After a midterm and Halloween like no other in 2020, something closer to normality beckons this time, and parents and children alike will be hoping to make the most of this year’s spooky season. Attractions and activities we’ve grown to know and love have returned and there’s new ones to enjoy too.
Plans can once more be made, so, with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of things to do, for all the family, this October midterm.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
[ LuggwoodsOpens in new window ]
One for families with younger children. This year, Luggwoods presents their brand new Spooky Enchanted Forest which will take you and your family on a walk through the forest at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, where you'll meet a host of special Halloween characters. Take a stroll in Troll town before meeting the Luggwoods witch and picking up a pumpkin to take home. Be prepared to laugh, dance and help the crazy scientist find all the ingredients for the witch's potion. The event runs from October 23rd-31st. Tickets prices: Child €17, Adult €13, Babies (under-1) €5.
Address: Crooksling, Co Dublin. Google Maps location.
Book at luggwoods.ie
[ The Ark PuddenhillOpens in new window ]
Located on the Meath/Dublin border, The Ark Puddenhill has an indoor playcentre, outdoor playgrounds, an animal farm and a pumpkin patch.
The pumpkin patch is suitable for children aged 0-10 and after a play, children can go down to the fields and choose their own pumpkin and stencil to take home.
Other surprises are also promised on the day.
Ticket prices: Children €14.50, which includes access to all.
Address: Moorepark, Puddenhill, Co Meath. Google Maps location.
Book at thearkpuddenhill.ie
[ Nore Valley Park FarmOpens in new window ]
Nore Valley Park Farm in Kilkenny is hosting a nighttime Halloween event from October 25th-30th. The event is suitable for all ages and is family and even dog friendly! Torchlight treasure hunts, marshmallow toasting and the Scare Maze make up the main part of the event and refreshments which are made fresh on the farm will be available. Tickets cost €6 per person, while separately pumpkin picking, which takes place on the farm from October 16th, can be booked for €5.
Address: Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny. Google Maps location.
Book at norevalleypark.com
[ Tayto ParkOpens in new window ]
Tayto Park has announced its new Halloween attraction, Tricky Trail at Tayto Park. The brand new family adventure opens on Saturday, October 23rd. The 45-minute experience includes a Halloween Treasure hunt for children, filled with spooky stories, spell casting, magical performances and fun. Using the treasure trail map, visit the scarecrow's barn and the vampire's castle before entering the freaky forest and witches lair and then collect a trick or treat goody bag. And when you're finished that, families can enjoy all the other theme park attractions and Tayto Park zoo. Tayto Park After Dark also returns on October 23rd and 30th for those who fancy visiting a theme park after dark. Prices vary.
Address: Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Google Maps location.
Book at taytopark.ie/events
[ Redcastle Scarecrow TrailOpens in new window ]
After a Halloween spent in lockdown last year, the residents of Redcastle village in Donegal came up with a unique way to instil some spooktacular fun into the occasion and families created their own scarecrows to line the main road and front gardens of the village. With scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and varying degrees of frightfulness, the event proved a huge success, attracting plenty of sightseers and so they're doing it again.
Scarecrows will be visible through Redcastle village from October 22nd until November 6th.
Address: Redcastle, Co Donegal. Google Maps location.
[ Halloween Paint AlongOpens in new window ]
Artist Diarmuid O'Sullivan is hosting a spooky one-day, in-person, paint along session workshop in Cork city for teens and adults from 10am-4pm on Sunday, October 17th. Diarmuid will guide attendees through painting a spooky pumpkin step by step and tricks, treats and raffles will be available on the day.
Price: €85 – all materials provided.
Address: Roches Buildings Community Centre, Richmond Hill, Cork City. Google Maps location.
Book at dosartist.com
[ The Nightmare RealmOpens in new window ]
An event for those with older children. The Nightmare Realm returns to the RDS, Dublin, from October 9th-31st. The Halloween attraction, which is suitable for those over the age of 13, includes three new haunts for people to experience - Church of the Damned, The Butcher Boys and Panic Attack and a new Little Museum of Horrors for 2021. Prices vary.
Address: RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Google Maps location.
Book at thenightmarerealm.ie
[ WildlandsOpens in new window ]
Wildlands adventure centre in Galway is hosting spooky Halloween orienteering sessions for those aged 4+ from October 25th-31st. Explore the wild woodlands and magical fairy trail, keeping your eyes peeled for the troll bridge, fairy houses, the Moycullen mummy, Wicked Witch of Wildlands and more.
The activity is complimentary for ticket holders of a Wildlands' activity and their parents. €5 for non-ticket holders.
Address: Ballyquirke, Moycullen, Co Galway. Google Maps location.
Book at wildlands.ie
[ Home igloosOpens in new window ]
Igloo Memories in Kerry have specially-tailored Halloween igloos for those who’d liked to celebrate at home in a different way this midterm and Halloween.
