From clowns with chainsaws to deadly dinosaurs, Celtic sporting mythology, outer space and music festivals, there are some wickedly good events happening across the country this October and Halloween. Here is a roundup of the festivals and events you won’t want to miss!
Visit Europe’s Best Scream Park, The Nightmare Realm at Dublin City Market.
The Nightmare Realm, which was voted Ireland’s Best Halloween Experience and Europe’s Best Scream Park, is returning to its haunt at Dublin’s City Market from Friday 4th October-1st November 2024 with its biggest and most impressive event yet. The Nightmare Realm is daring visitors to step through the veil of their immersive world at a brand new experience: Village of Fear XV- which embodies everything that haunts your nightmares, with five thrilling new mazes, interactive secret rooms, an expanded Museum of Horrors, a food court, and an even larger Halloweentown. In partnership with Club Orange and Dublin City Council. See www.thenightmarerealm.ie.
Take a wicked walk at Jurassic Newpark, Kilkenny
Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween midterm at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. From Saturday, 26th October to Sunday, 3rd November 2024, embark on a magical journey where worlds collide as you trail from a den of deadly dinosaurs, to a world of wonderful wizarding, and all the spooky stops in between! dinosaurs, wizards, and ghouls collide in a fun-filled, spooky ‘Wicked Walk’ adventure through the hotel’s renowned family attraction, Jurassic Newpark. The entire park will be seasonally decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, bats, and skeletons, offering an interactive Halloween experience for the whole family. Be sure to get into the ‘spirit’ by dressing up in a spooky costume or your favourite dinosaur outfit!
Discover the Magic of Samhain with Hurloween Tours at Croke Park
The GAA Museum at Croke Park invites families to celebrate the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, with a unique twist on Halloween at their ever-popular ‘Hurloween’ Tours. Leave the ghouls and ghosts behind and dive into Ireland’s sporting history, from the legendary tales of Setanta to the heroic leaders of today like Shane O’Donnell! Young GAA fans can journey through the centuries, learning about Ireland’s oldest games while embracing the spirit of Samhain. This year’s Hurloween Tours, which run from Tuesday 29th October – Thursday 31st October (10.30, 12.30 and 14.30 daily) promise an unique experience for families looking for seasonal fun rather than scares and are perfect for children aged between five and twelve, accompanied by an adult. Book your tickets in advance online at crokepark.ie/halloween.
Have a scarily good time at the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
For some hip (and haunting!) music then make your way to Cork for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival from 24-28th October. Celebrating its 46th year, the world-renowned 5-day festival features a jam-packed weekend of eclectic performances with the finest international jazz artists including head liner Gregory Porter, and a stellar line-up of Irish and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. There’s also an extended music trail through the city, and a fantastic line-up of Irish and international musicians and emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of the genre. Add to that pop-up events, late night parties, boat trips, collaborations and brass bands marching through the city streets. See www.guinnesscorkjazz.com.
Have an out of this world October!
Ireland is set to become the epicentre of astronomical wonder and scientific innovation once again as Space Week Ireland returns from 4th-10th October 2024. This year’s festival will look at the theme of Space and Climate, and former NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson is joining the celebrations on a nationwide road trip, plus their is an exciting #NovaHunter photography competition, schools engagement and Space Week TV all combining to bringing the cosmos to communities across the country.
Astronaut Steve Swanson will join the MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory team on a road trip, as they explore the wonders of the cosmos and the Emerald Isle. The road trip kicks off at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory on October 4th and continues to Cork, Galway, Offaly, Dublin and Kildare. You can follow the journey virtually on the Blackrock Castle Observatory YouTube channel—subscribe in advance to receive livestream notifications from each location; there’s also plenty of Space Week TV content to enjoy on the channel!