Family Activities for your Halloween Midterm in Galway

This year, the October Halloween Midterm is running from Monday October 27th to Friday October 31st and because there are so many fantastic family-friendly activities taking place across Galway city and county for it, we have put together a little events guide to help you keep your children entertained.

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It’s time to get out your scary costumes as the season of the witch descends on Galway. We’ve put together a snapshot of the family-friendly activities you can enjoy with the whole family throughout the October Halloween Midterm. Discover what’s happening in Galway right here…

Planet Retro’s Halloween Costume Shop

When: Now until October 31st
Where: 31 Eyre Square, H91 P5Y8
More information here  
This Halloween, make your costume fun, unique, and unforgettable with Planet Retro as your one-stop pop-up costume shop. Forget boring costumes, browse through rails upon rails of outfits and accessories, from timeless classics and children’s favourites to ghoulish and creatively offbeat creations. Whether you’re costume hunting for your children, sorting costumes for a whole group of trick-or-treaters, or just looking for something wild for yourself, you’ll find everything you need waiting here. Schools and clubs can even dive into bulk buys, making it easy to kit everyone out at once for a fantastic price. And if you’re not sure what to be? No problem. Planet Retro’s friendly staff are bursting with ideas to get your creativity flowing. Thanks to their kilo pricing, you can mix and match to your heart’s content; think zombified hippies, alien cheerleaders, or vampire firemen. There’s no limits!

above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Gaillimh Ah-Boo: A Celebration of Samhain and Folklore 

When: Throughout the month of October & November
More information here
Gaillimh Ah-Boo! is a bold new Halloween programme that reclaims the ancient Celtic origins of Samhain through a city-wide celebration of myth, magic, and community. Brought to you by the Galway City Council the festival will showcase everything from spine-tingling spectacles to immersive storytelling, while inviting locals and visitors to rediscover Halloween in its original form, rooted in folklore, feasting, and fire. Highlights include: five art installations in shop fronts across Galway City by renowned Irish artist Rita Duffy, a Samhain community ‘Thriller’ dance spectacle in Eyre Square, the Samhain Procession | Día de los Muertos: which brings together three traditions: Samhain, Día de los Muertos, and All Souls' Day. Féasta Fómhair - a celebration of food and flame with chef JP McMahon, honouring the Celtic tradition of gathering and storytelling around the time of the harvest in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church on Halloween night, as well as folklore trails & tours that explore the spirits, legends, and rituals of the West through Dark History Tours and an arts trail across the city.

Halloween Eco Teddy Workshop & Halloween Murder Mystery

When: November 1st and 2nd
Where: Wildlands
More information here
Things are getting spooky over at Wildlands’ activity centre in Moycullen. On November 1st and 2nd, join them for a thrilling Murder Mystery Orienteering activity, where you'll unravel dark secrets, follow cryptic clues, and navigate through eerie forests under the moonlight. Gather your fellow detectives, dress in your spookiest costumes, and embark on an unforgettable quest to solve the mysterious murder that haunts the haunted woods. Can you crack the case and unmask the killer? And claim your sweet reward? This event is perfect for all ages! (With a special junior version for under 8’s). Additionally on November 1st, the 30-minute hand stuffed Be My Bear Eco Workshop is perfect for children aged 3 or more, combining creativity, imagination, and play. After crafting your Jack O Lantern or Frankie The Monster, your child will take their new friend home with them, or you can stay a while and enjoy complimentary access to the playground, Spooky Halloween Fairy trails and the orienteering course.

Howling Halloween

When: October 25-27th, between 12pm-2pm
Where: Brigit’s Garden
More information here
It’s that time of year again when the veil between this world and the other is at its thinnest. You would be well advised to disguise yourself so the fairies can’t find you! So, dig out your costumes and join Brigit’s Garden for the Gruesome Goblins’ Treasure Hunt, Spine-Tingling Storytelling with Rab Fulton, and Spells & Smells with the Wacky Witch! And, don’t miss the marquee! Here you’ll find frightfully fun face-painting, spooky crafts, and games to keep your little monsters entertained. Hit the link above for all the gory details!

above: photo courtesy Brigit's Garden 

Howl-O-Ween Festival 

When: October 25+26th, and October 30th+31st, between 12-4pm
Where: Slieve Aughty Centre
More information here 
Get ready for a fang-tastic celebration at Slieve Aughty Centre, where Halloween magic comes to life with exciting activities for children of all ages! Featuring: new themed scary rooms where children will get a sneak peek through a curtain into spine-chilling scenes that are sure to set their imaginations ablaze! Scary face painting that’ll transform your child into your favourite Halloween character. Cosy fireside fun. Self-guided nature walks with spooky surprises. Pony game rides such as balancing an eyeball on a spoon and conquering other quirky challenges in a thrilling 10-minute adventure. In addition to all this there will be delicious treats in the café, where they will be serving up a scrumptious menu of lunch specials, steaming coffees, and rich hot chocolates to warm your belly.

