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.

‘Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem’ will descend on Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this October Bank Holiday Weekend (October 25th-27th) as the County Clare visitor attraction is transformed into a haunted Halloween village. The traditions and superstitions of ‘Samhain’ will be on display in Bunratty with Halloween games, ghostly characters, witchcraft, a Bed of Nails, tarot reading, street entertainment, and Haunted Train rides past ghosts, grim reapers, and zombies that will appear from the shadows throughout the 26-acre folk park. New for 2025 - The Child Catcher and Maudie the Good Witch Beware… the Child Catcher is Coming to Town! Can you really trust the Child Catcher ?? Step into the courtyard and find out…. From the shadowy corners of your childhood nightmares and the cobwebbed pages of old fairy tales, creeps a figure most foul — The Child Catcher! With a nose for mischief and a knack for sniffing out fun, this sinister sweets-slinger lures little ones with promises of lollipops… and all-day play! But beware — what lurks behind his colourful façade ??!! Step into the magical world of our Grandmother Witch - What sweet-natured tricks does she have up her sleeve? Tucked away in the Loop Head Farmhouse, where the smoke smells faintly of lavender and mischief, lives Maudie — reputed to be the sister of the legendary Biddy Early, (the infamous Clare witch ) and a gentler kind of witch according to most who knew her ! With silver hair pinned under her bonnet and eyes that twinkle like starlight caught in teacups, Maudie is the village's sweet old enchantress — a healer, a storyteller, and a keeper of curious cures. With a cackle more cheerful than creepy, Maudie enchants young hearts not with spells of control, but with wonder, wisdom, and a touch of wild magic. Her cauldron bubbles, her herbs hang in fragrant bunches, and her old black cat (named Treacle, of course) watches it all with one gleaming eye from a hidden corner ….so you rarely see him!! Adult visitors will be invited to step back in time at a Victorian-era parlour séance where the secrets of the past will be unveiled as the spirits of the departed are summoned. The Wicked Wake will be hosted in The Shannon Farmhouse where the resident MacNamara family will mourn the loss of their beloved Mickey, whose ghostly presence suggests he has unfinished business in the land of the living.  Experience Spooky Séance The Red Devil Dare to Face the Inferno? Beware the Red Devil. A creature of legend, his fiery presence is a force to be reckoned with. Whether stalking the shadows, growling his defiance, or radiating an eerie glow, he leaves an indelible mark on all who cross his path. The Séance Unveil the Secrets of the Past: Step back in time to a 19th-century parlor séance in Mac’s Dining room. Summon the spirits of the departed and experience the thrill of the unknown. (For adults only) Hallow Traditions Return... The Wicked Wake Experience a chilling Irish tradition this Halloween at the Shannon Farmhouse. Join the MacNamara family as they mourn the loss of their beloved Mickey. However, this wake is far from ordinary. Rumour has it that Mickey's spirit has unfinished business, and his ghostly presence may surprise you.  The Talking Head If the wake doesn't send shivers down your spine, venture next door to the Mountain Farmhouse to encounter the Talking Head. Is it alive? Is it dead? Approach at your own peril, for the consequences may haunt you forever. Tarot Readers Prepare to look into the crystal ball and have your future told by our Bunratty Tarot Reader. Will your future look bright, or will you leave with questions. Pop into Mac's Pub's breakfast Room to unveil the mysteries that lurk in the cards - if you dare! Additional Details Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will take place Saturday October 25th to Monday October 27th. There will be 2 time slots per day - 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. They recommend you arrive before your time slot to ensure enjoy you have ample time to enjoy all the delights and frights on offer. Visit  www.bunrattycastle.ie  for booking details.

Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival, returns this Bank Holiday Weekend ready to thrill Dubliners and visitors alike with four days and nights of  deadlyadventures , including a f iery spectacle, theatrical terrors, immersive art, cinematic treats and free events in the city . From Friday 31st to Monday 3rd November, the city will become a haven for the curious and the brave.  A Free Spectacle at Dublin Castle with Fiery Experiments and Monster Mayhem A fiery spectacle awaits at  Frank & McStein’s Monster Laboratory ,  where the historic Dublin Castle becomes the setting for science gone mad. Across three unforgettable nights, families are invited to witness the wild experiments of Professors Frank and McStein as they attempt to bring the most terrifying creature ever to life in their MONSTER Lab (Ministry Of Nonsensical Science and Terrifying Experimental Research).  Guided by diabolical professors Frank and McStein and their eminent colleagues and their team of Igors, kids will make their way through the fire-powered and interactive stations, earning power-up tokens to feed into the MONSTER-O-METER. From Friday 31 October to Monday 3 November , the veil lifts for four days and nights of deadly adventures in Dublin. From a spectacular Hallowe’en Weekend Macnas parade to haunted screenings to late-night cabaret to candlelit choirs, Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival 2025 promises an intoxicating mix of spectacle, sound and story in venues and public spaces all over the city.   Macnas Parade  On Sunday 2 November, world-renowned spectacle makers Macnas return to Dublin’s streets on an entirely new route ,with another magical and unforgettable parade: An Treun: The Summoning of the Lost , a brand-new procession weaving through the North East Inner City passing elegant Georgian facades as dusk descends on Hallowe’en Weekend. Inspired by Gibbet Hill , the long-lost tale by Dracula author Bram Stoker , this spellbinding new work channels Macnas’ signature blend of storytelling, live music, giant puppetry and otherworldly enchantment. Directed by Louise Lowe and designed by Owen Boss , the visionary team behind ANU Productions , this incredible brand-new spectacle explores how our culture, memory and climate intertwine and asks what it means to hold on to what we’re losing. For the first time, Macnas will, in collaboration with the NEIC (Dublin City Council’s North East Inner City Initiative), work with a group of 16 young community members from the NEIC who will be trained by Macnas to perform at their parades in Galway and Dublin.   Speaking on the launch of the festival, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said:   “At Halloween, a spell is cast over Dublin. Shadows stretch, stories awaken, and the city itself becomes a theatre of the gothic. The Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival is where Dublin honours its most famous son by unleashing a carnival of imagination: parades that stir the soul, music that haunts the night, and performances that set hearts racing. No city embraces the dark quite like Dublin, and no festival brings it to life quite like this one.”   Highlights    A major highlight of the programme is the screening of Kwaidan , Lafcadio Hearn’s iconic collection of ghost stories adapted for the screen by director Masaki Kobayashi , accompanied by a newly-commissioned live musical score composed and performed by Matthew Nolan and Seán Mac Erlaine, with Japanese artist and musician Tomoko Sauvage . Irish actor Conor Lovett (Gare St. Lazare, Ireland) will blend Irish and Japanese traditions in performing a live, English-language Benshi narration (an integral part of early Japanese silent cinema), directed by Irish Times Irish Theatre Award Winning Director Judy Hegarty Lovett (Gare St. Lazare, Ireland). A household name in Japan, Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo , was an Irish-Greek writer, translator and teacher who introduced the culture and literature of Japan to the Western world. This event is part funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and will premiere in Osaka, Japan in early October as part of the Irish programme at World Expo 2025.    Following the sold-out successes of Dracula: A Journey into Darkness and Dracula: Lucy’s Passion , director Joan Sheehy’s Dracula: The Hunt brings to life the novel’s climactic final ten chapters in a rehearsed staged reading at the Abbey Theatre. This tale of horror, revenge, passion and pursuit will be vividly performed by Barry McGovern, Killian Coyle, Aidan Crowe, Clare Monnelly, Seamus Moran and Ben Waddell , accompanied by Tom Lane’s haunting soundscape and Suzie Cummins’s dramatic lighting design.   In Songs of the Spirits: East Meets West , sacred choral traditions intertwine as Schola Hyberniae , Ireland’s acclaimed early music ensemble, explores ancient music honouring the dead from both Ireland and Japan. Gregorian chant, rare Irish manuscript music and Japanese ritual melodies blend in a transcendent concert at St Ann’s Church.   