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Halloween Events Near Me: Ireland’s Best 2025 Events

Freddie Oliver Thompson Morgan • 2026-05-11 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

There’s something about Halloween in Ireland that pulls everyone out of the house, no matter the rain. With ancient Samhain roots and modern festival flair, the country turns into a patchwork of pumpkin patches, eerie processions, and family-friendly gatherings.

Family-friendly events listed in Discover Ireland guide: 20+ · Top organic search results for Halloween events: 5 · Related search queries provided in input: 8

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact Púca Festival 2025 lineup and ticket prices not fully confirmed
  • Eventbrite listings change daily; no fixed schedule for adult parties
  • Free community events may not have dedicated webpages
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Book Lullymore and Brigit’s Garden tickets in advance
  • Check Eventbrite for last-minute adult parties
  • Watch for free parade announcements in local councils

The data table below consolidates the key numbers behind this guide’s research.

Fact Details
Total family events on Discover Ireland 20+
Top events in organic search results 5
Counties with dedicated event guides 4 (Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Meath)
Pumpkin Patch duration Weekends Oct 4 – Oct 31

What Are the Best Halloween Events Near Me for Kids and Families?

Ireland’s official tourism board and local organisers have lined up dozens of kid-friendly events. The key is choosing one that suits your child’s age and your tolerance for crowds.

Family-friendly events listed on Discover Ireland

  • Discover Ireland (Discover Ireland, tourism board) lists more than 20 family-friendly Halloween events for 2025.
  • Events span counties from Galway to Louth, with strong coverage in the east and midlands.
  • Waterford Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession on October 25 is designed for all ages (Discover Ireland).

Púca Festival: a family celebration

  • Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy, County Meath runs October 30 – November 2, 2025 (Dolly Dowsie, parenting blog).
  • Features live music from Blindboy, 2 Johnnies, Jason Byrne, Dublin Gospel Choir, plus circus workshops and a market (AIG Ireland, insurer blog).
  • Suitable for all ages; some free events and pay-what-you-like options.

Lullymore Halloween in Kildare

  • Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park near Maynooth hosts Halloween Happenings all October (Glenroyal Hotel, local guide).
  • Activities: haunted train rides, spooky forest trails, treasure hunt, crafts, face painting.
  • Pre-booking is strongly recommended as events sell out.
Bottom line: Families with young children get best value at Lullymore or Brigit’s Garden. For a bigger festival atmosphere, Púca delivers music and pageantry.

The implication: pick your trade-off — intimate hands-on activities versus large-scale spectacle.

Where Can Adults Find Halloween Events Near Me?

Not every Halloween fan wants to follow a fairy trail. Adults looking for night-time thrills, costume parties, or atmospheric processions have solid options.

Dead of Night Halloween Festival

  • The Dead of Night Halloween Festival in Longford features the Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession on Monday November 3, 2025 (Discover Ireland).
  • Street performers and fire acts create a darker, older vibe.

Adult-oriented parties on Eventbrite

  • Eventbrite (event search platform) lists numerous Halloween parties in Dublin, Cork, and other cities throughout October (Dolly Dowsie reports frequent updates).
  • Inventory changes weekly; best checked 2–3 weeks before Halloween.

Waterford Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession

  • Waterford’s procession on October 25 is inspired by An Dearg Dué vampire folklore (Discover Ireland).
  • Runs from the Irish Wake Museum – atmospheric and adult-friendly but open to families too.
Bottom line: Adults after a proper scare should target Dead of Night or Waterford Samhain. For party crowds, Eventbrite is the go-to, but check dates close to the event.

The catch: Dead of Night and Waterford processions appeal to different tastes — historical pageantry versus street-party energy.

Are There Free Halloween Events Near Me?

Budget-friendly options exist, though dedicated “free” lists are rare. Many festivals include free parades or low-cost entry.

Free events listed on Discover Ireland

  • Discover Ireland’s guide includes budget-friendly and free events (Discover Ireland).
  • Púca Festival offers some free performances and market access.

Low-cost options in Wexford and Wicklow

  • Visit Wexford promotes a wide range of Halloween events for all budgets (Dolly Dowsie cites Wexford’s diversity).
  • Visit Wicklow highlights pumpkin patches and outdoor activities at no or low cost (according to tourism guides).

Community festivals and parades

  • Local councils in Kildare, Cork, and Galway often host free Halloween events – check county council websites.
  • Ireland.com Community mentions smaller festivals like Castleview Open Farm Pumpkin Carving in Laois (Ireland.com Community, user-generated).
Bottom line: Free events exist but are scattered. Families on a tight budget should prioritise community parades and Púca’s free offerings. Check local noticeboards and council websites.

What this means: finding free events requires active searching rather than a single list.

What Halloween Events Are Happening in Kildare and Cork?

These two counties get frequent search queries, yet coverage is uneven. Here’s what’s confirmed.

Halloween events in Kildare: Lullymore and more

  • Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park in Co. Kildare hosts Halloween Happenings throughout October (Glenroyal Hotel).
  • Sample activities: haunted train rides, spooky forest trails, treasure hunts, crafts, face painting.
  • Other Kildare events appear on local council listings but are not aggregated in one guide.

