The October Bank Holiday is almost upon us, and we're taking a look at some of the spookiest Halloween events taking place in Ireland this weekend.
Truly, there's nothing that lifts our spirits quite like a Bank Holiday weekend. And nothing lifts the spirits of the undead like the October banker specifically.
Whether you have a full itinerary of terrifying activities planned or you're hoping to spend the entire weekend on the sofa scoffing some tasty Halloween treats, it's sure to be a much-needed break away from the office for a few days.
If you need some help getting into the spooky spirit, we've put together some of the top things to see and do this Bank Holiday weekend, including city-centre activities and nearby events that are perfect for a Halloween day trip.
And whether you're staying in or heading out, your local
Maxol is the perfect
pit stop to stock up on some essentials for the Bank Holiday weekend.
If you're planning a night out this Halloween, Maxol is running an incredible
Italian Wine Sale until 9 November, ideal for picking up some red or white vino ahead of any celebrations you're planning. And when it comes to snacks, there are loads of amazing offers available on the
Maxol Loyalty App for the entire weekend, including:
- A FREE ROSA Coffee when you download the app
- Galaxy / M&M’s / Maltesers Sharing Pouch Bag 2 for €5
- Doritos Sharing Bag only €2
- Maxol Still Water 2 Litre 2 for €2
- Lucozade Energy Original and Orange 380ml 2 for €3
And if that wasn't enough, Maxol Donabate has a brand-new Apache Pizza, with some fantastic offers for anyone looking for a tasty dinner on the go. Some of the offers include any 2 large pizzas for €22.99 or the Apache Little Big Box (a personal pizza, side, drink and dip) for only €9.99.
Click here to view the menu or order.
With all of that in mind, it's probably time to start planning your Bank Holiday weekend in or around Dublin. From terrifying Halloween haunts to spooky cult classic screenings, here are some of the best events and activities taking place near you this weekend...
The Nightmare Realm
Nothing will get you in the Halloween spirit quite like a visit to the
Nightmare Realm.
The ultimate Halloween event is running at City Market on Mary's Lane this year, promising five brand-new and terrifically terrifying mazes that are sure to spook even the bravest of visitors. As you explore Dublin's biggest indoor scream park, you can expect to meet some creepy clowns, ghastly ghouls and loads more terror-inducing monsters and characters.
Púca Festival
Running from Friday 28 until Monday 31 October, Púca Festival celebrates Ireland's ancient Halloween traditions of music, folklore and food through a series of spooky events taking place across the Boyne Valley.
As part of the celebrations, Trim Castle will see a number of famous faces performing over the weekend, including Gavin James, Imelda May, The Academic, Jason Byrne and Joanne McNally, as well as loads more spooky and spiritual events. You can check out the full 2022 Programme
here.
Drive-In Cinema
It wouldn't be Halloween without binge-watching some iconic horror flicks, so why not enjoy these spooky classics at a night-time drive-in screening?
There's plenty of spots all over Ireland;
Retro Drive-In Movies at Leopardstown Racecourse, Drive-in Movie Night at Monasterevin, and all over the country really. You can choose something super spooky, or just Halloween themed, if you scare easily (like I do).
Farmaphobia
Fair warning, this one isn't for faint-hearted. It's that time of year when Causey Farm in Co. Meath gets a spooky makeover for
Farmaphobia, Ireland's biggest halloween event.
This year's terrifying experience includes five new haunts, each with their own creepy theme and terrifying characters. Test your bravery on a visit to Clown Town, fight for your life on Purge Night and escape from the living dead in the Zombie Morgue. Just remember that some sections of Farmaphobia take place outdoors, so be sure to dress for cold and rainy weather.
Bram Stroker Festival
The
Bram Stroker Festival returns to Dublin this October Back Holiday weekend, promising loads of gothic events and after-dark experiences to celebrate the supernatural wonders of the world.
One of the highlight of this year's festival is BOREALIS, an immersive light and sound experience taking place at Dublin Castle, creating a spectacular Northern Lights vision which will be projected from Dublin Castle’s Upper Courtyard. You can find a full programme of events taking place
here.
Lismore Castle Dungeon
You'll have to be quick with booking this one as tickets are going fast. Based in Waterford, Lismore Castle Dungeon is a spooky experience that will have you reeling for days after. This Halloween event is a 360 degree immersive experience involving 24 live actors, 8 themed spaces, one spectacular setting and 1400 years of history.
You can book your tickets
here, if you dare that is.