Speaking about this year’s festivals, Co-Directors Maria Schweppe and Tom Lawlor said:   “This year’s festival conjures up an immersive world of gothic imagination across Dublin, from world-class parades to once-off performances, intimate storytelling salons to fiendishly-fun comedy, with plenty of free family fun. We invite everyone to step into the shadows and experience the city as Bram Stoker might have imagined it: thrilling, mysterious and alive with intrigue.”     Theatre & Comedy    For the brave and the bold, an evening of grisly storytelling awaits at Blind Fear , devised and performed by artists with sight loss. From a cursed rural village willing to do anything to win the county hurling final, to a mysterious antique shop where a weary health worker’s retail therapy becomes a nightmare; these chilling tales are not for the faint of heart. Descend into darkness for this blood-curdling new show from Sightless Cinema and writer/director Hugh Hick, blending immersive audio and live performance in a richly-layered audio world. Blindfolds will be provided to heighten your audio senses.   Comedy horror takes centre stage with Will Seaward’s Pointy Tales of Fangs and Blood , a fiendishly silly gothic horror storytelling show, rising from the grave each night of the festival. Expect coffins, cloaks, hypnotic glares, serrated teeth and scary wooden stakes. A cross between Brian Blessed, Oscar Wilde and a crazed Victorian music hall MC, Will has appeared on BBC 2, Radio 4 and many others. He has also appeared in ‘Best Show’ lists in the Guardian, The Times, The Sunday Times and The Independent on Sunday.   Music    This year’s night-time strand, Night Bites , includes a feast of after dark experiences blending music, performance, film, poetry and cabaret, in association with the Night-Time Economy Advisor. SCANRA: Samhain at The Cellar returns with an evening of myth, music and mayhem led by a powerhouse line-up of female and non-binary artists. Poetry Brothel: Monto by Lamplight presents an immersive cabaret of poetry, burlesque and seduction inspired by the shadowy backstreets of old Monto; Seo Linn: Cultural Revolution in Victorian Ireland brings Seo Linn’s bold, modern take on traditional Irish music to a powerful, all-Irish language event that also explores the cultural resurgence of language, identity and music among a new generation   Succumb to the shadowy world of Vampyr With Reimagined Live Score at Light House Cinema. Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1932 gothic masterpiece is brought to life with a new live score by Juno Cheetal and Eimear Reidy, fusing cello, electronics and choir to heighten the surreal horror of this silent classic.     Free Family Fun   The city’s gothic fun park, Stokerland , returns to St. Patrick’s Park with two full days of free family entertainment beneath the shadow of the cathedral. Expect a monstrous mix of circus, street theatre, music and mayhem with walkabout acts, magic shows, fortune tellers, storytelling, art workshops and curious characters at every turn. A Relaxed Session will take place on Sunday 2 November for those who benefit from a gentler festival environment.   Families can also enjoy Making Faces: Mask Making at the Museum , a drop-in mask-making workshop at the National Museum of Ireland, inspired by the museum’s spooky Halloween trail.   A firm family favourite returns as Dracula’s Disco once again transforms The Round Room at the Mansion House into a monster mash of music and movement. With spooky tunes, eerie lighting and Dracula’s favourite DJ Donal Dineen on the decks, young ghouls can boogie the day away.    An annual favourite, Spooky Stories at Marsh’s Library invites guests to wander the darkened galleries where books of witchcraft and heresy are to be found. This free, eerie experience is sure to send shivers down your spine, just as it did for a young Bram Stoker who visited the library many times.   Spoken Word and Stoker In-Depth   Seanchoíche returns to the festival with a specially-curated night of live storytelling on the theme of fear at Seanchoíche: Stories From The Shadows At Bolands Mills. Known for its intimate and authentic atmosphere, Seanchoíche gathers strangers to share true stories without notes, with humour, vulnerability and heart.   An Evening of Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland invites audiences into the Merrion Square home of Lady Jane Wilde for a night of folklore, charm and haunting superstition, as storyteller Emily Collins revives tales from Wilde’s seminal 1888 collection.   Step inside Dublin’s weirdest new attraction for an evening of unhinged storytelling, surreal performance and unsettling encounters in the dark corners of the Museum of Curiosities at Wunderkammer . Wander freely through its cramped, winding rooms, where every creaking floorboard echoes a Victorian sideshow. Downstairs, try your luck at oddball games, decipher devilish mysteries, or sit for a tarot reading if you’re brave enough. Upstairs, local storytellers, musicians and raucous mischief-makers conjure gothic tales and murky scenes of bizarre horror.   Finding Gibbet Hill: A Remarkable Discovery, One Year On recounts the discovery of a lost Stoker short story and the subsequent creation of the Charlotte Stoker Fund. This discussion by Brian Cleary, who discovered the long lost story at the National Library of Ireland, marks the first anniversary of its publication, with special guests Paul Murray and Paul McKinley .   