Half-term is here and there’s no better destination for a Halloween-themed family touring jaunt than Ireland.
Halloween’s origins can be traced back to Ireland, where pagans celebrated the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to mark the beginning of winter some 2,000 years ago. If you want to get away with the kids in a caravan or motorhome for the half-term holiday and do some trick-or-treating further afield, the Emerald Isle has plenty to offer.
The team at Irish Ferries has come up with a list of the top Halloween-themed activities to enjoy in Ireland this spooky season.
Tayto Park After Dark
Tayto Park is a much-loved family theme park and zoo located a 45-minute drive from Dublin port. Head over in your leisure vehicle on the ferry and enjoy all of the fun-filled activities on offer.
From October 28th to the 30th, the park opens its doors at nighttime so guests can experience a range of rides and roller coasters in the dark. If you’re travelling with young children, you’ll be glad to know that this is a “no scare” event – so you don’t have to worry about the kids being unable to sleep once you pitch up for the night.
Bram Stoker Festival
This four-day festival takes place in Dublin over Halloween weekend and celebrates the legacy of Ireland’s most famous horror writer, Bram Stoker.
As part of the celebrations, visitors can participate in haunted tours, cinema viewings and much more before watching the Borealis at Dublin Castle, an immersive light installation inspired by the Northern Lights.
Once you’ve had enough of vampires, you’ll be well-positioned to embark on a road trip to explore some of the best natural attractions Ireland has to offer, such as the Cliffs of Moher.
Púca Festival
Every Halloween, Púca Festival celebrates the pagan origins of All Hallow’s Eve and takes place in some of Ireland’s most historic locations including the Hill of Ward, the village of Slane and Drogheda, one of the oldest towns in the country.
Enjoy folklore, myth, music, food and installations as you steep yourself in fascinating history and explore the best of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Hurloween at Croke Park
Croke Park is bringing back its famous “Hurloween Tours” between the October 29th and November 4th.
Ideal for Halloween-loving kids, the tour lasts for 90 minutes and includes a visit to Croke Park’s dressing room, a pitch-side stroll and a “Warriors and Hurlers Workshop” where kids can learn about Cú Chulainn, a mythological master of hurling and son of the sky god Lugh.
If you’re planning a Halloween half-term trip to Ireland, rest assured that there’s plenty to enjoy aside from all the spooky activities on offer.
Home to incredible natural wonders, fascinating culture and great spots to pitch up – Ireland offers some of the best destinations in the British Isles to explore in a caravan or motorhome.
Image credit: Saad Chaudhry / Unsplash
