Northern Ireland is home to some of the most epic Halloween experiences. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival as the Walled City welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates for a festival like no other. Search for paranormal activity at the Crumlin Road Goal, explore where monsters meet magic at the Marble Arch Caves, or make your way to the Footsteps in the Forest festival at Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
Across Northern Ireland, get ready to immerse yourself in eerie thrills, ghoulish delights, and hauntingly good times. Whether you’re looking for frightful fun, to snap super cute pics at a Pumpkin Patch, or are planning a terrifying (-ly themed!) trip, this Halloween events roundup is your one-stop shop this spooky season!
Beware! Face your fears with these frightful experiences
Are you brave enough to search for paranormal activity in one of Belfast’s most haunted buildings? This Paranormal Investigation will take you to the various hot spots of the Gaol where paranormal activity has been reported and the guide will tell you of the harrowing stories associated with them.
Francis Higgins, BelfastLad, takes you on a ghost tour of Belfast City Centre on this sell out paranormal walk around the haunted streets this Halloween. The tour lasts for over two hours, and you will be walking for most of that time so sensible shoes and brave hearts are needed.
Step back in time as you enter through the gates of Clifton Street Cemetery. Visit the graves of radicals and reformers, as well as the final resting places of the industrial giants who helped to shape Belfast into a global powerhouse. Your tour guide will tell you tales of bodysnatching and the thousands of souls who lie in unmarked graves.
Martin McCrossan
Did you know that Derry~Londonderry was named the Number 1 Halloween Destination in the world? Hear about the ghosts of past and present through genuine stories of ghostly goings on in the city.
Join Nicky Jones of Experience & Explore NI on a spooky Halloween jaunt around Donaghadee. Hear some ghoulish tales as you wander through the haunted streets of the old harbour town. Settle your nerves post-tour with a Copeland Gin cocktail, or a soft drink alternative, when you return to Grace Neill’s with its own scary stories to tell.
An evening of Ghosts and Ghouls – be sure to book a place on the Halloween Walking tours of Armagh City on 25 – 28 October. This Trail of approx. one hour will be a mix of gruesome tales of days gone by coupled with a few surprises along the way.
For over 300 years, myths and legends have shrouded National Trust’s Springhill House in mystery. These tales, passed down through generations of the family, have left an eerie presence, as if not all past residents have truly departed. Join a member of the Lenox-Conyngham family during the haunting season to hear stories from a bygone era within the house. Also check out their Spooky Halloween Experience.
Plan your next getaway this October along the Causeway Coast and Glens, home to many hauntings and spooky tales. From distilleries full of demons to Celtic Vampires, check out these supposedly haunted locations to explore on the Causeway Coastal Route (if you dare!).
From the bone-chilling twists of their haunted maze to the adrenaline-pumping off-road ghost ride, they are serving up a unique blend of frightful fun for the brave-hearted. Gather your mates, muster your courage, and embark on an adventure that will haunt your memories.
Whether you’re a seasoned Fright Night survivor or a fearless newcomer, prepare yourself for an experience that will haunt your dreams. This year, they’re pushing the boundaries of fear with an all-new Woodland Trail, six spine-chilling scare attractions, and a twisted ensemble of Street Theatre characters.
Where Halloween comes to life at some of our most iconic sites
Every Halloween, the city of Derry~Londonderry comes alive with ancient spirits welcoming you to join its Awakening. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival as the Walled City welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates for a festival like no other. For four nights from October 28th–31st the worlds of past and present collide to create a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky, showcasing the folklore, history and heritage that makes the city so special.
As the fog rolls in and the trees cast long, twisted shadows, venture deep into the heart of Mount Stewart on a mystical journey along the Folklore and Legends Halloween Trail, where eerie tales from folklore and mythology come to life.
Montalto Estate has been overtaken by dark forces, transforming the landscape with eerie sounds and sights, creating an unforgettable experience for all who dare to explore. If you’ve had the courage to navigate the spooky Halloween Adventure Walk, your experience will end in their haunted Pumpkin Patch. The Halloween experience is suitable for kids and families of all ages.
