*Pictured: Sharon Meaney, Clare Volunteer Centre, Hugh McGrath, Clare County Council, Sharon Stackpoole, Clare Tourism, Brendan Boyce, Clare County Council and Margaret O’Brien, Ennis Chamber of Commerce with Lumen Street Theatre’s character as it prepare’s for the Ennis Halloween Parade which will take place on Wednesday October 28 at 6.30pm. Photograph by Eamon Ward
HALLOWEEN is just around the corner, and there is a LOT happening in County Clare and nearby from spooky festivals to fun-filled pumpkin patches.
This year, the October Bank Holiday Monday falls early on October 26 so it’s time to get organised now unless you want to make a right silly little goblin of yourself! Don’t be haunted by the the thought that you missed out an all the spooktacular entertainment – read on for six of the best family days out this October.
Halloween Parade Ennis
Where: Ennis Town Centre
When: Wednesday, October 28, 6pm
What is it? Ennis will bring Samhain to our its magical streets this year with a Halloween parade. Presented by the wonderfully creative Lumen Street Theatre, the parade will be led out by the Ennis Brass Band. Beginning on Abbey Street, the parade will move through the Height and down O’Connell Street before finishing at the Holy Family School. Ennis Chamber is delivering the Halloween Parade in partnership with Clare County Council and Visit Clare.
Monsters, Misfits & Mayhem
Where: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
When: October 24-26
What is it? This Halloween, “Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem” invade Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Wander the grounds and encounter roaming ghosts, mysterious creatures, and spine-chilling surprises at every turn — from a haunted storyteller and a runaway witch to world-class escapology and the return of the Bed of Nails. No gravestone will be left unturned this Halloween at Bunratty. Book here.
Something wicked at the Friary
Where: Ennis Friary
When: October 30-31
What is it? This Halloween, dare to step inside the ancient walls of Ennis Friary??? On October 30th & 31st, the Friary will come alive with spooky characters and a Halloween competition like no other!
Got a costume that’s creepy, kooky or downright terrifying? Dress to impress (or frighten!) and strike your most spine-chilling pose somewhere within the Friary grounds. Capture your spookiest Halloween photo on site and you could be in with a chance of winning a prize! But beware… your adventure doesn’t end there.
Venture deeper into Ennis’ oldest building and see if you can spot the ghostly characters hiding within its ancient walls. FREE ADMISSION for anyone taking part in the Halloween competition
Judging thespooky photo competition will be storyteller, poet, author, and bean feasa, Ruth Marshall. Ruth is well-used to the dark corners of Ennis Friary, and is familiar with its ghosts, bats, and nocturnal creatures. But be aware that she won’t scare easily! More information here.
Samhain an Ainmhí
Where: Michael Cusack Centre, Poulaphuca, Carron
When: October 25
What is it? Local artists, singers, dancers and storytellers are participating in Samhain an Ainmhí / Animal Opera on Halloween Bank Holiday Sunday, 25th October. All are invited to the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron to experience Samhain an Ainmhí / Animal Opera, a collaborative, multidisciplinary, experimental performance and part of this year’s Samhain Púca Storytelling Festival, co-created by local artists Maria Kerin-Walsh and Fiona Woods. Doors open at the Michael Cusack Centre, at 7.15pm, and this performance starts at 7.30pm as the final event in the Samhain Puka Storytelling Festival. Late-comers will not gain access due to the sensitive sound-based nature of the performance. Tickets are 10euros or donation at the door with 10 percent going to an animal charity.
Tricks & treats on the farm
Where: Moher Hill Farm, Liscannor
When: October 25
What is it? Halloween is the time of year when ghosts and goblins visit Moher Hill Farm. A family fun afternoon on Sunday 25th October with a Magic Show and Balloon Modelling at 2pm. All children are encouraged to visit the farm in their Halloween costumes. More info here
Where: Cleeves Factory, Limerick, V94 VF20
When: October 15 – November 1
What is it? Organisers say this year is bigger and darker than ever – and to be fair it does look very scary so only big kids – like, really, really big kids – for this one. Face terrifying new scenes, an all-new route and sinister new characters. It can be booked at Eventbrite here
Halloween in the Haunted Garden
Where:Vandeleur Walled Gardens
When:October 24-31
What is it? Something spooky is stirring behind the historic walls of Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre in Kilrush this Halloween, as the much-loved Garden Graveyard rises from the dead once again! From October 24-31, visitors can expect a chilling transformation as the beautiful gardens become a cobweb-covered world of ghostly graves, mysterious trails, and family-friendly frights. Packed with humour, creativity, and a touch of Halloween magic, this year’s programme promises something for every little monster, witch, wizard, and brave adventurer.
The Garden Graveyard’s notorious tombstones will return with their hilariously pun-filled epitaphs, guaranteed to leave visitors dying with laughter. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can test their courage on the Screech Walk, where unexpected scares and spine-tingling surprises await older children and brave souls willing to take a walk on the frightening side. Children will have the chance to design and paint their very own ceramic pumpkin masterpiece to take home, creating a keepsake that’s sure to become part of their Halloween traditions. The workshop costs €10 per child, with general admission rates applying to those not attending the workshop. Spaces are limited and advance booking is highly recommended! Visit here for more.
Starcamp Halloween Camp 2026
Where:Holy Family School, Ennis
When:October 27-30
What is it? What could be spookier than leaving your children with a bunch of strangers for four days? Starcamp’s Halloween camp in Ennis is four days of singing, dancing, treasure hunts, magic and games at Holy Family Senior School. Children aged 4 to 8 are in Starcamp, and 8 to 12-year-olds join Starcrew, the older group. It runs from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October 2026, during the mid-term break, and the four days cost €112. Book here.
