This Autumn almost feels like a fresh start as we dive into the glow of October with its red and orange backdrop. The midterm break is a favourite time of year when we can wrap up and continue exploring as the season turns.
With so much to do as Halloween takes over, we have a few great and memorable family adventures to consider this mid term.
Go Conker Hunter
Every Autumn, without fail, we have the opportunity to go conker picking, and it’s not just the small children who enjoy this activity. You’ll find yourself searching the forest floor under the horse chestnut trees as eagerly as your little ones who could rival the squirrels. The best part is picking the conkers out of their green spiky cases and marvelling at the different shapes and textures. You could create a nature table with your spoils, teach your kids to play conkers, or drop them back under the tree for the squirrels.
Go Pumpkin Picking
Buying a pumpkin in the supermarket is almost out of the question for most of us these days. There are so many opportunities to get out there and have a fun-filled family day out as you search for that perfect pumpkin.
Alongside pumpkin picking, most places include great Halloween activities for kids. There are plenty of places to choose from, including Alright Pumpkin in County Meath and Kilruddery House and Gardens, Wicklow and to Michael’s Pumpkin Patch in Galway.
Check out the Farmers Market at Slane Castle and the various markets around the country. as they will have a Halloween feel. You could pick up a pumpkin and try carving your very own spooky jack o’lantern.
Be sure to check your local pumpkin farmers and keep up to date with their guidelines.
Spots always get booked quickly, so be prepared to book early.
And remember to keep the fun going by carving your own freshly picked pumpkin!
Explore a Halloween Experience
Halloween is taking over across the country as Halloween experiences are popping up to make the midterm an exciting adventure for kids and adults alike.
Tricky Trail at Emerald Park in Meath
Emerald Park has some special events for kids as they cross paths searching for items in hidden locations. Various dates October 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st October – 1st November to book.
Halloween at Luggwoods in Dublin
Luggwoods, nestled in the Dublin mountains, is once again opening the woodland to a spectacular Halloween event for the whole family. With Hooky Spooky characters along the woodland trail, you are guaranteed to meet the Luggwoods witch who may have a trick or treat in store for you.
Kia Ora Mini Farm in Wexford
Meet the witches and ghouls at this year’s spooky farm in Kia Ora Mini. This family-run open farm is a great favourite with families and a fantastic treat for the kids, especially at Halloween with its creepy transformation.
Halloween Happenings at Lullymore in Kildare
This year, the famous Halloween Happenings is back at Lullymore with nine spooky days full of treasure hunts, ghostly happenings, haunted holograms, and possible zombie attacks!
Magical Plants at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin
Explore what plants are the most magical at the National Botanic Gardens, which is genuinely an autumnal wonderland.
Fota House and Gardens in Cork
Visit Fota House and Gardens this Halloween.
Halloween Fun at Birr Castle in Offaly
Find your way to Birr Castle this Halloween midterm break and make your way along the Halloween pumpkin trail..
Clonfert Pet Farm in Kildare
Clonfert Pet Farm has long been a family favourite and even more so on special occasions, including Halloween.
Halloween at Rathwood in Carlow
Halloween comes alive at Rathwood with a spook-tacular event the Halloween Pantomime. So ride on the spooky train through the enchanted forest and pick out a pumpkin for a memorable day out this midterm.
The Annual Macnas Parade in Galway
Tthe annual Macnas parade is back for 2023, taking place on Sunday 29 October at 5.30pm..
Puca Festival in the Boyne Valley
The hugely popular Púca Festival springs to life in the Boyne Valley from 27th to 31st October. It’s a fantastic programme of music, fire, mischief and spectacle.
Rock Farm Spookfest
The Boyne Valley has some claim to be the home of Halloween and for thousands of years our ancestors have celebrated the living and the dead on the night of Samhain.
Venture to Slane Castle for the Rock Farm Spooky Family packages. Why not go all out and take the family on a short break at Rock Farm Slane this Halloween – it’s a central spot for all the spookiest and scariest celebrations. Stay on Rock Farm either glamping or in Lime House, Ireland’s biggest haybale house, and try out a few of the festivities. It might be scary – but it will definitely be fun!
Let us know what activities you get up to for Halloween or if you have an event that we can include in this list.
