Things to do for Halloween | Family Friendly Halloween Events

Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem will invade Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, October 26th-28th.

Visitors to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park should beware this Halloween, as a thrillingly frightening array of activities will take over the park, sure to both thrill and terrify the entire family!

"Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem” will invade the castle grounds from Saturday, October 26th to Bank Holiday Monday, October 28th. From wicked wakes and talking heads, to the Witches Kitchen and a Bed of Nails, no gravestone will be left unturned this Halloween at Bunratty!

Booking Procedure

Frightfully Good Fun for all the Family

Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will take place Saturday October 26th to Monday October 28th.

There will be 2 time slots per day - 10.30am to 1.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

We recommend you arrive before your time slot to ensure enjoy you have ample time to enjoy all the delights and frights on offer.

This event is not included in Annual Membership.

Members can however avail of 20% off ticket price by presenting your valid annual membership card on the door on arrival. No pre booking required for members.

BOOK NOW

New for 2024

The Red Devil
Dare to Face the Inferno?
Beware the Red Devil. A creature of legend, his fiery presence is a force to be reckoned with. Whether stalking the shadows, growling his defiance, or radiating an eerie glow, he leaves an indelible mark on all who cross his path.

The Séance
Unveil the Secrets of the Past:
Step back in time to a 19th-century parlor séance. Summon the spirits of the departed and experience the thrill of the unknown. (For adults only)

The Shrinking Illusion
A Mind-Bending Spectacle:
Witness the impossible as reality bends before your eyes. Is it a trick of the light, or has the illusionist truly mastered the art of shrinking?

BOOK NOW

Red Devils, Shrinking Illusions and Séances!!!!

Experience Spooky Goings On

Who dares enter the Torture Chamber of Bunratty Castle ???

Castles and historical monuments have long been associated with spooky goings-on and this Halloween Bunratty Castle is no different. Should you dare cross the threshold of this ancient structure beware of ghostly voices and spooky sounds at every turn. The fortress’ creepy castle guides tell you all about the deadly dungeon or monstrous murder hole.

This year, we're thrilled to announce the return of the spine-chilling experience for visitors to our castle basement: the terrifying BED OF NAILS!" For those brave enough, visitors will have the opporunity to take a selfie on this spooky (but completely safe!) structure.

BOOK NOW

The Torture Chamber

The Wicked Wake & The Talking Head

Haunting Traditions

The Wicked Wake

Experience a chilling Irish tradition this Halloween. Join the MacNamara family as they mourn the loss of their beloved Mickey. However, this wake is far from ordinary. Rumour has it that Mickey's spirit has unfinished business, and his ghostly presence may surprise you.

The Talking Head

If the wake doesn't send shivers down your spine, venture next door to encounter the Talking Head. Is it alive? Is it dead? Approach at your own peril, for the consequences may haunt you forever.

BOOK NOW

Brewing up spells and potions

The Witch's Kitchen

Step into the magical world of our Grandmother Witch at the Loop Head Farmhouse. Witness as she concocts mysterious brews in her bubbling cauldron, adding a colourful array of ingredients. What will be the outcome of her spellbinding concoction? Only time will tell!

Halloween Traditions and Superstitions

Discover the rich traditions of Halloween. Learn about the custom of holding feasts to honor the spirits of the departed. Our Bean an Tí (Lady of the House) will guide you through the traditional foods of Samhain, including homemade Apple Pies and Brambrack. Don't forget to leave a slice outside before bed to appease the fairies and spirits, ensuring good luck for your household.

BOOK NOW

The Witches Kitchen

Monsieur Gusto

Entertainer Extraordinaire

On Bank Holiday Monday, October 28th, join us for a thrilling performance by Monsieur Gusto, the Escapologist Extraordinaire.

Prepare to be amazed as he defies gravity with his juggling, escapology, and acrobatic feats. Monsieur Gusto's high-energy show, filled with skill and humour, is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

(This show takes place on October 28th Only)

BOOK NOW

Meet a host of creepy characters

The custom of dressing up in costume comes from an old Celtic tradition when people used to dress in costumes that resembled evil spirits in order to placate them. This Samhain join our village characters as they cast aside their old-fashioned Irish tweeds and aprons and dress up in traditional Halloween attire as they lurk around dark corners of the folk park!

Be on the lookout for the Count of Bunratty, The Minister of Death, an escaped convict and terrifying zombies on the prowl.

You never know who else may be lurking around including Frankenstein, Dr. Jekell and his mad assistant to name but a few!!

There’s something for all ages and the little ones in particular will be enthralled. Keep an eye out around dark corners !!!!

Creepy Characters

Gentle Horror

For the little devils

Traditional Halloween Games
For all the little devils out there, we have an array of gentle horror to entertain and enthrall you this spooky season. Pay a visit to our Halloween Games Room in the Golden Vale Farmhouse and learn about traditional Halloween Games like Bobbing for Apples, Blindman's Buff and Snap Apple.

Spooky Storytelling
Pop by Corry's Pub on the Village Street, for spooky tales with our resident seanchaí, Mickey Joe.
Hear old fables of Samhain past and of Halloween traditions and superstitions passed through the generations

BOOK NOW

Gentle Horror

The Haunted Train Returns

Get ready for a frightfully fun ride on our Halloween Haunted Train. Ghosts, grim reapers, and zombies will appear from the shadows, giving your bones a good rattle.

Puppetry Adventures

Join the talented Konor Halpin for a spooktacular afternoon of gentle Halloween-themed puppetry. It's sure to be a fun-filled experience for all ages.

BOOK NOW

Halloween

Booking Procedure

Red Devils, Shrinking Illusions and Séances!!!!

The Torture Chamber

The Wicked Wake & The Talking Head

The Witches Kitchen

Monsieur Gusto

Creepy Characters

Gentle Horror

Halloween Fun for Young Ghosts and Ghouls