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It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this Bank Holiday weekend, between Friday the 24th and Sunday the 27th of September across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from Oktoberfest Belfast to Pumpkins after Dark and much, much more. Halloween at EPIC, Dublin - 1.10-2.11 This October exciting Halloween-themed events are taking place at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – perfect for families and those curious about Irish culture and the origins of Halloween. Read more here. Oktoberfest Belfast, Belfast - 25.09-25.10 Belfast is set to raise its steins high this autumn as Oktoberfest makes its long-awaited return to Custom House Square on 25th September 2025. Promising to be “back and bigger than ever,” the festival will transform the heart of the city into a lively Bavarian beer hall every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 25th October. Read more here. Pumpkins After Dark, Dublin - 03.10-31.10 Join Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, for Pumpkins After Dark – Ireland’s newest and most enchanting outdoor Halloween event! Featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, this magical, family-friendly experience will captivate visitors of all ages. Read more here. Nightmare Realm, Dublin - 01.10-02.11 As darker evenings creep in, shadows and demons begin to stir—Halloween is here, and with it, The Nightmare Realm, Europe’s most awarded Halloween attraction.  Returning for 2025, this year’s production is its most ambitious yet, set in an all-new, expanded home at Royal Liver Retail Park, Inchicore, Dublin. Read more here.

Every garden has its secrets, and on Halloween night, the shadows of Mount Congreve Gardens will come alive with Poison & Petals: A Halloween Garden Tour.  As dusk falls on Friday, 31 October 2025, visitors are invited to step off the familiar paths and into the darker side of nature. For sixty minutes, an expert guide will lead you through groves and glades where beauty conceals danger, where ancient folklore clings to twisted roots, and where poisonous plants tell stories far older than the walls of the estate. This is a walk that reveals the truth every gardener knows in their bones: not all that grows should be touched. Mount Congreve is celebrated around the world as a sanctuary of colour and splendour, but beneath its blossoms lies a heritage steeped in mystery. The gardens stretch across seventy acres of woodland, winding paths and many rare plants. While in spring and summer they are places of vibrancy and light, on All Hallows’ Eve their mood shifts. The same petals that once dazzled in daylight now hint at stories of superstition and folklore. Timed to begin at 17:33, as the last light fades, the tour promises an atmosphere heavy with suspense. Guests will need sturdy shoes and a readiness to walk into the gathering dark, guided only by stories and shadows. Tickets are €15 per adult for non-members and €10 for members and residents. Poison & Petals is not for the faint-hearted. This is an adults-only encounter with the untamed, unsettling side of the natural world, where the line between beauty and danger is as fine as the edge of a leaf. Booking is essential, and spaces are expected to fill quickly. Reserve your place now at www.mountcongreve.com

Gather your little monsters for truly magical Halloween fun at Newpark Hotel Kilkenny, 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! Returning from Saturday 25th October- Sunday 2nd November. Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween midterm at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny! From Saturday, 25th October to Sunday, 2nd November 2025, go on a magical journey where dinosaurs, wizards, and ghouls collide in a fun-filled, spooky ‘Wicked Walk’ adventure through the hotel’s renowned family attraction, Jurassic Newpark. On the walk, you’ll experience fun, thrills and chills as dinosaurs come back to life, ghouls appear around every corner, and magical moments await in the brand-new wizard’s sanctorium. This enchanting event is open to all, not just hotel guests, though those staying at the hotel get complimentary access. This Halloween, Jurassic Newpark is continuing last years addition – a world of wizardry where your young witches and wizards can brew potions, cast spells, and meet familiar magical characters. It’s an immersive experience that will leave little ones buzzing with excitement. The Jurassic Newpark Wicked Walk is packed with other spooky fun, including: Ghoulish Face Painting: Become your favourite spooky character. Terrific Treats Station: Decorate and devour your own chocolate apples. Halloween Fun & Games: Enjoy plenty of tricks and treats for the whole family. Beyond the Wicked Walk, families can: Explore the enchanted fairy trail, wildlife farm, and adventure playground. Embark on a dino dig to unearth hidden bones and fossils—but beware of cursed relics! Take a ride on the magical Newpark Express train. 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! With more of a spooky than scary feel, the Halloween festivities at The Newpark Hotel are suitable for children under the age of 11, and remember, this is an outdoor event so bring waterproof and warm clothes. Keep the family fueled all day and ‘trick-or-treat’ yourselves to spooky snacks from the Snack Shack. The fun at Jurassic Newpark doesn’t stop there! Burn off some energy at the air covered inflatable adventure park called Jurassic Bounce for only an additional cost of €3 per child (for 30 minute session). Plan Your Visit A day trip to Jurassic Newpark is a must this Halloween midterm. It’s a chance for families to enjoy a wickedly fun day out with plenty of activities and interactive experiences. Running from Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025, pre-book your visit online at jurassicnewpark.com. Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! For tickets and more information, visit  www.jurassicnewpark.com  or follow on @JurassicNewpark social media to stay updated on the spooky fun

