Glenn Kelly lists five of the family-friendly places to celebrate Halloween across Ireland this October.
Can you smell the pumpkin candles? How about seeing your local store converted to a cauldron of sweets and other spooky accessories? Costumes popping up where you used to buy your kid's winter coats and socks? It can only mean one thing: Halloween is just around the corner.
I know it is hard to believe, but we are now into the 30-day countdown to the scariest event of the year and with the little ones off school for a few days in the lead up, what on earth are you going to do to occupy them and have some fun?
Well, fear not, because in this article, we are going to look at the top five days (and nights) out across the island to leave the family laughing and screaming in equal measure.
So, throw on your witch's hat, grab a coffee and read on for some spooktacular ideas.
Pumpkin Making and Junior Halloween workshop at Dublin Zoo
25th- 31st October 2025
Who wouldn’t want to combine a day out at the zoo with some Halloween fun? But don’t worry, no fireworks here to scare our furry friends.
Dublin Zoo invites you to a unique Halloween experience where wilderness meets wicked fun. The Phoenix Park attraction has created a Haunted House and will be opening its creaky doors for an exclusive pumpkin-making workshop to entertain all the young visitors.
The junior workshops are aimed at children aged 6-12 years and offer a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the animals at the Zoo through fun and educational activities. Given the time, it is no surprise that children are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes.
Spooktacular getaway at Roe Valley Resort, Limavady
25th October – 2nd November 2025
Why not grab your spookiest pyjamas and bring the family to the northwest for a short Halloween break?
The family-themed Roe Valley is creating its first spooktacular, including pumpkin picking and carving on its very own trail. Other treats include a spooky Cinema Lounge with popcorn & sweets and a superb view of Limavady’s firework display.
The hotel also offers on-site fun, including 4x4 driving for kids, a play park and a swimming pool. If that isn’t enough to get your Dracula teeth drooling in anticipation, the hotel is only half an hour away from Derry City, which hosts the largest Halloween event in Europe on the 31st. What more could you ask for?
Spike Spookfest Halloween Trail, Spike Island, Cork
25th – 31st October 2025
Get your little goblins bundled up and try something unique on the south coast.
First, you must take the ferry across the harbour, before embarking on a creepy adventure through the mysterious Spike Island, where you will find areas of the ancient fortress and prison transformed into a ghost and ghouls’ playground!
Along with their families, the little ones can trick or treat their way around the island, which is set up in a new way for this 2025 event - keep an eye out for the tour guides who will be handing out sweet treats along the way.
Along the trail, there will be spectacular fire juggling perfomances every hour and lots more to keep the family squealing in delight.
Galway Pumpkin Patch, Galway
Weekends throughout October
If you are out west and in need of a Halloween day out for the little ones, then why not visit the Pumpkin Patch in Galway? It takes place over the four weekends in October.
Situated on Ms Whelan’s family farm, which is based in Ardrahannin, south Galway, approximately 30 minutes from Galway city, the venue has become increasingly popular since the Pumpkin Patch opened in 2018.
You will also find lots of decorations, fancy dress, games, and face painting to keep the whole family occupied for the day.
Púca Halloween Festival, Trim
October 30th – November 2nd
At the Púca festival, the creatures of Samhain, Ireland’s ancient Halloween tradition, come to life.
Púca and her tribe of otherworldly characters invite you to visit the birthplace of Halloween to a festival that celebrates the original spirit of the season. Over four spectacular nights, across two festival locations, you can enjoy Halloween spirits through folklore, food, myth and music,
Bringing together the best Irish musicians, comedians, fire performers, artists, storytellers, aerialists, and crafters, Púca Festival mixes old and new traditions in a spectacular celebration of Samhain in Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath.
Some elements of the festival may be a little dark for even the bravest of kids, but for adults, the entertainment here is second to none.