Igloos are delivered to homes, complete with furniture and design to suit the spooktacular occasion, and include unlimited WiFi with Netflix and YouTube. Prices range from €250 for one night to €350 for three nights, depending on igloo choice.
Details at instagram.com/igloo_memories
[ Oiche Shamhna on the Aran IslandsOpens in new window ]
A Halloween market centred on local foods, arts and crafts will take place on Inis Mór on Saturday, October 30th. This will be followed by 'taisce agus triochta na Samhna', a Halloween treasure hunt. The cost for this is €10 per family. The market and 'taisce agus triochta na Samhna' are centred in the halla in the middle of Kilronan Village on Inis Mór and payment is at the door.
Address: Kilronan, Inis Mór, Co Galway. Google Maps location.
[ Bosch Bake-alongOpens in new window ]
The Bosch bake-along returns for Halloween, this time joining forces with Graham Herterich, also known as The Cupcake Bloke. The free bake-along takes place via Instagram live on October 30th at 11am on instagram.com/boschhomeireland during which participants will be shown how to create tasty Halloween treats, with Graham guiding them through each step of the recipe.
Registration opens from October 8th at bosch-home.ie/bake and the first 100 people to register will receive a Bosch bake-along kit.
[ KidspaceOpens in new window ]
Kidspace in Rathcoole and Rathfarnham are hosting a Halloween breakfast event on Thursday, October 28th (Rathcoole) and Friday, October 29th (Rathfarnham) at 10am. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their best fancy dress as they dance along to some fun tunes and there’ll be prizes on the day for the most creative dress up. And there’s pancakes for breakfast!
Price: children €18, Adults €2.
Address: Grants Road, Greenogue Business Park Rathcoole, Dublin, and Main St, Rathfarnham, Dublin. Google Maps location – Rathcoole and Rathfarnham.
Book at kidspace.ie
[ Awakening the Walled CityOpens in new window ]
Expanding beyond the historic city walls of Derry, the Awakening the Walled City festival will feature illuminations, animations and installations across the city, promising to enthrall and mesmerise spectators along the trail. And for the first time Derry's famed Halloween celebrations will expand over the Border to take in Donegal. The event attractions will take place across various 'spirit worlds' in different locations throughout the city, each with a distinctive character connecting the city to its Celtic Samhain roots. The festival runs from October 29th-31st with the return of fireworks on October 31st.
Address: Derry City. Google Maps location.
Book at derryhalloween.com
[ Wild LightsOpens in new window ]
Wild Lights, the spectacular night-time experience returns to Dublin Zoo from October 28th. The experience is suitable for all ages and the theme, this year, is Around the World. Visitors will get to see some of the most famous global landmarks and iconic symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower and the ancient Egyptian pyramids all through a display of giant colourful silk lanterns.
Cost: Adults €22, children €18, children under 3 go free. Discounts available for Dublin Zoo annual pass holders.
Address: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Google Maps location.
Book at dublinzoo.ie
[ Halloween Happenings at LullymoreOpens in new window ]
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Kildare, will host Halloween Happenings from October 23rd-31st with both morning and afternoon slots available. Haunted holograms, terror train trips (parent discretion advised for younger children), zombie attacks, terror treasure hunts and freaky fun will take place across the park. Prices vary.
Address: Lullymore East, Lullymore, Co Kildare. Google Maps location.
Book at lullymoreheritagepark.com
[ Ballycross Apple FarmOpens in new window ]
The Pumpkin Patch and Witches Village at Ballycross Apple Farm, Wexford, is open every Saturday and Sunday in October and throughout the school midterm week (October 25th-31st). Take a short walk to the village where you'll meet the resident Ballycross Witch, pick your pumpkin and take a tractor ride back to the farm. The farm opens at the earlier time of 10am-noon for children with additional needs on October 26th and 27th (admission is free for the child and 1 carer). No booking is necessary. Child tickets cost €5.50, Adult €6.50 and family group discounts are available.
Address: Ballycross, Bridgetown, Co Wexford. Google Maps location.
Book at ballycross.com
HALLOWEEN CAMPS
[ CP AdventureOpens in new window ]
CP Adventures in Russborough House, Wicklow are running Halloween camps for 7-12-year-olds from October 26th-29th. This includes a water day, harness day, shooting day (archery and archery tag), and bushcraft where children will learn survival skills, shelter building and fire skills and safety. The camp costs €160. And if talk of this camp inspires the family to get active, 1 hour and 2 hour adventure zones for all the family can also be booked online throughout October.
Address: Russborough, Blessington, Co Wicklow. Google Maps location.
Book at cpadventure.ie
[ Academy of CodeOpens in new window ]
Academy of Code are running a three-day online coding camp for beginners, aged 8-18 years, from October 26th-28th. Students will dive into the world of coding, tackling a series of coding challenges and games using programming languages like Scratch and Processing. Cost is €40 per student.