Samhain Celebrations 

When: October 24th to November 2nd
Where: Kylemore Abbey
More information here 
This October midterm break, Kylemore Abbey invites families to embrace the spirit of Samhain with a captivating seasonal experience. Young explorers and their families can uncover the secrets of Kylemore’s historic trees and delve into their fascinating stories, all within the enchanting 6.5-acre Victorian Walled Garden. The beautifully restored garden buildings offer a unique opportunity to engage with ancient Samhain traditions, while the Kylemore Garden Tea House provides a creative escape with autumnal colouring and activity pages to enjoy alongside panoramic views. The experience continues at the Pony Paddock, where visitors can meet Kylemore’s beloved ponies and enjoy the lively feeding time of Ken and Perry, the resident Kune Kune pigs. Sunday (26th), brings a day of tradition to the already historic estate, with a charming display of classic tractors and vintage cars from the Connemara Classic & Vintage Club nestled behind The Kylemore Kitchen Cafe. The craft continues with wool spinning demonstrations taking place just outside the Victorian Walled Garden, offering a captivating look at traditional Irish crafts in action.

Kids Halloween Party 

When: October 30th, between 1-3pm
Where: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
More information here 
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of fun on Halloween Eve at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa. Little ghosts and goblins can enjoy a kiddies disco, an enchanting magic show, creative balloon art making, and face painting to complete their Halloween look. Don’t forget to come in your best fancy dress as there’ll be plenty of fun and frights for everyone! Pre-booking is advised, but walk-ins are welcome too.

Halloween Workshop - Traditional Jack o’ Lantern

When: Thursday and Friday October 30th and 31st
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
Galway City Museum is hosting two free family Halloween workshops as part of Galway City Council’s spine-tingling Gaillimh Ah-Boo! The big, bright orange pumpkin, carved with facial features and known as a Jack o’ Lantern, is recognised the world over as a symbol of Halloween. Yet its origins lie in Ireland, where turnip lanterns were once made to frighten people at Samhain, when it was believed that otherworldly beings roamed the land. Jack, who lends his name to the pumpkin head, was an Irish blacksmith who squandered three wishes, tricked the devil three times, and was condemned to wander the earth for eternity, his only light a glowing ember carried in a hollowed-out turnip. Join Damien Donnellan, Education and Exhibition Assistant, as he shares the tale of Jack o’ Lantern. Afterwards, artist and educator Vicky Smith will guide participants in making their own traditional turnip lanterns. The collaborative workshop is designed for families with children aged 6 to 12 years. In addition to these workshops, Galway City Museum has hidden somewhere in the galleries a new LEGO®-brick scene (made by brick-artist Jessica Farrell) depicting Jack with his turnip lantern at the Gates of Hell. Find it and all the LEGO®-brick miniatures with the help of the Tiny Treasure Hunt  available at the Museum reception.

Crafty Clarence Potions Class

When: October 30th, at 6.30pm
Where: The Connacht Hotel
More information here
Perfect for little witches and wizards, this hands-on workshop is packed with creativity, colour, and plenty of Halloween fun. Each child will craft their very own magical potion in a potion bottle to take home. All supplies are included, but if you’d like to add an extra spooky twist, you’re welcome to bring along a recycled bottle or jar from home. (If there are leftover ingredients, extra potion will be shared out!) Included in ticket price is one potion bottle per child (all craft supplies provided), Halloween-themed dessert treats, and tea & coffee for accompanying adults. Advanced booking is essential.

Halloween Family Dining & Entertainment

When: October 24th-31st
Where: The Connacht Hotel
More information here 
Whether you're savouring a delicious 3-course lunch, enjoying a halloween afternoon tea, or watching the kids have a blast at Petey's Poppin' Kids Disco, there's something for everyone to enjoy at The Connacht Hotel. For €32 per adult and €16.50 per child, the Halloween Afternoon Tea (which includes loads of seasonally inspired treats) will be available from Friday the 24th until Friday the 31st. On Sunday 26th and Wednesday 29th (6.30pm-8.30pm), The Connacht Hotel will be throwing their magical family dining experience with magician Magic Daniel who will dazzle and delight all in attendance. And, on Monday 27th you and your child(ren) can enjoy a 3-course meal followed by Petey’s Poppin’ Kids Disco. Just remember to bring your costumes as the Best Dressed Competition will crown the most creative, spooky, or funny outfits, with prizes for both children and grown-ups. For more information on all of this and more please see the above link.

above: photo courtesy The Connacht Hotel 

Galway Pumpkin Patch 

When: October 25-28th, from 10am-2pm, and October 30th, from 10am-2pm (dog-friendly day)
Where: Castletaylor Estate, Ardrahan, H91CX3W
More information here
Each Halloween season, Galway Pumpkin Patch welcomes thousands of visitors from all corners of Ireland to celebrate the spookiest season of the year. A memorable day for both young and the young at heart, your pumpkin patch experience includes pumpkins (of course!) - source your perfect pumpkin whether it’s for carving or simply decorative purposes, meet some friendly farm animals and cartoon characters, take part in family-friendly games such as Crazy Golf, Bowling, Ball in the Bucket, Ring the Bull, and Throw the Beanbag, and a toddler’s playground. With plenty of opportunities also to get plenty of photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Feature photo from Pexels by Charles Parker