an unique experience for families looking for seasonal fun rather than scares and are perfect for children aged between five and twelve, accompanied by an adult.
Book your tickets in advance online at crokepark.ie/halloween.
Have a scarily good time at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
For some hip (and haunting!) music then make your way to Cork for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival from 24th-28th October. Celebrating its 46th year, the world-renowned 5-day festival features a jam-packed weekend of eclectic performances with the finest international jazz artists including head liner Gregory Porter, and a stellar line-up of Irish and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. There’s also an extended music trail through the city, and a fantastic line-up of Irish and international musicians and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Add to that pop-up events, late night parties, boat trips, collaborations and brass bands marching through the city streets.
See GuinnessJazzfestival.com to book tickets and learn more about this years’ festival.
Have an out of this world October!