The Best Halloween Festivals in 2023!

Halloween is fast approaching and there are all kinds of spooktacular events happening around the Emerald Isle! 

Puca Halloween festival (County Meath, 27-31st October)
Púca festival is steeped in Irish folklore and ancient traditions. It celebrates the mystical Púca creature—a mischievous shapeshifter from Celtic mythology. Spanning across several days in various towns, the festival boasts an exciting lineup of events, including captivating storytelling sessions, dazzling light displays, art installations and music performances.

Derry Halloween festival (Derry-Londonderry, 28-31st October) 
The Derry Halloween Festival 2023 promises an unforgettable celebration in the heart of Northern Ireland. Renowned as one of the world's best Halloween events, there are a huge range of spooktacular happenings to choose from!  The streets come alive with a spectacular parade featuring elaborate floats, haunting performances, and imaginative costumes. Everyone gathers for a jam-packed schedule, including ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and culinary delights with a Halloween twist.

Bram Stoker Festival (Dublin, 27-30 October)
The Bram Stoker Festival returns in 2023 and is now entering its tenth year - Named after one of Ireland’s beloved and legendary authors, the festival features Gothic inspired productions, outdoor spectacles during 4 days and 4 nights of deadly adventure. Find the entire programme soon on the festival’s website. And if that wasn’t enough, some other events to watch out for in Dublin are the Ghost Bus and the Haunted History tours!

Galway Aboo Festival (Galway, 27-30th October)
The Aboo Festival is set to enchant visitors with a bewitching blend of old-world charm and modern festivities! The city comes alive with a parade featuring ghoulish costumes, captivating performances and floats, setting the perfect tone for the spooky season. There will also be haunted tours, creepy workshops, live music, and delicious seasonal treats! 

The Macnas Parade (29th October) in Galway is honestly nothing short of magical! The parade features a breathtaking array of intricate sculptures and some of them are absolutely huge!   There are  vividly designed costumes and all kinds of music and dance which creates an otherworldly atmosphere. There will also be haunted tours, creepy workshops, live music, and delicious seasonal treats. This is not one to miss! 

If you’re as excited as I am, why not get into the spooky season now by reading about the most haunted things in Ireland?

Do you have any more Halloween activities or events to add? I’m all ears! 

Ireland in October is festival season. It's the month when Ireland hosts the most festivals, up and down the country.With reduced admission fees and off-peak crowds, you really get the best of both worlds in October!

🧛 Bram Stoker Festival:
Located in Dublin, Explore Ireland's capital city and literary history through one its most famous authors; the creator of all-time classic Dracula.

😋 Dingle Food Festival:
Located in Dingle, County Kerry. This charming seaside town is a year-round foodie mecca but things get even tastier from early October.

🎶 Wexford Festival Opera:
This festival takes place in the Sunny South East in County Wexford. This Viking-established town in Ireland's Ancient East region plays host to an event awarded Best Festival at the 2017 International Opera Awards.

🥾 Wicklow Walking Festival:
Embark on an adventure in the Wicklow Mountain National Park. Just one hour from Dublin lies Ireland's largest National Park. Explore this spectacular and historic landscape with night hikes and other amazing events.