Fun and Spooky Halloween Happenings: What Not to Miss in Galway
Spooky Season is almost upon us and Galway has no shortage of ways to get into the spirit. From parades and pony rides to pumpkin patches and folklore festivals, keep scrolling to discover the best Halloween happenings in the west this October.
Celebrate Samhain with new festival Gaillimh-A-Boo
An initiative by Galway City Council, Gaillimh-A-Boo sets to reclaim Samhain’s celtic origins through an exciting celebration of food and folklore from October 11th to November 2nd. Highlights include Tine Lasta fire show, Féasta Fomhair with JP McMahon and a Thriller dance performance in Eyre Square.
Be sure not to miss the Samhain Procession, bringing together three traditions – Samhain, Día de los Muertos and All Souls’ Day – for a vibrant evening of culture and celebration of our ancestors.
Visit the dedicated site gaillimhahboo.ie to find out more.
Experience the Macnas parade
Macnas’ iconic Halloween parade is back on the 26th October, promising a thrilling takeover of Galway city. This year's theme is An Treun: The Summoning of the Lost, inspired by a forgotten Bram Stoker tale and the eerie call of the Corncrake. Directed by Louise Lowe, the parade explores culture, memory and climate and delves into how we hold on to what we’re losing. Beginning at University of Galway and ending at the Claddagh Fire Station, the parade is an unmissable event, bound to get the family in the mood for Halloween.
Enjoy a spooky pony ride
For pony lovers, head to Slieve Aughty’s Howl-O-Ween Festival in Loughrea for a day of family- friendly fun. This eco-conscious riding centre transforms into a spooky wonderland each October, with activities suitable for the whole family.
Highlights include eerie story readings in the stables, an enchanted forest walk, spooky face painting and pony rides made extra fun with halloween-themed games. To learn more and book tickets visit slieveaughtycentre.com
Visit a pumpkin patch
Galway Pumpkin Patch, located in Ardrahan, offers a great day of seasonal fun for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy Pinterest-worthy photo backdrops, farm animals, traditional carnival games and children’s climbing areas, with activities on offer for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect spot to spend a slow weekend of family fun, making memories that will be cherished forever.
Opening on the 11th of October, spots fill up fast so be sure to book tickets to avoid disappointment.
Go on a haunted walking tour
Do you have what it takes to wander around the dimly lit streets of Galway city, and come to terms with its dark and haunted past? The Haunted Walking tour explores the ghostly history of Galway city, uncovering the sinister events that occurred in the past – hanging, executions and hauntings as well as learning about the origins of Halloween. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll never view Galway the same again. Click here to book tickets.
Find the perfect Halloween costume at Planet Retro’s pop-up
For those still searching for the perfect Halloween costume, check out Planet Retro’s Halloween Pop Up Shop. You’ll find rails upon rails of specially selected second-hand costumes, with everything from princesses to skeletons, ideal for those in need of a fun costume without compromising on sustainability.The shop is also open seven days a week for the month of October.
31 Eyre Square, planetretro.ie
Take part in a family-friendly Howling Halloween at Brigits garden
Gather the family and head to Brigits Garden for their unmissable Howling Halloween. Located just 20 minutes outside of Galway City, in Roscahill, this unique celtic garden is transformed into a scary haven for Halloween lovers.
Highlights include a treasure hunt, storytelling with Rob Fulton, potion making with the Wacky Witch and facepainting sessions. A mix of nature, creativity and spookiness, this popular event often sells out fast. To book tickets visit brigitsgarden.ie
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