Join Newbridge House and Farm, Donabate, for Pumpkins After Dark – Ireland’s newest and most enchanting outdoor Halloween event! Featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, this magical, family-friendly experience will captivate visitors of all ages. Discover a Magical Halloween Wonderland Explore a mesmerizing, one-kilometer illuminated pumpkin pathway filled with intricately carved sculptures and dazzling displays. Encounter classic Halloween characters, fairies, dragons, movie heroes, and beloved pop culture icons, all enhanced by immersive music, captivating sound effects, and mesmerizing visuals. Event Highlights Live Pumpkin Carving Demonstrations : Witness talented artists creating spectacular pumpkin art right before your eyes. Autumn Treats & Sweets : Indulge in delicious seasonal snacks and sweets that capture the spirit of Halloween. Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities : Capture unforgettable memories at our picturesque displays. Our Intern’s Experience Travel2Ireland’s intern, Aya, recently visited Pumpkins After Dark  and described it as “absolutely incredible.” From the moment she entered the trail at Newbridge House and Farm, she loved the artistry, atmosphere, and attention to detail. “It honestly felt like stepping into a Halloween fairytale,” Aya shared. “Every pumpkin was so carefully carved and lit, from the dragons to the fairies, you could tell how much love went into creating each display. The music and sound effects made it feel so immersive, and it was such a joy to see families and friends wandering around, just smiling and soaking it all in.” Her glowing review captures exactly what makes Pumpkins After Dark  a must-see! Food & Drinks Enjoy a delicious selection of food and drinks at Pumpkins After Dark, Ireland’s spectacular Halloween event at Newbridge House and Farm. Indulge in freshly made wood-fired pizza, BBQ favourites, and sweet treats including crêpes and ice cream – perfect for visitors of all ages. Warm up with freshly brewed coffee or tea, or unwind with a drink from our fully licensed bar offering a range of alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, the food and drink experience adds even more magic to your Pumpkins After Dark adventure. Event Dates Pumpkins After Dark will run on select dates from October 3rd to 31st, 2025 . Make Pumpkins After Dark your newest autumn tradition – book your tickets early and experience the magic! For any queries please email ireland@lanternevents.ca Event Accessibility Pumpkins After Dark is designed to be accessible for everyone. The event terrain includes paved pathways, grassy areas, and loose gravel with slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair users may require assistance. Getting Here – Public Transport and Parking Getting to Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House and Farm is easy and convenient. We highly recommend using public transport, with several excellent options available. Public Transport The DART train to Donabate Station is the most direct route – just a 10-minute walk brings you to the event entrance.The Go-Ahead Ireland Bus 33B also stops directly outside Newbridge House, making it a hassle-free choice for families and groups Shuttle Bus – The Pumpkins Express Hop aboard The Pumpkins Express Shuttle , a convenient coach service running between Donabate Train Station and the event. Location: Donabate side of the Train Station, in the car park Cost: €1 per person (each way) Schedule: Continuous loop throughout the evening, departing as soon as full This is a great option for visitors arriving by train who prefer not to walk to the venue. Car Park If you’re arriving by car, limited on-site parking is available for €5 per vehicle .Please note that parking tickets must be pre-booked online – they will not be available at the gate.Booking in advance ensures smooth entry and helps avoid delays.

