There is nowhere quite like Waterford for a Halloween escape. Ireland’s oldest city is steeped in more than 1,100 years of history, from its Viking beginnings and medieval streets to the stories, superstitions and characters that have shaped life here across the centuries. This October, Waterford Treasures invites visitors to explore a wonderfully darker side of that heritage with a programme of Halloween experiences for curious travellers, families and history lovers.
Across the historic Viking Triangle, visitors can expect paranormal investigations, atmospheric after-dark walks, gruesome medieval tales and creative family fun – offering a fascinating alternative to the traditional Halloween experience.
Things get supernatural on Saturday 24 October with ‘Paranormal, Past and Present’ at the Medieval Museum at 6 pm. Priced at €5 per person, paranormal researcher, author and GhostÉire co-founder Anthony Kerrigan will explore the world of unexplained phenomena, including some of the discoveries made during GhostÉire’s 2024 investigation at Waterford’s Irish Wake Museum.
For an atmospheric night-time experience, ‘Crime, Grime & Graveyards – Urban Underbelly Evening Tour’ runs from 27–30 October, 7 pm–8.30 pm. At €15 per person, this immersive walking tour for ages 16+ delves into Waterford’s darker history, revealing stories of crime, punishment, imprisonment, superstition, disease and death as it winds from the Viking Triangle towards Ballybricken Square.
Families can uncover the stranger side of history with ‘Waterford’s Weird and Wicked Past’ at the Medieval Museum from 24–30 October, 11 am–12 noon. Designed for younger visitors, the €4 experience for children, with adults free, explores the gruesome realities of medieval life, from medicine and hygiene to food, crime and punishment.
Meanwhile, children aged 3–12 can create their own Halloween magic at the Children’s Halloween Workshop at the Irish Wake Museum from 26–30 October, 2 pm–3 pm. Tickets are €12.50 per child, with accompanying adults free, and children will design and decorate Halloween masks inspired by folklore, traditions and seasonal characters.
Together, the programme offers a brilliant excuse to make Waterford the destination for an autumn break, combining the atmosphere of Halloween with the extraordinary heritage of one of Ireland’s most historic cities. Whether you are looking for an eerie evening, a fascinating glimpse into the past or a fun family adventure during the midterm break, Waterford Treasures offers a Halloween experience with plenty of stories to tell.
Advance booking is recommended. For tickets, event information and inspiration for your Waterford visit, see www.waterfordtreasures.com
Article credit: Powerhouse PR
