With restrictions set to ease at the end of the month, the biggest celebrations are set to take place this Halloween as the first holiday that is somewhat restriction free in almost two years. We’ve rounded up some of the best events taking place this Samhain, with something for all our readers.
The Nightmare Realm
With the title of ‘No.1 Haunt in the World’ and ‘Best Independent European Haunt’, The Nightmare Realm began terrorising the people of Ireland for the first time in Kerry, but they are now celebrating their 13th year running and their 7th year open in Dublin. They promise that “Each year is different to the last. We redesign haunt themes and mazes, switch up characters and update our most infamous rooms, nothing is ever the same as it once was.” Held in the RDS, Dublin, the experience is like being the star of a horror film, where guests are faced with their darkest nightmares and experience the artistry of fear.
Farmaphobia
This Halloween classic is regarded as Ireland’s biggest and best horror experience, with organisers stating that their “tormented and twisted minds have been working overtime to ensure that Farmaphobia will return for Halloween 2021.” With 4 terrifying haunts spread over 100 Acres of Fear, this Halloween event is not to be missed and is ideal to do with friends.
Halloween Market at The Well
If a scary tour isn’t your thing, a Halloween market in the city centre is something for the whole family to enjoy. Based on the original location of Dublin’s famous Dandelion market, this market is set to be spread over 2 floors with 50 stalls. The stalls will be filled with the finest traders in Dublin, top vintage clothing sellers, jewellery makers, a pop-up record store with 1000’s of vinyl records, up and coming clothing designers, local art & crafters and of course great music, food and drinks with Dublin Pizza Company also making an appearance. This will take place on the 24th of October.
Samhain Family Festival Live
Celebrate the magic of the spoken word and awaken your inner Seanchaí at the Samhain Family Festival on October 25th at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Samhain is a festival that celebrates Ireland’s ancient Halloween roots and rich storytelling traditions. Colourful characters will share spine-tingling tales and there will be plenty of treats in store for all ages!
Hurloween at the GAA Museum
Who said sport has no place in the spooky season? Take a trip to the revamped GAA Museum Museum, as instead of ghouls, there’ll be talk of goals in Croke Park this Halloween on the brand new Hurloween tours. Hurloween Tours include a visit to the Croke Park dressing rooms and a walk pitchside where guides will teach the history and skill of the sport. The trip also includes a Warriors and Hurlers Workshop, where younger visitors will learn more about the story of Setanta, a master hurler who used his sliotar and came to slay the hound of Chulainn. Everyone on tour will also have a chance to visit the re-opened and revamped GAA Museum. Tours take place from Tuesday, October 26th to Saturday, October 30th.
Ruth Delaney- Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent
