Header image: Shankill Castle
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:
The Halloween celebrations are starting on the 12th of October in Nore Valley Park with the opening of the pumpkin patch. Families can enjoy choosing their pumpkins, racing around on go-karts, and savouring a tasty hot chocolate to end the fun! The annual Torchlight Treasure Hunt returns from the 26th – 31st of October from 7 pm – 9 pm, with a fancy dress competition and scary maze!
Encounter incredible beasts from the past and enjoy a magical day at Jurassic Newpark this season, as the Wicked Walk returns and brings with it a spellbinding Harry Potter experience! Follow the Dinosaur Trail and take part in the Harry Potter experience with chocolate apple decorating & discover which Hogwarts house you belong to!
Explore the grounds of the much-loved Shankill Castle to try and find the hidden pumpkins along the way. Get dressed up in your spookiest costumes, follow the map to try and find all of the pumpkins (don’t forget to bring one home!) and celebrate with a smoothie and a sweet treat!
G-G-G-GHOSTS?! Kilkenny Ghost Tour participants are guided by one of their ghastly characters: The Witch, Dr Death, Highwayman, Priest Hunter, the Monk or the Banshee. Dress up in a cape and pointy hat to ward off unwanted spirits whilst you explore the paranormal landscapes in the city. Book a tour if you dare…
The Medieval Mile Museum boasts 800 years of history under one roof and the stories of the city’s past continue onto the grounds. Located on the site of the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church, the museum offers tours of the graveyard which is home to over 40,000 of the city’s past residents. Learn about burial customs and hear the stories of the powerful families buried below your feet in this insightful and, at times, chilling tour.
Enjoy a jam-packed October in Castlecomer Discovery Park with arts and crafts camps and after-school activities for the little kids and the infamous nighttime Skywalk for the bigger kids (and the kids at heart!). Get back to nature with a weekend walk on one of their 4 walking loops or take part in the Magic Portal iPad adventure set in the woodland.
Head to Kells for a fun-packed family day out this Halloween with Hughes Farming Pumpkin Festival. Wander their pumpkin patch, and hand-pick your own pumpkins! Jump on the pumpkin wagon, find your way out of their hay maze and get a delicious hot chocolate to end the day!
Running from the 25th – 28th of October, Kilkenny’s best-loved food festival returns for its 16th year. With a long weekend packed full of guest chefs, cooking demos and over 100 food and drink stalls at the Savour Market, what more could you ask for? Join us on The Parade on Saturday the 26th for the late-night street party, where the markets are open late and ABBAesque will take to the stage at 6:30 pm! Learn more about Savour Kilkenny.
Step back in time to 1324 and uncover the chilling tale of Ireland’s first Witchcraft Trial during Kilkenny’s newest festival, running from October 28th to November 3rd, 2024. Celebrating the 700th anniversary of the first-ever witch burning in Europe, engage in talks and workshops detailing the city’s spellbinding past. Discover more events.
The medieval city will be the background of the chilling Alice Kyteler festival, which runs from 1-3 November. The festival is organised by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society to celebrate an interesting part of local history. Her story is remarkable; from the crimes she was accused of to her dramatic escape from persecution, leaving behind a legacy that includes the tragic fate of Petronella de Meath. Learn more about the festival.
What fruit is more synonymous with Autumn than the apple? At Highbank Orchards you will learn that it is much more than just a fruit. Join Rod and Julie Calder-Potts on a tour of their organic apple orchard and sample a range of innovative appley goodies that they produce. Sample everything from organic apple brandey to their award-winning orchard syrup. It is the perfect activity to get into the spirit of the season!
Head to Kilkenny’s most iconic and haunted bar to hear intriguing stories about witches, poisonings and burnings. Kyteler’s Inn is the former home of Dame Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft 700 years ago. Come enjoy a special creamy red ale, lovingly known as Witches’ Brew and learn more about the former proprietor and her fascinating past.
Located on Butterslip Lane in the heart of the city, is a modern restaurant with an astounding link to the past. Petronella pays homage to Petronella de Meath – maiden Dame Alice de Kyteler and the first person to be tried for heresy in Europe. She was tragically executed by burning at the Tholsel for Alice de Kyteler’s crimes after she fled Kilkenny and escaped punishment. Gaze at the original Medieval beams in this restaurant whilst enjoying top-class dishes inspired by modern Europe.
Join Laura and Rory from Cakeface Patisserie in their cookery school for a whole host of classes in October and November. Learn how to make your own breakfast pastries at home, impress friends and family with chocolatey creations or put the feet up and let the kids do the cooking with their newly learned skills from the Junior Cookery Camp.
