Autumn has arrived which brings Samhain celebrations and Halloween fun. As the medieval capital of Ireland which is famed for its witchy tales, there is no better place to spend Halloween than County Kilkenny! From ghost tours and orchard walks to pumpkin picking and scare mazes, there is something to suit everyone this October in Kilkenny.
Take a look at what you can expect this spooky season in Kilkenny:
THINGS TO BOO DO
Kilkenny Ghost Tour
Nothing says Halloween like a ghost tour! The one-of-a-kind Kilkenny Ghost Tours take you through the medieval capital of Ireland, so it should be no surprise that Kilkenny is bursting with tales of the paranormal. Kilkenny’s ghostly tales all have one very important thing in common: they are all based around fact and arise from genuine historic tragedies. Don your witch hat and cape and join the tour to learn all about the gory tales from the streets of Kilkenny.
Highbank Orchards
It is the season of the harvest and autumn sees orchards laden with juicy apples. As home to the award-winning apple syrup and treacle, Highbank Orchards is one of Ireland’s most prominent orchards and producers. Book a private tour and learn all about their organic orchard which yields apples that are included in all sorts of delicious food and drink products. Their on-site distillery even produces creations such as apple wine!
Nore Valley Park Open Farm
If you’re looking for family-friendly fun this Halloween, Nore Valley Park Open Farm is the place to be! Their Halloween event. Their popular Torchlight Treasure Hunt is ideal for families of all ages and older kids (8 years+) will enjoy the Scare Maze. Round off the evening warming yourself by the bonfire and toasting sweet, sticky marshmallows. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a Jack-o-lantern, so be sure to stop by the pumpkin patch at Nore Valley Park Open Farm to pick your pumpkin.
Ghoulish Gardens at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
This October bank holiday Monday, Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum transform into the Ghoulish Gardens for a Halloween celebration with family entertainment, tours and more! The stunning Victorian walled garden and surrounding 80 acres of arboretum and woodlands is the perfect natural setting for a spooky day out for all ages. Click here for more information on the event.
Kyteler's Inn
If you’ve been to Kilkenny before, you’ve likely heard of Alice Kyteler. We won’t spoil the story for you, but Alice Kyteler was accused of witchcraft and was involved in what was thought to be one of the first witch trials in Europe right here in Kilkenny. It is said that she was born on the site which is now known as Kyteler’s Inn, a lively pub with traditional Irish music and whiskey tasting experiences. Call here for a pint of their very own Witches’ Brew and ask one of the bartenders to tell you the story of Alice Kyteler who is cast in bronze in the pub.
Savour Kilkenny
One of Ireland’s favourite food festivals, Savour Kilkenny takes place over the October bank holiday weekend and presents an exciting and innovative programme of events showcasing the very best of local and Irish products, chefs and culinary ideas. Visitors can expect special dining events, a food market with over 100 stalls, food industry debates, cooking demonstrations, workshops and more!
Hughes Farming Pumpkin Festival
Kells is home to one of Kilkenny’s favourite Halloween annual activities – the Hughes Farming Pumpkin Festival. Featuring the pumpkin wagon, carnival rides, face painting, hay maze, crafts and more, it a fun-filled day out for the little ones and you can bring home the pumpkin of your choosing for carving.
Halloween at Castlecomer Discovery Park
We are spoiled for choice with activities, tours and talks at Castlecomer Discovery Park this Halloween! There is a jam-packed programme of events to keep little monsters of all ages entertained over the school break. Take part in traditional Irish Halloween traditions, treasure hunts, Halloween midterm camps and take on the Skywalk after hours if you dare…
Halloween Pumpkin Hunt at Shankill Castle
Oh no, somebody has hidden all of the pumpkins at Shankill Castle! Follow the trail and find the pumpkins in time for Halloween in the castle’s walled gardens. Wear your best fancy dress costume, warm up with hot chocolate and Halloween treats and bring home the pumpkin you find for carving or cooking.
SPOOKTACULAR STAYS
Want to make the most of October in Kilkenny with an autumn escape? Click here to view accommodation options.
Kilkenny is bursting with fun things to do on Halloween, so get planning your ghoulish getaway now with Visit Kilkenny!