Listen to tales of lore and misfortune, give barn dancing a go, dress up as a scarecrow, and taste delicious Halloween fayre like barmbrack and apple tart. Get involved with crafts, face-painting, and family-friendly activities plus a Halloween trail for little ones to follow.
Discover the origins, traditions and customs of the spookiest time of year. Watch traditional turnip carving demonstrations, get hands-on at the Halloween craft stations and listen to tales of Jack O Lantern in the RIC Barracks. Come along to learn about traditional folk cures and remedies and wonder at their magical crafts and curiosities (Halloween day only). You might even discover what the future holds for you in a cabbage reading at Coradreenan Farmhouse.
Come join the fun at Glenarm Castle over the Halloween holidays for a bewitching concoction of activities. See the castle grounds transform into a school of magic and mystery where your little ones can learn how to make their own wands and receive special wand training, while helping the resident Potions Master create the most preposterous potions.
Find some devilish deals, hauntingly good prices and a host of local traders taking over the Stableyard for the Monster Market. With their trademark wicker costumes, the ever popular Armagh Rhymers will be paying a visit to capture your imagination between12pm & 3pm. Stop by, play some games, sing along and watch as they bring the garden to life. With a fiendishly fearsome Halloween walk and a host of things to see and do across the garden you’re sure to have a frightfully good time.
Let the kids run free in 100 acres of spectacular gardens, beautifully decorated for the Halloween season. Get closer to nature with special family workshops, navigate the twisty maze, go on a storytelling walk, and hunt for scarecrows designed by talented artists and local communities.
Can you piece together the clues, unmask the killer, and survive the mystery before it’s too late? Come dressed in your finest attire and prepare for a thrilling evening of deception, betrayal, and dark twists in the eerie grandeur of the mansion. In partnership with Play Dead NI, come along for an interactive Murder Mystery experience where you are the investigator.
At Carrick-a-Rede, visitors with a fear of heights are often scared, but the team are taking frights to a whole new level at their Halloween Fun Fest.
Spend this Halloween at Northern Ireland’s iconic World Heritage Site as their resident, ferocious giant hosts his Frightful Fun Fest at the Giant’s Causeway. Join Programming and Partnerships Officer, Keith for a series of special, spooktacular guided tours to hear unnerving stories of the lost spirits of the Causeway Coast. Enjoy face painting, a treasure hunt, creepy crafts and more.
Come and experience a creepy crawly half-term at The Argory. Spooky spiders and creepy crawlies are usually hidden away at The Argory, but this half-term they’ve come out and taken over.
Bring the whole family to Castle Ward for a spellbinding trail through their enchanted woodland in “The Cauldron Quest”. Perfect for children of all ages, this outdoor fantasy adventure will stir the imagination and create unforgettable Halloween memories for the whole family.
Navan Centre and Fort is set to be the spookiest place in town for all ghosts, goblins, witches and wizards. With bewitching stage performances, a mysterious trail and themed games, Little Spooks is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween.
- Monsters & Magic, A Halloween Family Adventure at Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh
Come along for an enchanting outdoor Halloween adventure where monsters meet magic. Wander through the enchanted woodland on an interactive guided quest, encounter magical creatures and uncover hidden treasures. Prepare for thrills and chills in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Epic Halloween Adventures Lurking Around Every Corner
As the crisp autumn air settles in, the Footsteps in the Forest festival at Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers a perfect Halloween adventure. This extended festival celebrates the ancient festival of Samhain with eerie entertainment, tantalising treats and immersive storytelling.
Let the fun begin and check out all the fantastic Halloween experiences on offer this season.
Make the most of the Halloween holidays by coming to Share Discovery Village to take part in one of their spooky Halloween activities. From Creepy Combat Corps, Spooky Paddle, Witchy Kitchen, Trick or Treat Boo Bash and Dark Discovery Escape, there is something for all ages.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience this Halloween season at Colin Glen Forest Park’s very first ‘Fear Forest’ event, taking place 11 – 31 October. The forest will transform into a terrifying landscape filled with demonic clowns and spine-chilling Halloween characters lurking in the shadows, ready to haunt your every step. This immersive experience is set deep within the secluded woods, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of adrenaline-pumping fear and fun. Check website for age guidelines.
