This year, the October Halloween Midterm is running from Monday October 26th to Friday October 30th 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…
A Halloween Murder Mystery in Wildlands
When: From October 24th to November 1st, various time slots available.
Where: Wildlands
More information here
Things are getting spooky over at Wildlands’ activity centre in Moycullen. This October Midterm Break 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 ages 6+ to adults. (With a puzzle for children under 6 included). Additionally on the 29th-30th, guided by one of their Halloween-dressed instructors, kids can hand-stuff their own eco-friendly Jack O’ Lantern, Frankie the Monster or Zac the Zombie, add a heart, give them a name and take home their birth certificate. There will also be face-painting and cupcakes on the 31st, and a fancy dress competition with Wildlands gift vouchers up for grabs for the top three costumes.
Gaillimh Ah-Boo: A Celebration of Samhain and Folklore
When: Throughout the month of October
More information here
Building on the success of its inaugural year, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! is back and better than ever! As part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, this year’s programme is even more diverse, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and unique cultural backdrop of Galway City. The season marks an extra-special milestone for the city’s arts landscape, celebrating both Macnas’s 40th Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. Events include; the spectacular ‘Time’ by Luxmuralis installation at St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, the return of the Samhain Community Dance Spectacle – A Thriller in Eyre Square, A Gathering of Souls procession on the Day of the Dead (November 1st) and much more. Visit the link above to see what spooky delights await!
Howling Halloween
When: Saturday to Monday, October 24th to 26th, between 12pm and 4pm
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!
Howl-O-Ween Festival
When: From Saturday October 24th to Sunday November 1st, between 12pm and 4pm daily
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: 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.
Planet Retro’s Halloween Costume Shop
When: Open for the month of October
Where: Unit 120 in Eyre Square Shopping Centre
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. There’s no limits!
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Galway Pumpkin Patch
When: Open October 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th, 24th - 27th, 30th & 31st. Dog-friendly dates October 11th, 30th and 31st.
Where: Castletaylor Estate, Ardrahan, H91CX3W
More information here
Each October, 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 carnival games, and visit the toddler’s playground. There’s plenty of opportunities to get plenty of photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.
The Macnas 2026 Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 25th
Where: Galway City Streets
More information here
Bring the entire family out for an evening of spectacular storytelling, dancing and an award-winning internationally acclaimed performance this October with the return of Macnas’ Halloween Parade. This year, Macnas are celebrating its 40th anniversary with Fiáin, a Halloween spectacle that’s set to transform the streets of Galway City. Pronounced fee-awn, Fiáin is a celebration of the wild - from the untamed landscapes and elements of the West of Ireland to the wild inspirations that have shaped Macnas’ extraordinary work over the past four decades. This year, the parade is only the beginning of an exciting 40th anniversary programme of celebratory projects and events, honouring Macnas’ remarkable creative legacy while looking towards the future. So, save the date and prepare to experience Halloween at its most spectacular, unpredictable and wild. Fiáin is coming.
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Kids Halloween Party
When: Thursday, October 29th, between 1-3pm
Where: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
More information here
Come along to Lough Rea Hotel & Spa for a spooktacular Kid’s Halloween Party, packed with fun and entertainment for little ghosts and ghouls. Enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun featuring a Kiddies Disco, Magic Show, Balloon Art & Making and Fancy Dress. Come dressed in your favourite costume and get ready for a frightfully fun afternoon for all the family. Pre-booking is advised, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Halloween Workshop - Traditional Jack o’ Lantern & Spooky Halloween in LEGO®
When: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 27th & 28th
Where: Galway City Museum
More information here
The Halloween custom of carving grotesque faces into hollowed-out turnips and using them as lanterns was once widespread across Ireland and Britain. This October 27th, join Brendan McGowan, Museum Education Officer, as he tells the story of this old Halloween tradition. Afterwards, carve your own traditional turnip lantern with artist and arts educator Vicky Smith. All materials are provided. This event is suitable for families with children aged 6 to 12 – please specify your child’s age when booking. On the following day, families with children aged between 7-13 years are invited to join brick artist Jessica Farrell for a Halloween-themed LEGO® family workshop. Families will take part in LEGO® building activities that explore Halloween stories and traditions. These guided exercises promote imagination, building skills, and communication, while allowing families to experience the enjoyment and satisfaction of creating together. There are two time slots available to book 2pm and 11.30am. With the 11.30am slot specially designed for families with neurodivergent children aged 7 and over. For more information please see the above link.
Halloween Family Dining & Entertainment
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. On October 26th, they’ll be hosting their annual Halloween family lunch, with a free children’s Halloween disco from 3.30pm to 5pm. Costumes are very much encouraged as there will be a prize for best dressed. Additionally, The Connacht Hotel will be throwing their magical family dining experience with magician Magic Daniel who will dazzle and delight all in attendance on Sunday 25th and Wednesday 28th. Then, on the big day itself, Halloween, you and your child(ren) can enjoy some trick or treating at 4.30pm-5.30pm followed by Petey’s Poppin’ Kids Disco at 7.30pm. For more information on all of this and more please see the above link.
Halloween Silent Disco for Kids
When: Saturday, October 31st, from 12pm
Where: Róisín Dubh
More information here
Taking place as part of Galway Comedy Festival and Gaillimh Ah-Boo! 2026, parents and their younglings are welcome to Róisín Dubh for a brilliant Halloween Silent Disco. Before you hit the streets for some trick or treating - get your Halloween costume on and hit the dancefloor for a family-friendly fancy dress shindig.
Feature photo from Pexels by Charles Parker
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