With Halloween hauntingly near and the 2019 October midterm only a few weeks away, the time has come for creative ideas. Starting on the 28th of October (October bank holiday), the October midterm will have the children at home with you for nearly two weeks looking for things to do. We understand that while searching for Halloween costume ideas, makeup looks and family activities can be fun, it can also seem daunting at times and perhaps a little costly. But don’t worry, we believe you can have a great time while not spending a fortune and we’re here to help.

Have a look at our guide to some of the top family friendly Halloween events that won’t break the bank and where you can stay nearby in one of our fantastic locations offering even better value!

1. Get Crafty with Creepy Creator Tours in Dublin

What – Creepy Creator Tours Croke Park

Where – Croke Park, GAA Museum

When – 25/10 to 31/10

If you’re looking for fun family activities in Dublin, the Creepy Creator Tours in Croke Park is definitely one to check out. Families will love a visit to the famous GAA museum this October midterm, where they will be greeted by Cluasóg the Irish hare, before taking part in a child-friendly stadium tour bringing to life the magic of the home of Gaelic games for younger visitors. There will be Halloween themed arts and crafts for the kids and lots of photo opportunities so fancy dress is a must and the scarier the better for the children (think ghouls, ghosts and goblins).

Tickets for children between 3 and 12 are only €10 and can be purchased on Croke Park’s website .

Hotels nearby:

Are you traveling from outside of Dublin/Ireland and would like to attend this event? Stay in one of our comfortable rooms in Travelodge Phoenix Park or Travelodge Dublin Airport South, located in easy reach of Croke Park by car or public transportation. If you’re arriving with children check out our family rooms.

  2. Bonfire and Storytelling in Galway 

What – Bonfire and Storytelling

Where – Brigit's Garden & Café, Roscahill, Galway

When – 27/10 to 28/10

Huddle around the bonfire with a visit to Galway for some spooky family activities. A special Samhain Evening for all ages where families can enjoy lots of ghostly fun and games, wonderful Celtic tales and a special Halloween bonfire with the Púca. The event is suitable for all ages and there is a special family admission of €35, which includes 2 adults and 2 children. Under 2’s go for free! For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Brigit’s Garden website.

Hotels nearby:

Our Galway city Travelodge hotel will be the perfect starting point to explore Galway and have a wonderful break full of fun activities for the kids and the whole family, like the Bonfire and Storytelling event in Brigit’s Garden & Café.

3. Halloween Treat at Turoe Pet Farm Galway

What – Halloween At Turoe Pet Farm

Where – Bullaun, Loughrea Co. Galway

When – 27/10 to 31/10

Love animals? Why not visit the Turoe Pet Farm this October bank holiday? There will be lots of fun and entertainment at Turoe Pet Farm this Halloween. Activities include face painting & balloon modelling, “Inflatable City” & “Jungle Town”, feeding the animals, and a fancy-dress parade and disco with D.J. Corky and special mascots. For more information visit the Turoe Pet Farm website.

Hotels nearby:

Enjoy a comfortable stay in our Galway city Travelodge hotel when visiting the Turoe Pet Farm.

4. Travel back in time this Halloween at the Cork City Gaol

What – Halloween at Cork City Gaol

Where – Cork city Gaol

When – 26/10 to 01/11

Step back in time to the 19th century this Halloween with a visit to Cork City Gaol. Having prepared with a range of spooky and fun activities for kids and adults alike, the October midterm break is the perfect time to visit this historic building. Visit in fancy dress and join in the Black Cat treasure Hunt, face painting, balloon making and storytelling all in the historic surrounds of Cork City Gaol. Experience the amazingly life like wax figures and the original graffiti on cell walls that tell the innermost feelings of some inmates, while a very spectacular audio visual tells the social history and contrasting lifestyles of the 19th century Cork and why some people turned to crime, and some ended up in Australia.

Halloween is their favourite time of year in Cork City Goal and admission is only €6 for a Child and €10 for an Adult ticket. Visit site for more information.

Hotels nearby:

Stay in Travelodge Cork Airport, a short 15 minute drive away from Cork City Gaol.

5. Spooky Mine Exploring in Waterford

What – Dunmore Adventure

Where – The Harbour, Dunmore East Waterford

When – 28/10 to 30/10

Dunmore Adventures have themed up their cave and spooky mineshaft this Halloween to allow for family activities and games in their creepy caverns. Halloween themed “Goulish Zombie Archery” and climbing will also be available to guests and weather permitting, guests will also be able to get out for some watersports. Expect stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. With all these amazing activities planned, Dunmore Adventure should definitely be on your list when planning your midterm break in 2019.

Hotels nearby:

Travelodge Waterford will be the perfect starting point if you’d like to visit Waterford, while also only a short 25 minutes away from Dunmore Adventure. Didn’t come by car? Dunmore Adventure is also easy to reach by public transport.

Whether you are looking for fun activities for kids or Halloween events for the whole family, or perhaps you want to get into the Halloween spirit with your friends, we hope we could help find some interesting events and activities across Ireland. Be sure to check out our blog for more interesting articles, for example our guide to Dublin on a Budget.