Meet some of your favourite Halloween characters as you make your way around the event, which is sure to have some tricks and treats along the way. The self-guided walk through the park will also feature fire displays, bubbles, bugs and beasties, a kid’s disco, arts and crafts, and messy play in the Witch’s Kitchen. The night finishes with a spectacular fireworks show if the weather permits.
Come along to Granda Ben’s ‘BOO’ Trail this October as it’s transformed into a Halloween Hunt. Explore their Ethical Zoo Trail, trek through forests on your Fun Halloween Hunt, find all the dinosaur gravestones, make a potion in the witch’s kitchen, make your way through the spider’s web maze and so much more.
Explore the supernatural this October half-term and discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be. From wildlife spotting and bug hunting to wand-making and storytelling, the wetlands are bubbling over with magic. Also check out Mrs Maker’s Spooky Masquerade Art Workshop at WWT Castle Espie.
A fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy horse riding, perfect for beginners and first timers. The team at Crindle Stables makes sure everyone feels welcome, including those requiring autism-friendly experiences. Competitive Halloween-themed horseback games are sure to have everyone excited, or you can relax with an autumn trek (weather dependent) through beautiful places followed by pony feeding.
Purple Turnip Halloween Festival will take place on Sat 26 Oct from 12 noon to 3pm, where they will be transforming Market Square into a spook-tacular extravaganza as part of their Halloween celebrations. This is a family-fun festival, free to attend.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on 31st October, starting with a Town Centre Halloween parade from 4.30pm, followed by the spectacular fireworks display.
Stay tuned for more updates and join in celebrating the return of this beloved event.
Walk the estate and enjoy new fun and frights, fresh for 2024. With so much on offer from spooky karaoke, marshmallow toasting, scary stories and a tractor ride to facepainting, arts and crafts and an obstacle course including their mega hay slide, they have all you need for a fun family-friendly day out.
Magical Delights, Pumpkin Patches and Halloween Fun
Don’t miss freaky Fun Farm for a Halloween experience of laughter, fear and prizes. During your experience you’ll get to enjoy the pumpkin patch field and carving shed, creepy games to win some creepy prizes, join the local witch at her creepy cinema to watch her favourite scary programme. And jump on board the terrifying train trail and dare to travel with their haunted character to meet some of his fiendish friends along the way.
Halloween at the Farm is back again. This year they have pumpkin picking, a witchy scavenger hunt, Halloween craft barn and scarecrow competition. Enjoy their beautiful farm shop & cafe serving up themed treats, hot chocolates and mulled apple juice. Come and see the farm animals in their working farm barns. There are goats, calves, pigs and donkeys to see there as well as the rest of their regenerative farm to explore.
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes transforms into a spine-tingling wonderland for families. Begin your journey in their enchanting pumpkin patch, where you can pick the perfect pumpkin. Enter the Barn of Ghouls for some creative pumpkin carving. The fun continues as the Witches from the Swamp guide you through face painting and spooky crafts.
Grab a wheelbarrow and pick your perfect pumpkin from the beautiful pumpkin patch. Head on an adventure around the fairytale forest, make slime, toast marshmallows and much more.
The Jungle NI transforms into a magical world of spooky surprises and autumnal fun with Hallowee’uns. Perfect for families looking for a memorable Halloween experience, join for pumpkin picking, ghostly tales and thrilling activities that will have your kids howling with delight.
Presenting their children’s trail to track down those Pesky Pumpkins nesting in their galleries to solve the hidden clue and claim a Halloween prize. There are other family-friendly activities to do at the Castle from the Talking Townlands trail to the Hen’s Teeth Challenge. Check the website for more Halloween adventures.
Hear the story of The Gruffalo before heading outdoors for a guided walk through the deep dark wood to meet your favourite characters and even stop by the pumpkin patch, where you’ll pick out your very own pumpkin to carve and take home.
Join RSPB NI’s Window on Wildlife this Halloween as they lay on a host of activities at their Spooky Pumpkin Patch as part of their Big Wild Halloween celebrations. With spooky decorations and creepy stories about all the things that go bump in the night for all your little monsters.