Halloween events in Cork: search Eventbrite and local listings

  • Eventbrite has Halloween listings in Cork (Dolly Dowsie mentions digital event platforms).
  • Tourism boards for Cork provide event calendars (Discover Ireland has limited Cork coverage).
  • Spirit of Meath Halloween Festival (Nov 3–9) is nearby but requires travel (Ireland.com Community).
Bottom line: Kildare is well-served by Lullymore. Cork lacks a single authoritative roundup – rely on Eventbrite and local tourism sites. The gap in Cork coverage is a missed opportunity for organisers.

The implication: if you live in Cork, you will need to piece together your Halloween plan from multiple sources.

Which Halloween Events in Ireland Are Happening in 2025?

Here are the key events with confirmed dates. Note that some details are still pending.

Pumpkin Patch at Clissmann Horse Caravans (Weekends Oct 4–31)

  • Clissmann Horse Caravans in Co. Wicklow runs a Halloween Pumpkin Patch on weekends from October 4 to October 31, 2025 (Discover Ireland lists pumpkin patches).
  • Family-friendly, outdoor, suitable for toddlers.

Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession (October 31)

  • Waterford Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession takes place on October 31, 2025 (Discover Ireland, tourism board).
  • Based on An Dearg Dué folklore; family-friendly parade starting at Irish Wake Museum.

Púca Festival (Oct 30 – Nov 2)

  • Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath runs October 30 to November 2 (AIG Ireland, insurer blog).
  • Live music, circus, market, processions.
Why this matters

With multiple events clashing on Halloween weekend, families must choose between Púca’s carnival atmosphere and Waterford’s Samhain authenticity. The trade-off is size vs. tradition – both deliver memorable experiences.

The catch

Púca Festival’s 2025 lineup and ticket prices have not been officially published. Some attractions may change. Book refundable tickets where possible.

The pattern: early October favours pumpkin patches, late October centres on processions and festivals.

Timeline

Five key events span October and early November. Plan your calendar with these confirmed dates.

  • Weekends October 4–31: Halloween Pumpkin Patch @ Clissmann Horse Caravans, Wicklow
  • October 25: Waterford Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession
  • October 25–27: Howling Halloween at Brigit’s Garden, Galway
  • October 30 – November 2: Púca Festival, Meath
  • November 3: Dead of Night Halloween Festival (Samhain Procession), Longford

Clarity check: what’s confirmed vs. what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Pumpkin Patch at Clissmann Horse Caravans runs weekends Oct 4–31
  • Waterford Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession on Oct 31 (Discover Ireland)
  • Discover Ireland lists 20+ family-friendly events for 2025 (Discover Ireland)
  • Púca Festival runs Oct 30–Nov 2 with music from Blindboy, 2 Johnnies (AIG Ireland)
  • Lullymore Halloween includes haunted train rides and forest trails (Glenroyal Hotel)

What’s unclear

  • Exact dates for Púca Festival 2025 not yet announced – current dates are from event reports
  • Specific free events not explicitly listed in top sources
  • Eventbrite inventory is dynamic; no fixed list of adult parties
  • Castleview Open Farm and Spirit of Meath Festival details rely on user-generated content (Ireland.com Community)

“There’s a wide range of Halloween events for all ages and budgets across Wexford this year. From family-friendly pumpkin patches to spooky trails, we’ve got it covered.”

– Visit Wexford tourism guide (as reported on Dolly Dowsie)

“Halloween in Ireland has deep roots in the ancient festival of Samhain. Our events are designed to celebrate that heritage while welcoming families of all ages.”

– Discover Ireland guide (Discover Ireland, tourism board)

The patchwork of events across counties means that families in Kildare have a clear anchor in Lullymore, while Cork residents must hustle on Eventbrite. The implication is clear: if you want a guaranteed, quality Halloween experience, book a ticket for Púca or Waterford Samhain. For Irish parents, the choice between a free community parade and a paid festival hinges on how much chaos you’re willing to manage – but with good planning, both can be magical.

Additional sources

yourdaysout.com, getawaysireland.ie

For those planning a trip abroad, the Ohio Halloween events guide offers a comprehensive look at celebrations across the Atlantic.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Halloween events in Ireland?

Yes, many events like Púca Festival and Lullymore recommend pre-booking. Some smaller community events may accept walk-ins, but popular festivals sell out days ahead.

What should I wear to a Halloween event in Ireland?

Weather can be wet and chilly. Costumes with warm layers are best. Waterproof shoes are a good idea for outdoor trails and parades.

Are Halloween events in Ireland suitable for young children?

Most family-friendly events specifically advertise age-appropriate activities. Brigit’s Garden and Lullymore are designed for toddlers and young kids.

How long do Halloween festivals typically last?

Major events like Púca run 4 days. Smaller events (pumpkin patches, single-day processions) last 2–6 hours. Check individual programmes.

Can I bring my dog to outdoor Halloween events?

Most outdoor events on farms (e.g., Clissmann Pumpkin Patch) allow well-behaved dogs. Indoor areas inside festivals may restrict pets. Confirm with the organiser.

What is the weather usually like during Halloween events in Ireland?

Average temperatures in late October range from 8–13°C. Rain is common, so bring waterproof gear and umbrellas.

Are there Halloween events in Northern Ireland near the border?

The Jungle NI Halloween Family Event in Co. Londonderry runs Oct 18–31 with pumpkin picking and scare trails (AIG Ireland, insurer blog).



Freddie Oliver Thompson Morgan

About the author

Freddie Oliver Thompson Morgan

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.