This October, Dublin Zoo invites you to a unique Halloween experience where the wild world meets wicked fun. Deep within the zoo grounds, their Haunted House is opening its creaky doors for an exclusive pumpkin-making workshop designed for the most adventurous young visitors. Let your little creatures get hands-on as they transform a humble pumpkin into a spooky work of art. They’ll leave with not only magical memories but also their very own fang-tastic creation to proudly display. Event details Dates: 25th, 26th & 27th October 2025 Times: 10.15am to 11.00am / 11.15am to 12.00am / 12.15m to 1.00pm / 1.15pm to 2.00pm Session length: 45 minutes Capacity: 20 kids per session Age restriction: the workshop is for children only and suitable for those aged 4yrs – 8yrs (decorating pumpkins) and 9yrs – 14yrs (carving pumpkins) All guests must pre-book a ticket to gain access to the event space, adult tickets include day entry (free of charge for annual pass holders). Due to the nature of the event children under 4yrs will not be able to participate. This event is part of Dublin Zoo's Junior Halloween workshop lineup, with events that are perfect for children aged 6-12 years and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the animals at Dublin Zoo through fun and educational activities. Children encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costume! Read more about the workshops here.

If you’re a family seeking kid-friendly activities or a thrill-seeker ready for ghoulish fun, County Kildare has something for everyone. Into Kildare recommends some super, spine-tingling experiences as well as some educational, arty and stylish ones to enjoy this Halloween! National Stud Halloween This year looks to be the biggest yet, with magicians galore, games and a spooky tunnel. A very family-friendly Halloween awaits you at the Irish National Stud & Gardens, from 28th to 31st October Available from 11 am to 3 pm, you can even book your tickets in advance to ensure a great day out with all the family. Enjoy all the usual attractions: meet the Living Legends, explore the Irish Racehorse Experience, follow the fairy trail, and stroll through the Japanese Gardens. Don’t miss meeting some of our horses in their paddock. For more information, click here.   Palmerstown house haunted trail Experience an enchanting Halloween at the Haunted Trail during the October Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy spooktacular fun and interactive activities for the whole family. Designed to be spooky but not scary, this 1-kilometre outdoor walk is perfect for younger children, but all ages and abilities are welcome. Explore magical decorations, meet costumed characters, and capture fabulous photos along the way. Spooky days Lullymore Running 18th and 19th and 25th to 31st October enjoy spooky fun at Lullymore! Expect Haunted Holograms, Zombie-filled Terror Train Trips, and Terror Treasure Hunts. Online booking is essential for morning and afternoon slots. No ticket, no entry. Fancy dress is optional. Be aware: the Terror Train Trip may not be suitable for younger children. For more information, call 045 870238 or email lullymorebookings@gmail.com . Prices: Starting at €15.25 plus booking fees for an adult Haunted Harvest Festival This years Halloween event runs from October 18th to Thursday, October 31st, 2024, for family-friendly Halloween fun! This years theme is harvest festival, so put on the wellies and head out for a wholesome day out that won’t scare the socks off you! Dive into the Halloween spirit at Clonfert Farm always a great family day out! Kildare Farm Foods Spooktacular Events: Ghostly Train Ride –  When you arrive its all aboard the Farm Shop Ghost train for a Spooktacular Tour of the Farm Spooky Halloween Rollercoaster  – Join Dash & Friends for a spooky journey through the Haunted Pumpkin farm on our Virtual Rollercoaster.  Enchanted Scarecrow Woodland Walk  -Take a walk among the Enchanted Halloween Woodland. 18 Holes Of Indoor Crazy Golf –  Play 18 holes on Indoor Crazy Golf. Perfect in any weather and guaranteed to spark that competitive spirit in any family. Our Pumpkin Village – Visit our Pumpkin Patch and Glasshouse. Where farm grown pumpkins are available to purchase. Fancy Dress Competition  – Fancy Dress Event with a Prize for the Best Dressed Family! Access to Our Other Attractions –  Our Open Farm, Tractor Café, Farm Shop & all other Activities will be open for you to enjoy during your booked visit.