Check out over 22 types of pumpkin planted this season, come along, grab a wheelbarrow and roam through their colorful pumpkin patch. They also have additional attractions, including indoor spook tunnel – enter if you dare, indoor animal corner and witch house.
Bored of Date Night? Streamvale Farm has the perfect evening for you, your date or your mates. Visit their floodlit Pumpkin Patch and choose your perfect pumpkin. Carve your pumpkin in their marquee, leaving all the smells and mess with them. Also including feeding times, tractor rides, barrel rides, meet snakes & reptiles, Spooky Sister’s Sweet Shop, marshmallow toasting and haunted house. Also, check out tickets for the family friendly Halloween Pumpkin Patch Experience.
Welcome to Kinedale Donkeys’ spook-tacular “Halloween Donkey Date Night”. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you spend a delightful evening with their bewitching donkeys. The event kicks off with a fun speed dating session, where you will have the chance to meet the donkeys, dressed in Halloween costumes. Following your speed-dating, meet, feed and cuddle the other farm residents. By candlelight search for the perfect pumpkin, and you’ll also be treated to a delectable Halloween-themed feed in their rustic barn.
Running 21st of October – 3rd of November, enjoy Halloween Showings at Let’s Go Hydro. Drive in and sit back with pizza delivered to your door this Halloween season.
Tales, Tours and Tastes of Halloween
Step into the hauntingly beautiful grounds of Castle Ward for the Bewitching Bazaar Craft Market. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of their historic Georgian estate, this market is perfect for those who love all things spooky and magical.
Join an exclusive evening exploring Game of Thrones sets and props while indulging in a themed menu inspired by the show’s most memorable locations.
Head to Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory this Halloween to create some of the scariest SLIME there is. Each child will create their own slime from start to finish to take home.
For visitors who will not be in Northern Ireland during Halloween, this intriguing small group tour explores several ancient sites and primeval habitats, where you will discover structures and plant species, that can be linked to many of the rituals and traditions that collectively became known as “Samhain” or Halloween.
After years of research, they have made a ground-breaking discovery of something long buried. Now, a towering figure has been unearthed from the archives at the Folk Park. Come along to their Torchlight Tour, if you dare, for a night at the museum as you enter the mysterious world of Crudden Boyle.
Wander through The Carriage Rooms, transformed into an enchanting market where local artisans showcase their finest arts, crafts, and foods—perfect for finding unique, handcrafted treasures. Don’t forget to stop by the stables to meet Montalto’s Witch Hazel, and snap a spooky picture in her bewitching lair. With a DJ spinning festive tracks and a spectacular Fireworks Display to light up the night, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Join Martin from Foyle Trails on his Halloween Tour where you will discover some of the ancient origins of Halloween. Hear how the mythology of archaeological sites and primeval habitats played a role in the creation and survival of the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain (Halloween). This quirky day trip will both intrigue and amuse you, so mark your calendar and get ready for a unique and fascinating experience.
The Song of the Bones is a piece of dark, immersive storytelling gig theatre; merging electronic pop music with traditional shadow puppetry to tell the tale of the Islandmagee Witch trials in 1711. Using elements of traditional Irish folk tales, mysticism, and feminism, the spellbinding show was created by Claire McCartney & Beccy Henderson of VOKXEN, featuring haunting puppetry by Claire Roi Harvey (Star Wars/Jurassic World), and earthy musical percussion by David McLaughlin (Blue Man Group).
Dining in the Dark is a gastronomical experience that invites you to explore the full potential of your taste buds in a uniquely entertaining atmosphere on 25 October. While blindfolded, you’ll enjoy delectable surprise dishes while feasting on a three-course meal without using your sight, thereby enhancing your other senses. Former Michelin star chef Barry Smyth, aka Flavoursmyth, has carefully curated this mystery menu to excite the taste buds.
You’re invited to the Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House on Saturday 26 October for ‘Tales of Samhain’ with renowned storytellers Charlie Gallagher and Keith Corcoran. Suitable for ages 18+.
Check website for dates and times throughout October and beyond. Age restrictions may apply to the above tours, so please plan accordingly. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on this Halloween season or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.
