Over the coming days, Ireland’s streets will take on a different character. Theatre creatures will make their way through Dublin, Drogheda’s landmarks will become canvases of light, and Derry’s walls will provide the setting for encounters with spirits. As 31 October approaches, Halloween extends well beyond one night of costumes: the celebration unfolds over several days, with major urban spectacles, storytelling walks and family events.
Here are eight Halloween 2026 festivities to note, across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Some begin as early as 23 October, while others take over the following week. Carlow opens today, 22 October. The dates below were checked with organisers and official bodies on 22 October 2026; availability and admission arrangements should still be checked before you set off.
1. In Dublin, Bram Stoker brings the city into Dracula’s world
The capital has a very tangible connection to Gothic literature: Bram Stoker was born and lived here. From 23 to 26 October, the Bram Stoker Festival turns that heritage into a realm to explore, through theatre, film, storytelling and walks devoted to the writer’s haunts.
For families, Stokerland returns to St. Patrick’s Park from 24 to 26 October. On Monday 26 October, Macnas’s Fiáin parade is scheduled for the north-east of the city centre: another way to discover Dublin, through street theatre and imagination.
Dates and booking information to know
From 23 to 26 October 2026, at several venues across Dublin. Stokerland and the parade are listed as free, with no booking required. Other events are ticketed or free with a ticket; several are already sold out and some activities have been cancelled. Check the up-to-date official programme before planning your day around a particular event.
2. In Drogheda, façades become gateways to legend
From 23 to 26 October, the Lú Festival of Light invites visitors to see Drogheda differently. Old Abbey, St. Peter’s Church and St. Laurence’s Gate host projections that bring stonework into conversation with mythological tales. The result is an evening walk through the town’s heritage.
Light installations add to the trail, notably at the Methodist Church and Highlanes Gallery. The market held in the Dominican Church also offers the chance to combine the outing with local crafts and flavours.
A ticket-free trail
From 23 to 26 October 2026, in Drogheda, County Louth. The festival lists its projection trail as ticket-free. Associated events may have their own terms, so check opening times and venue details on the official Lú website. Expect to be walking outdoors after dark.
3. At Dublin Zoo, Halloween is also a good-value family outing
The Zoo-pernatural Trail, running from 24 October to 1 November, gives children a mission to solve during their visit. Dracula and his troupe are also scheduled from 26 to 30 October, from 11 am to 3 pm.
The date to factor into your budget is Saturday 31 October: children in costume receive free entry, subject to the zoo’s published terms. A costume can therefore reduce the cost of a day at Phoenix Park, without making the visit free for the whole family.
The 31 October free-entry offer has specific conditions
The offer applies to day-entry tickets bought at the ticket desk on 31 October for children in costume. It cannot be used in conjunction with promotions, family tickets, bundled offers or other discounts. See Dublin Zoo’s official terms and conditions. On 25 October, the Dublin Marathon will also lead to road-access restrictions at Phoenix Park.
4. In Derry, the walls awaken ahead of the big night on 31 October
Derry Halloween runs from 28 October to 1 November. The city’s walled heart becomes the setting for a trail of lights, performances and characters: Awakening the Walled City, scheduled from 28 to 30 October, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
The major gatherings are concentrated on 31 October, with a parade scheduled for 7 pm, followed by fireworks at around 8.15 pm. To make the most of the sets and performances, it may be worth staying for several nights rather than arriving solely for the parade.
Choose your evening and plan your travel
From 28 October to 1 November 2026, in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Parade and fireworks times are indicative. The programme has different admission arrangements: consult the official FAQ for any ticketing requirements, parking and accessibility information. For paid activities in Northern Ireland, prices are given in pounds sterling.
5. In Ballyburren, Samhain is told in the forest
Near Ballynahinch in County Down, Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes offers an evening centred on fire and folklore. The experience combines a hot drink, a lantern walk, an introduction to the uses of plants and demonstrations of fire-related skills, followed by a tasting prepared over the flames.
The sessions on 28 and 29 October offer a more intimate interlude, centred on storytelling and woodland scenery. An option to consider for those wishing to extend their exploration of Northern Ireland beyond the major city celebrations.
An experience to book
28 and 29 October 2026, from 7 pm to 9 pm, at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, 143 Dromore Road, Ballynahinch. Booking is essential; confirm availability, price and minimum age directly with the provider via the official tourism listing.
6. In Meath, Púca brings together spirits, music and shows
The Púca Festival returns to Trim and Athboy from 29 October to 1 November. Its world draws on the shape-shifting figures of Irish folklore, with a programme combining music, circus, trails and Samhain celebrations.
The music programme includes The Coronas and The Waterboys. You can therefore build a stay around a concert and an exploration of Meath, choosing events carefully according to their location: the two towns are not a single site to explore on foot.
Check the venue for each event
From 29 October to 1 November 2026, in Trim and Athboy. The organiser states that the festival is subject to licence. Tickets, times and arrangements vary by performance: use the official Púca programme to plan travel and book your chosen events.
7. On O’Connell Street, a free Halloween market in the heart of Dublin
From 30 October to 1 November, Upper O’Connell Street hosts the Trick or Treat Main Street Market. Craftspeople, seasonal treats, roaming characters and children’s activities are set to bring an autumnal atmosphere to one of the capital’s main thoroughfares.
The announced programme includes storytelling, face painting, a slime laboratory and pumpkin decorating. An easy outing to fit in between visits, especially for families who prefer daytime activities.
Three afternoons with free entry
From 30 October to 1 November 2026, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Free admission and the activities listed as free do not include purchases from stalls. Find more information from Dublin City Council.
8. In Carlow, Samhain begins on 22 October
VISUAL Carlow opens its Samhain festival on 22 October, with a programme continuing until 1 November. Theatre, music, clue hunts and family events make up a cultural stop in this south-east town.
The FIRE NIGHT fire show is scheduled for 23 October, among several free events. It is an opportunity to discover a celebration on a different scale, centred on an arts centre and its cultural quarter.
Free does not always mean no booking required
From 22 October to 1 November 2026, at VISUAL Carlow. Check availability and booking requirements, particularly for free performances, through the official festival presentation. This event begins on the day of our selection, while the other festivities above start in the days that follow.
How should you plan a Halloween break in Ireland?
Choose a base rather than clocking up the miles
Dublin makes it possible to combine several events: Bram Stoker on the first weekend, followed by the O’Connell Street market and Halloween at the zoo the following week. Drogheda and Meath invite you to extend your trip north of the capital, while Derry merits a separate stop on a Northern Ireland itinerary.
Book the accommodation and events that matter most to you before arranging everything else. For outdoor evenings, bring a waterproof layer, comfortable shoes and allow time for walking access. Programmes may change, particularly depending on the weather, so a final check with organisers on the day itself remains essential.
Selection checked on 22 October 2026 against the official sources linked in each section. Availability is not guaranteed.