As darker evenings creep in, shadows and demons begin to stir—Halloween is here, and with it, The Nightmare Realm, Europe’s most awarded Halloween attraction.  Returning for 2025, this year’s production is its most ambitious yet, set in an all-new, expanded home at Royal Liver Retail Park, Inchicore, Dublin.  Running for 21 fear and fun fuelled nights until November 2nd, this year’s Realm features five brand-new, cinematic haunted mazes, an expanded HalloweenTown, and over 150 live performers in a fully immersive, festival-style setting.. The Nightmare Realm , proudly sponsored by Fanta, is an adrenaline-fueled Irish production like no other—fusing Hollywood-style set design, cinematic production, live performance, and chilling storytelling into one unforgettable experience. Think open-world gaming meets Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be stalked by demons, thrown into nightmare s, and immersed in a world where fear becomes entertainment.   Every year, the Realm is rebuilt from the ground up—something no other Halloween event in Europe dares to do. This dedication to constant reinvention keeps it fresh and unmissable for fans, fast becoming Ireland’s new modern Halloween tradition. Like a phantom, it appears in a new location every few years. For 2025, that location is a sprawling 7,000 sqm indoor/outdoor site at Royal Liver Retail Park, right beside the Kylemore Luas stop. This year, visitors will descend into the chilling lore of “The Curse of the Five”—a haunting mystery that unites all five mazes into a single, lore-driven storyline: Gallows Hill Asylum, Trappers, Clowns in the Attic, SILO C, and A Haunting at Blackmore. Each maze reveals another piece of the curse, pulling guests deeper into the Realm ’s twisted mythology.   Complementing the mazes and now bigger, bolder, and more bizarre than ever, HalloweenTown returns as a dedicated fan hangout space.  The fully immersive festival‑style area features new interactive elements: photo ops with Halloween characters, food trucks, a cloakroom, and three new haunted shops Spell & Spindle, Cauldron & Coffee, and the Fanta Fright Cinema and ‘The Tree of the Dead’ which proves that love isn’t dead after all — the perfect spooky spot for horror fans ready to say ‘till death do us part’. For the first time ever, there will be two fire shows on select nights by Fuego Fatale, as well as nightly entertainment from the incredible House of Swag dance troupe and the Realm ’s resident aerialists. Returning shop favourites include: Beelz & Sons Funeral Parlour, Nothing Lasts Forever Tattoo Shop, Miss Fortune’s House of Tarot, Obscura Antiques & Oddities, White Witch Creations, Fall FM Radio Shack, Trick or Treat Sweet Shop, The Haunted Doll Shop, and The Little Museum of Horrors.  It’s like a neighbourhood town dedicated to horror. Expect high-octane performances from over 150 scare actors, circus performers, stilt walkers, and dancers.    Tickets are priced from €24 to €40 (depending on the ticket type and the day attending). Family bundles (2a+2c) are available for peak nights priced €110. Date night deals available on select nights. This event sells out quickly, so pre-booking is essential. Access is easy, as it is located beside the Kylemore stop on the Luas Red Line with free on-site parking for 300+ cars. In partnership with the Land Development Agency . For more information and tickets, visit   www.thenightmarerealm.ie   For more see  www.thenightmarerealm.ie