In Stoker’s Shadow: The Bram Stoker Paper Competition Final sees new writing inspired by Bram Stoker brought to life in a public reading at Trinity College, where Stoker himself once studied. The event features shortlisted writers from a new literary competition by the university’s Bram Stoker Club.    Ghosts of the Revolution at the GPO Museum delves into the spectral side of Irish political history, featuring talks on haunted independence fighters, Republican mystics and supernatural folklore, with harpist Rachel Duffy summoning the spirits in between talks.   Walking Tours    Those who prefer their thrills on foot can join one of four specially curated walking tours taking place across the city. In Stoker’s Footsteps: A National Library Walking Tour invites audiences to explore the gothic past of Bram Stoker’s Dublin and the hidden histories surrounding the National Library, guided by NLI experts.    Historian, author and host of the ever-popular Three Castles Burning podcast, Donal Fallon leads a specially-commissioned walking tour of one of Dublin’s most fascinating square miles: Mount Jerome Cemetery , eternal home to dearly departed souls, memorialised by one of the finest collections of Victorian tombs, vaults and crypts in Ireland.   Original Dublin Walking Tours will also lead people on four specially-devised tours of Dublin relating to Stoker and Dublin’s darker past. Dark Musical Dublin explores the gruesome side of Irish balladry. The Dark Side of Irish Mythology and Folklore reveals the country’s more sinister stories. The Haunted Dublin Walking Tour lifts the veil on grave robbers, satanic rituals and ghostly alleyways. Bram Stoker’s Dublin Walking Tour follows in the author’s footsteps, revealing the sites that shaped his legendary imagination.   At the National Museum of Ireland, ‘A world full of miseries, and woes, and troubles’: Life, Disease and Death in Collins Barracks returns to explore the 300-year history of Collins Barracks through the lens of death, disease and daily life in one of Europe’s oldest military barracks.    Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival is produced and presented by Schweppe Curtis Nunn Ltd.  For more information, visit  www.bramstokerfestival.com  and follow the festival on social media using #BramStokerFestival.

Boo! Halloween is just around the corner, and if you like to leave things a little late – don’t worry! We’ve got a list of the top spots you can visit to get your costume in Galway, Dublin, and Cork! Galway 2. The Joke Shop One of Galway’s most iconic spots for costumes and accessories, The Joke Shop on William Street is a Halloween favorite for locals. This store has been in business for years, and has a fantastic range of costumes, wigs, masks, and hilarious accessories. Whether you want to go full-on spooky or add a touch of humour to your Halloween look, The Joke Shop has you covered. What’s on offer: A variety of Halloween costumes for adults and children, from the spooky to the funny Masks, wigs, and other accessories to complete your outfit Prank items and novelty props to make your Halloween extra fun Location : 40 William Street, Galway Pricing : Costumes range from €20-€60, with accessories and masks starting from €5. Dublin 1. Fun Place If you’re in Dublin and you’re looking for the best place to get your Halloween costume, look no further than Fun Place. This iconic store in Blanchardstown has been a go-to for costumes and accessories for years. It has a huge variety of options and a quirky atmosphere, so you’re sure to find something that suits your Halloween style. What’s on offer: Classic horror costumes: think witches, vampires, and ghosts Movie-inspired outfits (hello, Barbie and Ken costumes!) Themed accessories and prosthetics Location : Unit 126, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin 15 Pricing : Costumes range from €30-€90 depending on the complexity. 2. Fancy Dress Warehouse (The Party Shop) Located in Tallaght, Fancy Dress Warehouse (The Party Shop) is another fantastic option for anyone in search of a top-notch Halloween costume. This store is packed with costumes for every age group, style, and budget. What’s on offer: A wide variety of costumes, including witches, zombies, superheroes, and more Plenty of accessories like wigs, masks, and face paints Halloween decorations and party supplies to complete your event Location : The Square Industrial Complex, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Pricing : Adult costumes range from €20-€80, while kids’ costumes start at around €15. Cork 4. The Party Company If you’re in search of something unique or need party supplies in addition to costumes, The Party Company in Kinsale Commercial Centre is your one-stop-shop. They offer a great selection of Halloween costumes along with themed decorations and accessories. What’s on offer: Costumes for kids, adults, and groups with themes ranging from horror to superheroes Accessories like wigs, masks, and Halloween-themed props Party supplies, including balloons and decorations to complete your event Location : Unit 14A, Kinsale Commercial Centre, Kinsale Road, Cork Pricing : Costumes range from €20-€70, with accessories starting from €5. What are you waiting for? Grab your broomstick and get shopping!

