Lost pumpkins, friendly monsters and attractions steeped in Halloween spirit: Emerald Park is preparing a major new addition for the 2026 autumn holidays. The County Meath theme park and zoo is launching Mega Monster Halloween, a new family event running on selected dates from 10 October to 1 November.
Located in Ashbourne, close to Dublin, Emerald Park is aiming this time to offer a Halloween experience designed first and foremost for families with children aged 3 to 12. The approach is clear: plenty of pumpkins and monsters, but “all of the fun, and none of the frights”—in other words, a playful atmosphere rather than a scary experience.
Pumpkin Quest, the major new feature for Halloween 2026
At the heart of the event is Pumpkin Quest, a new themed trail created for 2026. Visitors will receive a map and must help Patch the Pumpkin Master find his missing pumpkins.
The trail will pass through several Halloween settings and feature encounters with new characters. Children who spot all the pumpkins will receive a small sweet treat at the finish.
The concept deliberately moves away from haunted houses aimed at teenagers and adults. Emerald Park presents the quest as an adventure suitable for young children, with staging that is more magical than frightening.
A new pantomime created especially for Halloween
Mega Monster Halloween will also feature a brand-new show: Goldilocks and the Three Scares. This pantomime, lasting around 25 minutes, revisits the world of Goldilocks with several Halloween creatures.
Songs, humour and characters will accompany the story, including Ziggy the Zombie, Horribella the Witch and Vasya the Vampire. The show is included in the experience offered to visitors on Mega Monster Halloween days.
In the Junior Zone, the Boo Crew will also provide musical and dance entertainment. Frankenstein, the Mummy and other characters will roam the park to meet families and pose for photos.
The roller coasters and zoo remain open
The appeal of the event is that it does not replace the usual Emerald Park visit. Mega Monster Halloween is included in the park admission ticket on the dates concerned.
Visitors can therefore combine the Halloween entertainment with the attractions open that day and a visit to the zoo, home to more than 250 animals. Thrill-seekers will notably be able to enjoy, subject to operating conditions and the weather, several signature rides including Cú Chulainn Coaster and Na Fianna Force.
For a family staying in Dublin during the autumn holidays, the event can therefore make for a full day out beyond the capital.
A Halloween morning specially adapted for sensory sensitivities
Emerald Park is also introducing an interesting initiative on Sunday 18 October 2026, with Mega Monster: Spooky and Sensory.
This session will be adapted for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment: reduced capacity, softer lighting, lower sound levels and adapted performances. Pumpkin Quest will be available under these specific conditions, and a sensory performance of the pantomime is scheduled for 11.30am.
The park is offering just 200 places for this experience. Visitors concerned are invited to book their admission as usual, then contact Emerald Park’s booking team with their reference number to register their interest in the session.
When will Mega Monster Halloween take place?
The event will not run every day throughout the period. Emerald Park has announced the following dates:
- 10 and 11 October 2026;
- 17 and 18 October;
- 24 and 25 October;
- 26 to 30 October;
- 31 October;
- 1 November.
The Halloween programme is included at no extra charge in the admission ticket on these days. Emerald Park is also offering an Early Bird discount of up to 20% when tickets are bought online before midnight on the day before the visit.
Halloween is becoming a major tourism draw in Ireland
The growing importance of Halloween at Emerald Park is part of a much broader trend. Ireland is now placing strong emphasis on its role in the history of Samhain, the ancient Gaelic festival associated with the transition into the dark season and often presented as one of Halloween’s historical roots.
From major festivals devoted to Samhain to family trails organised around Dublin, Meath and Galway, October has gradually become a true tourism season across the island.
With Mega Monster Halloween, Emerald Park is clearly targeting families: an option to consider for travellers visiting Dublin and the surrounding area with children during the autumn holidays.
