Hallowe'en in Northern Ireland is a vibrant celebration with a wide range of festivals, events and attractions which are incredibly popular with people from this world, and of course, other realms.
The celebrations in Derry~Londonderry are regarded as the largest in Europe with 100,000 people expected in the city for this year’s festival which includes a fantastic carnival parade and fireworks display.
Elsewhere in Northern Ireland plans are afoot for a whole range of Hallowe'en celebrations from events designed to scare to others a little more child friendly.
Here's a list of festivities to help you embrace our giant spirits.
Halloween Extravaganza, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast 21 - 31 Oct 2022
This Hallowe'en get in the spirit at Crumlin Road Gaol for a spooktacular Hallowe'en event, suitable for adults and children of all ages from October 21-31. The Halloween Extravaganza includes the Spooktacular Gaol Tour, the Pumpkin Puffer Train Ride and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch! You can visit the Petting Farm and enjoy Live Interactive Halloween Musicals.
Spooky Glen, Belfast 29 Oct 2022
Welcome to Halloween at Colin ‘Spooky’ Glen on October 29. Brave a walk through the deep, dark forest to meet your favourite Halloween characters like the Hocus Pocus Sanderson sisters, Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King, Sally and Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Hear a spooky story from Penny the Pumpkin as she tells the beloved Julia Donaldson tale, 'Room on the Broom' before you finish with some toasted marshmallows and a spooktacular spectacle from the Jump, Jiggle and Jive dance crew.
Halloween Torchlight Tours, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh Friday 28th October, Saturday 29th October, Monday 31st October
Tours run every 15 minutes between 6pm and 10.30pm from October 28, 29 and 31. The tours explore the life of Amos Burns, who, along with his wife in 1865, travelled to an American town called Drowned Horse Creek. Legend has it that the only correspondence after his departure was a book sent home to his mother written in blood red ink and titled Torment at Drowned Horse Creek. Will you join the search for Amos and his wife, to discover if the terrifying tales of Drowned Horse Creek are true?
Todds Leap Horror Nights, Ballygawley 21 - 30 Oct 2022
The popular Horror Nights continue this Hallowe'en with the Scare Maze and the haunted house attraction, Get Out. Face nightmarish walkways, scare zones, and narrow alleyways as you try to figure out exactly how you are going to get out. Caution! U15s should be accompanied by an adult. Dates include October 21-23 and 28-30.
Halloween Ghost Tour, Armagh Armagh 27 - 30 Oct 2022
This one-hour walking trail, which runs from October 27-30, will be a mix of gruesome tales of days gone by coupled with a few surprises along the way. Tread the narrow streets lightly - you don't know who is waiting to get you. The tour concludes at Red Ned's with a hot whisky/hot port or a drink of your choice or if U18 a voucher will be provided for an ice-cream treat or speciality coffee at Mackles Ice Cream. This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age.
Awakening The Walled City Halloween 2022, Derry~Londonderry 28 - 31 Oct 2022
The Walled City of Derry~Londonderry comes alive for Europe’s biggest Hallowe'en festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun from October 28-31. Around 100,000 are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see 40,000 revellers gather on Hallowe'en night for the first time since the pandemic.
Halloween at the Jungle NI, Moneymore Saturday 22nd October & Sunday 23rd October, then Friday 28th October right through to Tuesday 1st November
The Jungle has conjured up some delightfully frightful ideas for its popular ‘Hallowee’uns’ event, which is specifically for young kids and their families. This Hallowe'en extravaganza is filled with wicked, weird and wonderful activities. During the event, taking place on October 22&23 and then from October 28 to November 1, they will enjoy some pumpkin picking and carving, a haunting haycart ride with a rather wicked witch who will tell spooky stories along the way and a host of other adventure activities. There are prizes for the best costumes.
Pickie Pumpkin Patch 21 - 31 Oct 2022
Pickie's annual Halloween Pumpkin Picking event returns this October 21-31. Pumpkin ticket includes 12 tokens to use on the Pickie Attractions. How it works: Arrive on your selected date and time, produce your online ticket to be scanned and redeemed for Pickie Tokens (check ticket outlet location stated on the front entrance signage), then present your Pickie Tokens at each attraction. A token for the Pumpkin Patch will be presented at this stage. You must collect your pumpkin at this time.
Ultimate SUP Halloween Party Paddle, Downpatrick 29 Oct 2022
This just might be the fancy dress event of the year. Paddle up the amazing Quoile River with this guided tour with Ultimate SUP NI. Time warp to Inch Abbey, keep an eye out for Viking invaders and paddle into the twilight on this three-hour trip. Fancy dress not compulsory but it’s recommended. This event is suitable for everyone over 14 years and takes place on October 29.
Subject to availability. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.