Introduction: Why Explore Ireland by Train? Ireland’s charm lies not just in its lush, rolling landscapes and vibrant towns—but also in how easily you can explore them by train. Managed primarily by Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail , the Irish rail network connects the country’s most iconic cities and regions in comfort and style. Whether you’re a digital nomad craving productivity with a view, a backpacker seeking simplicity, or a family eager to avoid rental car hassles, Irish train travel  offers: Scenic journeys  through green countryside, coasts, and rural villages Relaxing travel  with spacious seating and onboard Wi-Fi Eco-friendly mobility  with excellent regional coverage No car required  — ideal for international visitors and stress-free travel In this guide, we explore Ireland’s three main railway hubs: Dublin, Cork , and Galway —each offering its own gateway to unforgettable adventures. Dublin: The Beating Heart of Ireland’s Rail Network Main Stations Dublin Heuston Station  The main departure point for trains heading west and south . It’s a bustling, modern station with regular intercity services. Dublin Connolly Station Serving the north and east , including the DART commuter line and the international route to Belfast. Key Train Routes from Dublin Dublin → Cork  High-speed InterCity trains run frequently (up to every hour), making it one of the busiest and fastest routes. Dublin → Galway  A favorite among tourists. The route is particularly breathtaking at sunrise , as it crosses the heart of Ireland. Dublin → Belfast  A cross-border link into Northern Ireland , operated in partnership with Translink . Passport-free and seamless. Dublin → Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, and more Numerous regional trains connect Dublin with Ireland’s other scenic towns and cultural hubs. Travel Tip Staying in Dublin but want to see Ireland? Use the capital as your central base  for scenic day trips without the need to rent a car. Cork: Gateway to the Southwest Main Route Cork → Dublin  Trains depart at least once an hour . The journey takes around 2.5 hours , and Cork's trains are known for being reliable and punctual. Secondary Lines Cork → Cobh  A stunning coastal line  that glides along Cork Harbour. Perfect for photography lovers. Cork → Mallow / Tralee  Ideal for those heading into West Cork  or exploring inland heritage towns. Station Highlight: Kent Station Cork’s Kent Station  is not only functional but beautiful, with its historic glass roof  and central location. It’s well-connected to the local bus system and serves as the ideal rail entry point to the south. Tourist Value Cork is a springboard to Kinsale , Clonakilty , and the Wild Atlantic Way . Trains + short bus transfers make this route effortless and car-free. Galway: The Vibrant Capital of the West Main Route Galway → Dublin Modern trains depart multiple times daily, with a journey time of roughly 2 hours 30 minutes . Ideal for weekend trips. Tourism Tip From Galway, you can easily connect to: Connemara National Park Cliffs of Moher  (via coach) Aran Islands  (via ferry from Rossaveal, reachable by shuttle bus) Unique Atmosphere Galway is known for its bohemian vibe , buzzing street performers, and youthful energy. The city’s central station, Ceannt Station , is just a short walk from the Latin Quarter and the River Corrib. Comparison & Practical Travel Tips Train Comparison Table Route Duration Frequency Scenic Value Wi-Fi Reservation Dublin → Cork ~2h30 High Medium Yes Recommended Dublin → Galway ~2h30 Medium High Yes Recommended Cork → Cobh ~25 min Frequent Very High No Not needed Tickets and Budget Tips Book early online  via Irish Rail’s website or app to get the lowest fares Use Tourist Rail Passes  like: Interrail Ireland Pass Irish Explorer Pass  (available for non-EU visitors) Off-peak travel  is cheaper and less crowded Accessibility and Comfort Free Wi-Fi  on all intercity routes Bike spaces  (reserve in advance) Family-friendly carriages Accessibility for PRM passengers : Elevators, wide platforms, priority seating Conclusion: The Joy of Rail Travel in Ireland Train travel in Ireland is more than a means of transport—it’s a window into the soul of the island. From Galway Bay’s soft light  to Cork Harbour’s glimmering tides , each journey offers a relaxed, scenic, and authentic experience . For visitors eager to explore without the stress of driving, Ireland’s railways are a smart, sustainable, and memorable  alternative. Hop aboard — and let the Irish rails carry you to stories worth telling.

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of September across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Dublin Theatre Festival to Oktoberfest Belfast and much, much more. Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin - 25.09-12.10 Lights, camera… curtain! The Dublin Theatre Festival is back from September 25th to October 12th for another season of gripping performances and unforgettable stage moments. Read more here. Dublin Festival of History, Dublin - 26.09-12.10 The Dublin Festival of History will run from 26 September to 12 October 2025, with our Big Weekend at the Round Room at the Mansion House, from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 28 September. Read more here. 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.