This year, the October Halloween Midterm is running from October 28th to November 1st 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.
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…
Howling Halloween at Brigit’s Garden
October 26-28th / Brigit’s Garden / tickets here
It’s that time of year again when the veil between this world and the other is at its thinnest so you would be well advised to disguise yourself so the fairies can’t find you! Dig out your costumes and join Brigit’s Garden for their array of family-fun events; Ghastly Ghouls’ Treasure Hunt, Spooky Storytelling with Rab Fulton, and Notion & Potions with the Wacky Witch. And, don’t miss their marquee! Here, there will be face-painting, Halloween crafts, games and loads more fun activities taking place for little boys and girls. Hit the link above for all the gory details…
Wildlands’ Halloween Week Surprises
October 25th-November 4th / Wildlands / more here
I don't know if you have already heard but things are getting super spooky over at Wildlands’ activity centre in Moycullen! For one whole week they will be handing out a mix of tricks and treats for all those brave enough to visit them. This Halloween week, families are invited to join in them for some fearsome fun events which include; spooky fairy trails, murder mystery, street entertainment with fire and circus performer Mélisandre Souef, live music by Mísc, face-painting and a best Halloween fancy dress competition. With more to be announced, be sure to stay updated via the link above.
Samhain Celebrations at Kylemore
October 26th-November 3rd / Kylemore Abbey / more here
This October Halloween midterm break, Kylemore Abbey will be hosting a family-friendly event to take children on a trail of discovery through Kylemore’s woodland paths and Victorian Walled Gardens to learn about the nocturnal woodland creatures that roam the countryside and the incredible constellations that light their way. Starting at the Visitors Centre where children (under 12’s go free) will pick up their map, families are invited to follow the trail and in finding all of the woodland creatures and night sky objects a word will be revealed. Along the way, there are colouring stations to get arty, a chance to meet Kylemore’s Ponies and Pigs, and there will be storytelling and hot chocolate in the Garden Teahouse. Stopping by the Head Gardeners house will also reveal some ancient Celtic Samhain traditions, and the Vinery will host the annual tree of remembrance to allow the visitors to leave messages of remembrance to those gone before. On completion of the trail, children can drop their uncovered word into the Visitor Centre to be entered into a daily raffle to win a lovely Kylemore Hamper of goodies!
above: photo courtesy of Kylemore Abbey
Kids Halloween Party in Loughrea
October 28th / Lough Rea Hotel & Spa / tickets here
This October Bank Holiday Monday, there is a kids Halloween party taking place at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa and you are all invited to come along! It is your chance to enjoy a magical performance by the magician as well as a line-up of other kids’ entertainment for all the little ghouls in attendance. It’s going to be a party of thrills, chills and other fantastical fun happenings!
Kids Samhain Mask Making Workshop
October 27th / West End Art Collective / tickets here
Artist Lara Luxardi is offering a delightful Kids Samhain Mask Making Workshop at the West End Art Collective on Sunday 27th of October. This event not only celebrates the ancient festival of Samhain but also ignites the imaginations of young minds. Through the art of mask-making, children are encouraged to explore their artistic talents, learn about cultural traditions, and express themselves in a fun, hands-on environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to engage with the arts and participate in the community’s cultural heritage. There will be 2 sessions (3pm-4:30/ 5pm-6:30) so book early to avoid disappointment!
Halloween Costume Shop
October 14th-31st / Planet Retro Vintage / more here
All Hallows’ Eve draws ever-nearer and you know what that means - it’s time to get your costumes!! Are you going as a trickster or do you want to look a treat? Either way, make sure your outfit is out of this world by visiting Planet Retro’s Halloween pop-up costume shop. With costumes of all ages (that’s right, even for the youngest members of the family!) ranging from the classics and family-friendly, to the eerie and unsettling. This Halloween, Planet Retro invites you to embrace your inner clown and look awesome while doing it. All for the bargain price of €25 per kilo or €15 for half a kilo.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Kids Halloween Party in Galway City
October 31st / Flannery’s Hotel / more here
On Halloween morning, all families are welcome to visit Flannery’s Hotel on the outskirts of Galway city for their kids Halloween party. All mini monsters and grown-up ghosts are welcome, no matter if you want to pop in and then go or stay for the full event. There will be face-painting, music, games and surprises as well as other little tricks and treats. It’s free entry, however they will be a bucket collection on the day in order to raise funds for Jigsaw Galway.
Family Halloween Festival
October 26th-31st / Slieve Aughty Centre / tickets here
It’s a chilling time at Slieve Aughty Centre this Halloween as they’ve got ghosts and goblins causing all sorts of mischief. There is haunted houses, Halloween tricks and treats, scary stories, horses and ponies to pet and ride as well as arts & crafts and pumpkin carving workshops. With something for all ages, this year promises to be one of their best Halloween festivals yet! You especially won’t want to miss the Witch’s Walk, a Halloween treasure hunt for young children (under the age of 8) while the Trail of Terror promises to scare the older ones silly. As a family you can walk through the Enchanted Forest, counting how many Halloween creatures you see as you go, and answering the riddles which will help guide your way. All children will receive a sweet bag on arrival too.
Halloween lunches, parties & afternoon teas…
October 25th-31st / The Connacht Hotel / more here
Whether you're savouring a delicious 3-course lunch, enjoying a delicious themed Afternoon Tea, or watching the kids have a blast at Petey's Poppin' Kids Disco, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. Come along and make this Halloween one to remember at The Connacht Hotel — lots of treats, fun, and friendly faces await! For €28 per adult and €15 per child, their yummy Spooktacular Afternoon Tea will be available for booking on the 25th-31st. On Sunday 27th and Wednesday 30th, The Connacht Hotel will be throwing their magical family dining experiences with magician Magic Daniel who will dazzle and delight all in attendance. Then on the final day of celebrations, Halloween day itself, The Connacht Hotel will be hosting a fab kids disco with some traditional Halloween games and activities at Friendly Fellow Kids club. For more information on all of this and more, please see the above link.
Feature photo from Pexels by Charles Parker
Published on Updated on