With the leaves beginning to change colour, the evenings drawing in and children’s thoughts turning to trick or treating, the Sligo Park hotel is launching its autumn holiday packages this week.   The four-star hotel has special offers designed to offer fun for all the family at Halloween or for a weekend luxury break for couples in the surrounds of scenic Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way.   The Autumn Family Offer, or Spooktacular Halloween Family Break, is all treats, no tricks — the perfect mix of thrills and giggles for your midterm break – a two-night family package with B&B and one dinner included. The package starts at €599 for two nights for four people You can treat the whole family to a frightfully fun getaway with two nights of magic, mystery and mischief at Sligo Park Hotel. The jam-packed Halloween experience, includes: A spine-tingling Halloween Walk     A Creepy Fairy Trail   Tricks and treats galore for little monsters  Scary Movie Nights perfect for brave souls   A splash of fun with our Inflatable Float Session in the pool In addition, the eerie ATU Haunting will take place on Monday October 27 th . Always a marvellously spooky event, details for this year’s Haunting can be found here.       Sligo Park Hotel is also offering an Autumn Luxury Break as an ideal getaway along the Wild Atlantic Way for the over 50s. Customers can enjoy two nights dinner, bed and breakfast, and then choose their fun activities such as woodland walks with tranquil views, invigorating seaweed baths beside breathtaking beaches or discovering the flavours of the Taste of Sligo Food Festival. The Autumn Luxury Break costs from €430 (based on two people sharing).     Sligo Park Hotel General Manager Gerard Moore said:    “Sligo Park Hotel is delighted to unveil our new autumn holiday packages for families and couples as we welcome this season of transition and prepare ourselves and the hotel for the fun to come at Halloween. At Sligo Park Hotel, you have the best of both worlds – curated activities for everyone to enjoy at the hotel and exceptional local experiences ranging from surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and outdoor swimming to walking, hiking, saunas and, of course, fireside music sessions in charming local pubs.”

Join Glasnevin's resident paranormal investigators Elaina & Niamh as they go púca hunting on the Children's Samhain Tour on 29th, 30th, and 31st of October at 1pm and 3:30pm.   Learn about Ireland's unique Celtic traditions and superstitions during Samhain.    Learn about ghost stories, grave robbing, body snatching, and much more! There will also be holding a "Best Costume" competition with a very spooky prize up for grabs!   Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults must be accompanied by children!   The key elements of the tours at Glasnevin Cemetery are the individuals laid to rest there – iconic figures from history and the less well-known – and their Tour Guides, who are extremely skilled and always highly-commended by audiences. All of the tours begin and end in the state-of-the art Visitor Centre. Here, you can view displays, videos and interactive media in both the City of the Dead and the Prospect Gallery. This will give you an intriguing introduction to your visit and set the scene for the outdoor tour which follows.   Bookings can be made at   https://www.dctrust.ie/products/children-samhain-tour.html

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 17th and Sunday the 19th of September across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from Oktoberfest Belfast to the Kerry International Film Festival and much, much more. Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, Galway - 10.10-19.10 Get ready to take centre stage at the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children in Galway, on from October 10th-19th! Families, children, and art lovers of all ages are invited to dive into an exciting world of theater, music, dance, and visual arts designed especially for young audiences. If your little ones are budding artists or simply eager to experience the joy of live performances, Baboró promises an unforgettable programme for everyone! Read more here. Oktoberfest Belfast, Belfast - 25.09-25.10 Belfast is set to raise its steins high this autumn as Oktoberfest makes its long-awaited return to Custom House Square on 25th September 2025. Promising to be “back and bigger than ever,” the festival will transform the heart of the city into a lively Bavarian beer hall every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 25th October. Read more here. Kerry International Film Festival, Kerry - 16.10-19.10 Make space in your itinerary for Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) . From 16–19 October 2025 , Killarney transforms into a cinema, welcoming film lovers to experience four days of stories, screenings and conversations. Read more here. Halloween at EPIC, Dublin - 1.10-2.11 This October exciting Halloween-themed events are taking place at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – perfect for families and those curious about Irish culture and the origins of Halloween. Read more here.

