Halloween in Ireland is more than just costumes and fright. You'll find Halloween events across the country, from family-friendly frights to traditional Irish customs. All without having to travel too far.
Key Takeaways
- Púca Festival runs from 29 October to 1 November 2026 across Trim and Athboy, with processions, live music, food and the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain fire.
- Longford’s Dead of Night runs from 24 to 31 October, while Samhain Chiarraí runs from 15 October to 1 November, giving families options well beyond Halloween night itself.
- Pooka Spooka is designed for children aged 2 to 12, while Mega Monster Halloween is a no-scare experience suitable from age three.
- Pumpkin & Fun in Navan includes more than 13 indoor and outdoor activities and is aimed at children aged 3 to 12.
- Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House & Farm offers an illuminated trail without jump scares, making it a gentler choice for families who still want an atmospheric evening event.
- Families staying at home can try apple games, homemade masks, báirín breac, pumpkin or turnip carving, treasure hunts and spooky storytelling, mixing modern activities with older Irish Halloween traditions.
The Best Halloween Events in Ireland in 2026
Halloween is celebrated all over Ireland. After all, Halloween evolved from a Gaelic festival. You'll find everything from large-scale festivals to smaller regional experiences, with options for different ages, interests, and budgets, and a chance to brush up on your Irish Halloween vocabulary.
Many Halloween events take place on selected dates throughout October, with some continuing into early November. Tickets, age restrictions, and individual programmes can vary by date. Check the organiser's latest information before travelling or booking.
Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy
Púca Festival brings four days of Halloween celebrations to Trim and Athboy from 29 October to 1 November 2026.
Visitors can expect folklore-inspired performances, live music, food and dramatic events linked to Ireland’s Samhain traditions.
The programme includes the Púca Procession and the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain fire, giving the festival a distinctly Irish character.⁸
Halloween Festivals Across Ireland
Pumpkin Trails and Halloween Experiences
Halloween Events for Kids and Families
Halloween with kids is a different experience. For very young children, you might want to reel in the terror to a level they can handle, as you won't want your day ruined by tears. That said, it doesn't mean that every event has to be fright-free!
Some family Halloween events are deliberately designed without major scares. Pumpkins After Dark states that there are no jump scares. At the same time, Mega Monster Halloween is promoted as a no-scare experience for younger visitors. Parents should still check the recommended ages and individual event details before booking.
indoor and outdoor activities for children.⁵
Pumpkins After Dark transforms Newbridge House & Farm into an illuminated Halloween trail throughout October.
Families can walk among carved pumpkin displays while watching live carving and seasonal entertainment along the route.
The experience is designed to create a spooky atmosphere without jump scares, making it a more approachable after-dark option for families.¹⁰
Some Halloween attractions offer quieter or more accessible sessions for children who may find crowds, loud sounds or flashing effects overwhelming. Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House & Farm includes a sensory-friendly evening in its 2026 programme, so it is worth checking whether other events offer similar sessions before booking.¹⁰
Halloween Fun for Younger Children
Family-Friendly Events Without the Big Scares
How to Choose a Halloween Event for Your Family
Halloween Activities to Try at Home
You can also enjoy Halloween from the comfort of your own home. Whether you opt for typical Halloween activities or want to do something distinctly Irish, there are great activities that won't break the bank. Try mixing modern customs with some of the traditions practised in Ireland for generations.
Traditional Irish Halloween celebrations included games with apples and nuts, disguises, storytelling and seasonal foods. Families can adapt some of these customs today with apple games, homemade masks, báirín breac or even a carved turnip lantern.⁹
Traditional Irish Halloween Activities
Easy Halloween Activities for Kids
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References
- Causey Farm. “Halloween.” Causey Farm, 2026. https://www.causey.ie/halloween/ Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “Fingal Festival of Fire - Swords Castle.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/dublin/fingal-festival-of-fire-swords-castle-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “Longford’s Dead of Night Festival 2026.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/longford/longford-s-dead-of-night-festival-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “Mega Monster Halloween.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/meath/mega-monster-halloween-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween Festival.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/meath/pumpkin-fun-family-halloween-festival-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “Samhain Chiarraí - A Kerry Halloween.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/kerry/samhain-chiarrai-a-kerry-halloween-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Discover Ireland. “The Samhain Gathering at Belvedere.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/westmeath/the-samhain-gathering-at-belvedere-2026 Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- McComish, Catherine. “How to Celebrate Halloween 2026 in Ireland.” Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, 2026. https://www.discoverireland.ie/guides/halloween-in-ireland Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- National Museum of Ireland. “Traditions and Customs of Halloween / Samhain.” National Museum of Ireland. https://cms.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Folklife-Collections/Folklife-Collections-List-%281%29/Religion-and-Calendar-Customs/Hallowe-en-Samhain Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
- Newbridge House & Farm. “Pumpkins After Dark.” Newbridge House & Farm, 2026. https://newbridgehouseandfarm.com/pumpkins-after-dark/ Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
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