Book at theacademyofcode.com
Saran B Dance and Fitness
The group is running a Halloween dance camp from October 25th-29th in Greystones for children aged 5-12 years. Dance, arts and crafts, disco, games and activities will all feature as part of the camp and children will receive a camp T-shirt. The camp costs €115 per child and sibling discounts are available.
Address: Nazarene Community Church, Greystones, Co Wicklow. Google Maps location.
Book by email: saranb.zumba@gmail.com
[ Spooky StageOpens in new window ]
Next Stage Theatre School Halloween camp, Spooky Stage, takes place in Naas from October 26th-29th for children aged 4-14 years. There will be Halloween themed singing, dance, drama and fun in preparation for a filmed performance on the Friday for parents. The camp costs €70 per child, (family discounts available).
Address: Naas Community College, Cradockstown North, Naas, Co Kildare. Google Maps location.
Book by email (Evelyn): nextstagetheatreschool@gmail.com
[ The Cool Food SchoolOpens in new window ]
The school is running an online cooking class for kids on Saturday, October 30th where they'll be teaching children how to make healthier snacks and treats for the spooky season. The classes are suitable for children aged from seven upwards (with adult supervision) and dressing up to get into the spirit of things is encouraged. The class costs €18 per screen.
Book at thecoolfoodschool.ie
[ LingototOpens in new window ]
Lingotot are running a three-day spooktacular Spanish camp for children aged 5-11 years old in Glenageary, Dublin. Three fun days are planned around Dia de los Muertos/Halloween, Autumn Colours and Animals and Harry Potter, in a fun and inclusive environment. Children will learn Spanish during a balance of free, outdoor play and interactive tutor-led activities such as team challenges, games, stories and arts and crafts. The camp costs €75.
Address: St Paul's Parish Centre, Silchester Road, Glenageary, Co Dublin. Google Maps location.
Book at lingotot.com/ie/classes/6472
[ RoboThinkOpens in new window ]
RoboThink are running a STEM camp for children aged 6-12 in Summerhill College, Sligo this mid-term. Children will get to design, build and play with their very own robots. The camp costs €150.
Address: Summerhill College, Co Sligo. Google Maps location.
Book at robothink.ie
[ Marvellous Me ArcheryOpens in new window ]
This camp for primary school aged children takes place from October 25th-27th in Carrickfergus. The club is fully inclusive for all children, regardless of physical ability, and the archery is adapted so that all children can join in. The camp costs £60.
Address: North Street Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. Google Maps location.
Book at eventbrite.co.uk
[ Laochas Halloween CampOpens in new window ]
Laochas are holding separate Halloween camps in Waterford for younger children and teenagers this midterm with all funds raised going back into the community to pay for creative art therapy for young people in Waterford. Both are three-day camps – one for children aged 6-11 years and the other for 12-16 years. The camps involve games, mindful art activities, and fun and spooky surprises, with both taking place at St Patrick's Gateway, Waterford City from October 26th-28th. The camps cost €35 per child.
Address: St Patrick's Gateway, Waterford City. Google Maps location.
Book at eventbrite.ie – 6-11 years and 12-16 years.
[ Mezzo Halloween Music CampOpens in new window ]
The academy are running an in-person Halloween camp for children aged 4-12 years in Terenure, Dublin from October 26th-29th. Beginners are welcome. Children will explore a range of instruments including keyboards, violin, guitar, ukulele, percussion and more. They will also focus on singing and performing ahead of a performance for parents at the end of the week. Cost €125.
Address: Greenlea Road, Terenure, Dublin. Google Maps location.
Book at mezzomusicacademy.ie
[ Bella the Butterfly mindfulness courseOpens in new window ]
A mindfulness workshop for parents and children aged 2-12 years (babies are welcome) takes place in Liscarroll, Cork on Saturday Oct 30th. The workshop involves breathing techniques, mindfulness fun, bonding time and meditation and costs €25 per family.
Address: Liscarroll Community Centre, Liscarroll, Mallow, Co Cork. Google Maps location.
Book by email: Belinda@bellathebutterfly.ie
[ Kids in the KitchenOpens in new window ]
Cookbook author, Jolene Cox, and her daughter Lily Mae, are running an online spooky Halloween Kids in the Kitchen class on Oct 29th. The pair will be making Halloween Trick or Treat witches hats. The class costs €10 per household (free to family cooking club members) and zoom link and recipe will be sent directly by email in advance.
Book at oneyummymummy.com
[ Ella Bella YogaOpens in new window ]
Ella Bella Yoga is holding a Mindfulness Workshop for children aged 6-12 years on Saturday, October 23rd in Newbridge, Co Kildare. The workshop will offer for children to practice kindness and gratitude while the gentle, autumn themed, yoga flow will help kids to appreciate nature. Halloween costumes are not compulsory but are very welcome. Cost €15.
Address: Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare. Google Maps location.
Book at ellabellayoga.com
