Spooky things to do over mid-term break this Halloween season along Ireland’s waterways  

If you’re wondering what to do with the kids during the October mid-term break and looking for something a little different why not get out into nature and enjoy the festive fun with festivals and themed events close to Ireland’s greenways, blueways and waterways? Plenty of spooktacular offers will keep everyone happy while offering you a chance to explore the hidden gems and trails of Ireland’s waterways.

Dublin is bustling with spooky activities that will delight all Halloween lovers, and leave you spoilt for choice. You can explore different parts of the city and rent a bike at multiple locations across the city centre from Dublin Bikes’ self-service system https://www.dublinbikes.ie/ or hire a bike for the day from Lazy Bike Tours.

Explore the Royal Canal by bike or on foot, and keep an eye out for examples of the area’s abundant wildlife, while admiring the beautiful autumn foliage.

For history and horror lovers, a day out at EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum is a must for their Halloween special events.

For Halloween this year, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, will have two Halloween special events suitable for families – one featuring the cryptic tale of the iconic vampire, Dracula, while other events focus on the Irish origins of Halloween.

If you can’t get enough of Count Dracula, the popular Bram Stoker Festival returns to Dublin for four days and nights of frightening entertainment from Friday October 25th through the 28th.. The celebration pays homage to Bram Stoker, the Dubliner who created the novel “Dracula,” which was first published 126 years ago. The festival will feature plenty of entertainment and various events, with options suitable for families.

Tickets to individual events can be found at Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival

For something more relaxing, take the train from Dublin to Maynooth and join Jenny Wren, of Royal Canal Boat Trips, on a barge trip to Kilcock through the lock 5 on the Royal Canal. Enjoy lunch in the village at Rye River Café or Gregory’s Tavern or have food catered on board. Then soak up more scenery by walking or cycling the Greenway from Kilcock back to Maynooth.

This autumn, Jenny is running cosy autumn boat trips, including Halloween trips, where you can float along the canal with a hot drink from the stove while admiring the changing colours of the foliage.

Stretch your legs along the Grand Canal Greenway in Offaly and venture towards Lloyd Town Park where the Púca Spooka will return this October with new attractions and experiences along with many returning favourites. The festival starts on Saturday, October 26th, and runs until Sunday, October 27th. This year there will be something for all the family to enjoy, from spooky haunting experiences to pumpkin patch picking, as well as arts and crafts, viking village, circus carnival, which are all nestled safely in the grounds of Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore.

Tickets from https://www.offaly.ie/occ_news/

For leaf peepers and ghost peepers, you’ll find everything along the Lough Derg Blueway under the canopy of Portumna Forest Park, which will offer enchanted fairy village or trails of terror on Sunday October 20th. Enjoy an evening in the enchanted woodland and meet the Fairy Godmother, her fairies and elves for storytelling, face painting, and a yummy treat. Portumna Forest Park itself is the perfect day out for crisp autumn walks and for admiring the autumn light that hits the colours of the trees.

Whether you cycle or walk, a wander along the Royal Canal Greenway in Kildare will bring you to Clonfert Pet Farm. Running from Saturday, October 19th to Thursday, October 31st, enjoy a family-friendly Halloween special event featuring a Pumpkin Patch, Fun Fair, Haunted House, and much more. It’s the perfect place to pick your own pumpkin and get into the Halloween spirit.

Family of four: €22.50

Lough Key, Boyle, Co Roscommon

Step into the spooky world of Lough SpooKey this Halloween, where a thrilling mix of outdoor and indoor displays promises fun and frights for the whole family. On Sunday, October 27th, from 2 pm to 4 pm, enjoy the excitement of Giant Inflatables and the jaw-dropping Walking with Dinosaurs spectacle. For younger visitors, the hilarious Custard Pie Puppet Shows will keep everyone entertained.

Feeling festive? Put on your best Halloween costume and join the Halloween Fancy Dress Disco for a dance-filled afternoon. For more details and bookings, visit their Facebook page: Lough Key Forest Park.

Enniskillen is a hive of activity this autumn, with bustling activities to celebrate Halloween and mid-term break. Make the most of the break from school and explore the shores of Lough Erne where the children will enjoy the crisp autumn breeze while exploring nature. For the more adventurous you can explore the beautiful Lough Erne by boat (https://www.fermanaghlakelands.com/things-to-see-and-do/water-activities/boat-trips) or why not book a paddle or canoe with Blue Green Yonder Adventures and have the chance to dip your toes in the water, or not, and explore the Lough at your leisure this spooky season. After an afternoon of foraging and exploring at Lough Erne, top it all off with a trip to Enniskillen where a number of Halloween events will keep the kids and parents entertained….and maybe a little spooked this scary season.

Venture into the oldest rooms in town at Enniskillen Castle Vaults for an evening of tales. Hear about Bishop McMahon’s gruesome end and the souls taken at Gallow’s Green. Suitable for people aged 18 years and over. £10 ticket includes a glass of wine or non-alcoholic option. Buy Tales from the Vaults: Maguire’s Gibbet (Gallow’s Green) to Bishop’s End Tickets online – Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (digitickets.co.uk)

On Saturday 26th and Sunday, October 27th 2024, the beautiful grounds of Florence Court will come alive with music and the scents of delicious food. The highlight of the annual Harvest Festival of Colour at Florence Court Estate and Gardens is the food village by Tully Mill Restaurant, which brings together a variety of food and drink providers who will showcase the best of local and regional produce.

A new addition to this year’s festival is the craft quarter, where artists and producers will demonstrate their skills and showcase their unique creations. This lively marketplace atmosphere is perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind crafts and supporting local talent.

Music lovers will also be in for a treat, with live performances from local band The Porter Belly’s on Saturday, October 26th, and the Armagh Rhymers on Sunday, October 27th. The Party Bees will also be there to keep the little ones entertained.

Whether you’re a foodie, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun-filled day out with family and friends, Harvest Festival of Colour at Florence Court is not to be missed.

Open 11 am to 4 pm

The Monsters and Magic experience is perfect for families with children 5+ years. From Friday October 26th to Thursday October, 31st wander through the enchanted woodland on an interactive guided quest, encounter magical creatures, and uncover hidden treasures. With captivating performances, imaginative costumes, and fun-filled activities, this guided adventure is the ultimate Halloween event for all ages. Prepare for thrills and chills in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Monsters and Magic also offer special sensory-friendly sessions at 11:00 am each day.

£8 per person

On Wednesday 30th October, join 30 minutes of story time at Enniskillen Castle and hear witchy tales of friendly monsters, tricks and treats in the Cosy Corner. Following the 30 minutes of story time, take the trail to track down all the Pesky Pumpkins hiding throughout Enniskillen Castle’s museum galleries (inclusive as part of the event ticket).

Suitable for children aged 3 years and over. All children to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Prior booking is essential.

£5

On Halloween night, Ulster University will transform its campus as it becomes host to Causeway Coast and Glens Council Halloween Fireworks Display and Carnival. This free event will have fun for all the family with a variety of activities and entertainment, including scary stilt walkers, amazing fire performances and a whole host of spooky characters. Live music will be keeping the crowds entertained and the spooktacular night will be rounded off with a fantastic firework display.

Free