Get ready for a thrilling Halloween in the Midlands with our guide to many exciting events for children and adults alike in 2024. This year, the region is bursting with a variety of events that promise to thrill both the young and the young at heart. From haunted castles and spooky trails to pumpkin carving contests and street spectacles, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the Top 5 events.
1. Longford’s Dead of Night 2024
Longford’s Dead of Night Festival for 2024 returns this year from Saturday, October 26th, and culminates in a free procession and street spectacle on Bank Holiday Monday, October 28th.
There will be a Samhain Town family event in Connolly Barracks Longford Town, Samhain Town family event on Saturday and Sunday. There will be spooky acts, the return of the haunted house and the
pumpkin patch.
Fire and Shadows Procession, Longford
Bank Holiday Monday will see the return of the Fire and Shadows Procession from 7pm. This free event will work it’s way from Earl Street to Main Street and into Connolly Barracks where there will be a spectacular fire beacon finale. This year’s Procession includes floats that tell the story of local legend, Midir and Étain. Funded by Fáilte Ireland, the floats are designed and produced by a collective of Longford artists, along with Spraoi Waterford and 100 local performers. Tickets for all events are available here from Longford County Council.
2. Púca Spooka festival to Tullamore
PÚCA Spooka returns with new attractions and experiences along with many returning favourites. Starting on Saturday, 26 October and running until Sunday, 27 October, there will be something for all the family to enjoy, from spooky haunting experiences to pumpkin patches, and from arts and crafts, viking village, circus carnival, all nestled safely in the grounds of Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore. Events inlcude a Daredevil Circus, Ghost Train, Brand New Carn-Evil Funfair, Mascot Disco, Witches in the Woods, Spooky Halloween Trail, Cosplay Heros, IncredibleFire Performances, Atmospheric Sounds, Graffiti Street, Viking Village, Jurassic Town Park, Zombie Laser Wars & so much more. Tickets here
3. Solas Eco Garden, Portarlington
Solas Eco Garden Shop on the Lea Road, Portarlington, is hosting a Halloween themed set of events leading up to the big night on October 31st. Fright Fest features family Halloween fun and a haunted house experience with face painting, craft activities, and traditional Halloween games. At the Halloween Craft Station, guests can get creative and make their own Halloween decorations to take home and dive into a variety of classic Halloween games. Celebrate Halloween with spooky classic movies in Solas’ Halloween themed pop up cinema on October 28th. For more, see Solas Eco Garden.
4. Halloween at Athlone castle
Athlone Castle is getting ready for its Spooky Halloween trail on Thursday, October 31st. Children and their parents are invited to take part in the trail and meet some of the friendly resident ghosts and ghouls as they explore the haunted trail throughout the castle visitors centre. Children are encouraged to dress up, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities. There will also be a colouring station to create frighteningly festive artwork.
Down the road in the Luan Gallery, Halloween Pumpkin Lantern workshops take place on Saturday 26th, and Tuesday, October 29th. Saturday’s pumpkin carving workshop allows you to design, craft, and carve your own Halloween pumpkin lanterns. Taking inspiration from the spooky themes in Luan Gallery’s current exhibition, Tuberclerosies by Kevin Mooney, participants will be led in drawing and creating unique designs using various techniques and materials. On Tuesday there will be a selection of Mask Making Workshops. Local artist Claire Guinan encourages you to take inspiration from the spooky themes and monstrous figures in Kevin Mooney’s current exhibition, Tuberclerosies. Book Athlone events here.
5. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park for Halloween 2024
On Saturday October 26th, Sunday October 27th and Monday October 28th, walk the Halloween Treasure Trail through the Ghoulish Garden to the Witches Lair! Belvedere’s yearly Halloween activity never fails to excite. Frightful face painting and other spooky activities. Belvedere is a stunning Georgian country house near Mullingar in Westmeath that dates back to 1740 and which shares its story of opulence and splendour, sadness and joy. Note the Treasure Trail is an outdoor event. More information here.