This October exciting Halloween-themed events are taking place at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – perfect for families and those curious about Irish culture and the origins of Halloween. Beware of Dracula! Halloween Family Tour His famous character Dracula, a notorious vampire, has somehow escaped from his book in our Storytelling Gallery and into the vaults of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Can you and your family help track him down and spell him back from whence he came? Themed tour includes a walkthrough of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Working with our guide, you and your family will locate clues hidden in our galleries to Dracula’s whereabouts. Discover more about Bram Stoker’s life and the famous novel Dracula that shaped how the world imagines vampires today. Stop off for a Storytelling session, where Bram will bring to life some tales of creatures from Irish history and folklore that may have inspired Bram’s creation. Work together to create your very own vampire myth, suitable for the Ireland of today! Book:  https://epicchq.com/beware-of-dracula-halloween-family-tour/ Date:  27th October – 1stNovember Times (5 Tours Daily):  10.00am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm Cost:  Child: €15.00 | Adult: €23.00 Ages:  6 – 12 Ghosts, Ghouls and “Goodie Glover Day”: The Irish Origins of Halloween Halloween is fast approaching and it’s time to delve back in the origins of Irish traditions and explore how Samhain became Halloween. Irish ghost stories and funerary traditions travelled with the Irish diaspora and often became entangled with local customs to form entirely new traditions over the centuries. Learn about The Dullahan (“dark man”) a malevolent harbinger of death who served as the inspiration for the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow. Discover how the local practice of burying corpses with a stake through the heart influenced the writings of Irish emigrant Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Uncover the tragic story of ‘Goody Annie Glover’ the unfortunate Irish woman who became the last person hanged for witchcraft in Boston in 1688. Learn how the influx of Irish immigrants, who brought their traditions and folktales, helped shape the story of jack-o’-lanterns in America. Book:  https://epicchq.com/ghosts-ghouls-and-goodie-glover-day-the-irish-origins-of-halloween/ Date:  29th – 31st October Time:  2:00pm Cost:  Child: €15.00 | Adult: €23

Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other! This year, Spike Island have a series of Halloween themed events across the island, from walking the haunted corridors of an abandoned prison, to trick or treating around the fortress! Spookfest Trail Bring your little goblins and witches and hop on board the fun ferry before going on a fang-tastic adventure through the mysterious Spike Island where you will find areas of the ancient fortress and prison transformed into a realm of Halloween wonderland! Along with their families, the little ones can then trick or treat their way around the fortress with our brand new Halloween themed quiz trail – keep an eye out for Spike Island’s friendly tour guides who will be handing out sweet treats along the way! Once your trick or treating is complete, you can relax at our cafe and gift shop. And that’s not all, the historic island offers a range of museums and child-friendly exhibitions as well as gorgeous island walks. Don’t miss out on this unique Halloween experience, where history meets spook-tacular fun! Get your costumes ready and join us for an afternoon of enchantment, exploration, and Halloween surprises – the Spike Island Spookfest Trail promises a memorable Halloween experience for all. This event is suitable for children aged 2+. To book, visit spikeislandcork.ie. Spike Island After Dark – Possession by Dean Jacob Brave the dark this October on the eerie grounds of Spike Island for a spine-chilling experience featuring renowned mentalist and escape artist, Dean Jacob. You will explore the creepy corridors of an abandoned prison and enter dark underground tunnels once used for solitary confinement. Dean will take you through a night of thrilling suspense and dark illusions with his brand new show for 2025. Prepare to be captivated, unsettled, and amazed as you witness the unimaginable. With mind-bending illusions, thrilling escapes, and haunting encounters, this Halloween experience is one you won’t want to miss! Will you risk facing the possessed  side of Spike Island? Will you dare to face the sinister side of Spike Island? Could you sit in a room with some of the world’s most haunted objects and hold onto the only thing human beings ever really considered private – your own thoughts? Only the brave will survive. Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal or just looking for a night of heart-pounding entertainment, this is one Halloween experience you won’t want to miss. To book, visit spikeislandcork.ie. This event runs through the entirety of October.