From haunted tunnels and wicked woods to ghostly river cruises, Viking werewolves, paranormal investigations and Halloween parties, Waterford is pulling out all the stops this October as the city and county prepare for one of Ireland’s biggest Halloween celebrations.
With events taking place across the county throughout the October midterm, Waterford is offering everything from family-friendly adventures and creative workshops to after-dark tours, supernatural stories and Halloween night entertainment.
One of the county’s most popular Halloween attractions, the Spooky Tunnel on the Waterford Greenway, returns from Friday, 23 October to Saturday, 31 October, transforming the atmospheric Ballyvoyle Tunnel into a spine-tingling family experience.
On the rail line itself, Waterford Suir Valley Railway will also get into the Halloween spirit with its Spooky Express, offering families a creepy journey through the Suir Valley, while Osprey Viking Cruises will take passengers on a special Halloween cruise to the atmospheric ruins of Grannagh Castle during the midterm break.
Spraoi’s much-loved Wicked Woods also returns to Carriganore Woods from 23–31 October, bringing its unique, site-specific celebration of Samhain to the Waterford Greenway. Families will follow a woodland trail filled with strange creatures, characters, lights, sounds and music, with special daytime matinee performances on 24 and 25 October for younger visitors or those who prefer not to venture into the woods after dark.
Waterford’s Viking and medieval past provides plenty of inspiration for those looking for something a little darker. Fangs & Fables at Viking House brings Irish and Norse mythology to life through the stories of Raghnailt, a medieval vampire, and Ulfr, a Viking werewolf, while Crime, Grime & Graveyards – Urban Underbelly Evening Tour explores Waterford’s darker history through tales of crime, punishment, imprisonment, superstition, disease and death.
At the Medieval Museum, Paranormal, Past and Present with psychical researcher and GhostÉire co-founder Anthony Kerrigan will delve into the world of supernatural investigation, including insights from GhostÉire’s investigation of Waterford’s Irish Wake Museum.
Younger visitors can discover the stranger side of the past with Waterford’s Weird and Wicked Past, an entertaining exploration of medieval medicine, hygiene, food, crime and punishment, while Masks & Mystics at the Irish Wake Museum invites children to create their own Halloween masks inspired by folklore and seasonal traditions.
At Mount Congreve Gardens, Poison & Petals offers adults the chance to explore the darker side of the garden, with a guided tour uncovering poisonous plants, folklore and botanical curiosities.
There is plenty happening for outdoor and young adventurers too. Splashworld Tramore will host its Halloween Swim Camp from 27–30 October for children aged 3–15, combining swimming lessons with waves, slides and water play, while GROW HQ will welcome young food lovers for its four-day Junior GIYers Halloween Camp, where children aged 8–12 can harvest, cook and explore food and nature. Lismore Heritage Centre will also host a Halloween Camp on 27 and 29 October, followed by its inaugural Halloween Children’s Fancy Dress Party on 31 October. And for those looking to combine their Halloween break with some outdoor activity, Dungarvan Golf Club will host its popular Open Champagne Scramble on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 October.
For adults, at GROW HQ a Fancy Dress Supper Club is on offer on Halloween night, while Lakeside Samhain Sauna at Moon & Lotus Studio in Dunhill offers a more relaxed way to mark the season with yoga, sauna and seasonal treats.
When Halloween night arrives, the celebrations continue across the county, with The Reg hosting its annual Halloween Party in Waterford city and The Haven in Dunmore East hosting Halloween Drag Bingo with comedy, drag performances, prizes and music into the night.
With a programme stretching from the Waterford Greenway and River Suir to the Viking Triangle, Mount Congreve, Tramore, Dunmore East and Dungarvan, Waterford offers a packed Halloween experience for visitors of all ages. With plenty of accommodation and dining options available across the county, visitors can easily make a full mid-term break of their Halloween adventure, combining the events with autumn walks, attractions, great food and a stay in Waterford.
To discover the full programme of Halloween events, accommodation and things to do across Waterford, see www.visitwaterford.com
