HALLOWEEN 2022: The 6 events not to be missed in Ireland

You probably already know that Halloween is an Irish tradition, but do you know the best celebrations happening this year in Ireland?

Whether in the capital or in other Irish counties, Halloween celebrations in 2022 promise to scare even the bravest. Are you ready for these adventures? We list in this article the 6 best events taking place in the country. Put on your best Halloween costume and let’s go, booo !

1 – BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL (Dublin)

One of Ireland’s most famous Halloween festivals is back with an edition full of unmissable events.

Remember that Bram Stoker is the famous Irish writer who created Dracula. Every year, the Bram Stoker festival celebrates the legacy left by the work of Stoker and his inescapable vampire.

This year, and exceptionally, it will be possible to visit one of the most famous (and disturbingly atmospheric!) libraries in the country outside opening hours. The Marsh Library is the oldest in Ireland (founded in 1707) and stores over 25,000 books.

This exclusive tour of the Marsh Library offers a very rare opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s most fascinating public buildings in a unique atmosphere. Bram Stoker was an avid reader there as a teenager, and the tour will feature some of the material he consulted on witchcraft and astrology. You’ll also hear the ghost stories associated with the library, including that of the 400-year-old Archbishop who is said to roam the dark galleries there at night and the incredible (but true) story of the ancient Egyptian mummy found in the library in the 1880s.

Another highlight of the festival program is the screening of the film Nosferatu (an unauthorized adaptation of the novel “Dracula”) which is already celebrating the centenary of its cinema release! The screening will be accompanied by a live musical interpretation of a new score written by internationally acclaimed composer and musician Matthew Nolan in the church Pepper Canisterknown as an architectural gem in Dublin city centre.

A work by Swiss artist Dan Acher called Borealis will also be on display at Dublin Castle during the days of the festival.

See more details about the Bram Stoker Festival program here.

Dates: October 28, 29, 30 and 31.

2 – THE NIGHTMARE REALM (Dublin)

Winner of the “Best Independent European Haunt” award in 2019, The Nightmare Realm Urban Horror is back with the biggest indoor horror theme park in the country. With new labyrinths but also ‘no fear’ zones, unforgettable evenings await the most intrepid in the Irish capital from October 7th.

See more details here.

Dates: From October 7 to November 2

3 – PUCA FESTIVAL (Co. Meath)

One of Ireland’s most anticipated Halloween events is back in a spooky and spectacular new edition in well-known locations: Trim Castle (Castle in County Meath on the banks of the River Boyne) and Atheboy (small town in the same county). Lots of music, bonfires, food, parties and traditions will take place from October 28th to 31st.

See the complete program of the festival on this link.

Dates: October 28, 29, 30 and 31.

4 – FARMAPHOBIA (Co. Meath)

During the month of October, an area of ​​more than 40 hectares in Fordstown in County Meath will make even the most reckless jump in fear. In five theme parks, participants will have to face their greatest fears as they wander through disturbing landscapes where they will come across the most macabre creatures. Killer clowns at the zombie morgue, Farmaphobia promises to be one of the most intense Halloween events this year.

To see the complete program

Dates: October 1 to November 2.

As well as the Púca and Farmaphobia festivals, you can see more events taking place in County Meath at this link.

5 – DERRY HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL (Co. Derry – Donegal – Strabane)

In Northern Ireland, the beautiful city of Derry~Londonderry will once again release the ancient Celtic spirits of samhain celebrating Halloween from October 28-31, 2022. Now established as Europe’s largest Halloween festival and voted the world’s best Halloween destination in a poll by USA Today, Derry Halloween is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors between its fortified walls.

So get ready to experience the many spooky and captivating installations set to transform the landmarks of city ​​of bones.

In particular, take the route in memory of Walter de Burgh who was imprisoned by his cousin following a lordship dispute and later found starved to death in his cell in February 1332. With incredible facilities and deeds to scare even the bravest souls, the spirit of this knight is likely to haunt you!

Learn more about the festival and its program on this link.

Dates: October 28, 29, 30 and 31.

6 – TAYTO PARK (Co. Meath)

Tayto Park, Ireland’s must-see amusement park located right in the heart of County Meath, will also get into the Halloween spirit of the 2022 celebrations with two events: Tayto Park After Dark and Tricky Trail at Tayto Park.

Tayto Park After Dark : Discover the park’s famous attractions (the Cu Chulainn Coaster in the dark, brave it rotators or soar into the night sky on Endeavor !) in a much more disturbing atmosphere than usual!

Dates: October 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30.

Tricky Trail at Tayto Park : A spooky adventure for families through the park to find hidden treasures along the way! Fun interactive games, scary stories, potions, spells and magical performances by a whole host of characters…the program will be Spooktacular !

Dates: October 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29, November 2.

See more information on this link.