I’m visiting Ireland this October! What is there to do?

Hauntings, harvests and a heck of a lot of festivals… Ireland is full of activity this autumn and we’ve put together a sample of things to do all over the country this month.

Whether you’re seeking thrills for the Halloween period or prefer to take a trip back in time and discover Ireland’s Ancient East, we’ve got something for everyone. With Halloween coming soon, it’s time to get into the spirit and share some spooky things to do in Ireland! If you’re travelling here this autumn and feel like taking a road trip with Halloween in mind, you should check out the scary side of Ireland’s Ancient East.  

Follow the trail of these six tales of terror that will take you on a journey around the island’s spookiest sites, visiting some of the island’s most haunted castles and eerie estates. Halloween events are happening all over the place throughout the month – there are plenty of opportunities to get your thrills in Ireland this October. Scare yourself silly with these haunted happenings and decadent dos in Dublin and beyond, like in the very home ofHalloween, Derry~Londonderry, at its world-famous festival.   


If the spirits of Samhain (Gaelic for ‘the beginning of winter’) don’t do it for you, why not learn more about the kings and heroes of Ireland, and feast your eyes on these stunning landscapes while listening to the stories of Ireland’s Ancient East here.  

October is festival season, harvest events are happening everywhere, and there is lot of great local produce to be enjoyed at some of the biggest food festivals coming up, like one of Armagh's apple festivals, or soak up the magic of one of Ireland’s gorgeous medieval cities, Kilkenny, and devour dishes cooked by its best chefs at Savour Kilkenny.

Dublin will be buzzing with festivals and seasonal events too, from fashion to film, theatre and music, so no one travelling here will be disappointed. And if you travel around the country be sure to catch at least one concert at the world-famous Wexford Opera Festival and Cork Jazz, respectively.   

So now you’ve heard what October in Ireland has to offer, what would you do first?

Hi! I recommend following @EnergiaHome on twitter. They have a really helpful list for each weekend, of events going on all over Ireland! As well as events for adults @EnergiaHome tweets events especially for teenagers and toddlers too. Don't forget to think about N Ireland-we are a really beautiful part of our island! Hope you have a great time! 

Hi, Lorraine

Thanks for sharing the twitter feed for @EnergiaHome, it is indeed a wonderful resource of information about cheap and free stuff to do on the island of Ireland.

What would you recommend in Northern Ireland for folks to come and see that is free or cheap to do? We receive a lot of questions from families looking to fill their time with us with interesting activities that every age group can join in with.

Here is an article on 30 Free Things to Do in Ireland which has plenty of information to add the anyone's list, not forgetting the Halloween celebrations coming up across the country.




Best wishes,

Good timing to ask me about Halloween in N Ireland! I actually just tweeted this morning about Derry/Londonderry. It made the BBC UK news last year for it's record breaking parade! It was also voted no 1 in a USA Today readers' poll in 2015 as best place in the WORLD to go for Halloween!  

Check out the BBC News link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-37804910

Hello, Lorraine.

A very worthy recommendation and a very popular one too!  You seem very knowledgeable about Northern Ireland, and we love hearing your suggestions, so do not hesitate to share any thoughts or ideas you may have with others throughout the Community who may be visiting Northern Ireland as part of their trip.

There is another member here on the Community who will be travelling from Dublin to Northern Ireland as part of their trip, perhaps you may have some other fantastic 'must-do' ideas to share with them.

Thanks again for all your knowledge so far!  

All the best,

Colin