There’s no better place to embrace the spirit of Halloween than across Ireland’s most vibrant cities and towns. From eerie tours and family-friendly workshops to frightful festivals and magical experiences, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow promise ghoulish fun for all ages. And with JJ Kavanagh’s coach services, getting there is easy — so you can focus on the thrills, chills, and unforgettable autumn memories.
Dublin – Horror, Heritage & Haunted Adventures
Dublin truly comes alive in October, offering something for thrill-seekers and families alike. The city’s gothic heart beats loudest during the Bram Stoker Festival, when streets fill with performance art, music, and the eerie charm of Dracula’s legacy. From late-night screenings to costumed parades, this celebration of Ireland’s most famous horror writer is unmissable.
Families can also join the Hurloween Tours at Croke Park, where young adventurers aged 5–12 uncover the ancient myths of Irish sport through games and storytelling in the GAA Museum. And for film fans, the IFI Horrorthon returns to the Irish Film Institute with a chilling selection of horror films that will have you gripping your seat well past Halloween night.
Limerick – Samhain Celebrations and Museum Mysteries
Limerick’s medieval skyline provides the perfect backdrop for the Samhain: Limerick’s Hallowe’en Festival, a spellbinding weekend of light shows, live performances, and folklore that brings the city’s heritage to life. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Cleeves Factory as costumed performers and storytellers celebrate Ireland’s ancient Celtic traditions.
For something truly unique, The Hunt Museum invites visitors to join its Magic & Mortality Halloween trail — a spook-tacular safari through the galleries where hidden creatures lurk among centuries of artwork. It’s a wonderful mix of culture, creativity, and family fun, guaranteed to delight both the brave and the curious.
Waterford – Vampires, Rituals & Ghostly Wanderings
Few cities embrace Halloween quite like Waterford. The City’s Samhain Festival turns the streets into a theatre of torchlight, music, and puppetry — all inspired by Ireland’s eerie legends, including that of An Dearg Dua, Waterford’s infamous female vampire. The city’s storytelling heritage shines throughout the weekend, with haunting performances and family parades lighting up the night.
Step inside the Irish Wake Museum to explore centuries of Irish mourning traditions in a setting that feels straight out of a ghost story, then brave the Waterford After Dark: Crime, Grime & Graveyards walking tour, where you’ll uncover tales of criminals, spirits, and scandal in Ireland’s oldest city. Whether you prefer folklore or fright, Waterford promises a Halloween experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
Kilkenny – Magic, Mischief & Moonlit Fun
Halloween in Kilkenny is a celebration of imagination and wonder. Families can enter a world of wizardry at Jurassic Newpark’s Harry Potter Wicked Walk, complete with spellbinding games, scavenger hunts, and chocolate apple decorating. The city’s historic charm adds to the enchantment, especially during Magic and Mischief on the Mile, where storytelling sessions and hands-on workshops turn the Medieval Mile Museum into a playground of creativity.
As the festivities draw to a close, the streets of Kilkenny are filled with lights, laughter, and music for the Halloween Bike Disco — a fun, family-friendly evening of cycling and costumes that captures Kilkenny’s vibrant community spirit.
Carlow – Family Frights & Festive Fun
Carlow’s Samhain Festival offers the perfect mix of spooky and family-friendly. Across venues like The Exchange, The Library, and Duckett’s Grove, you’ll find inflatable games, Halloween Mayhem Arenas, and themed cinema nights showing family favourites such as Coco and Hocus Pocus. During the day, creative workshops and outdoor activities fill the town with laughter, while the evenings come alive with music, costumes, and community spirit.
Why Choose JJ Kavanagh?
Free Wifi
On-board wifi
USB Charging
USB points at each seat
Toilets
For your convenience
Comfort
Very comfortable seats
Baggage
Ample allowance
With an average vehicle age of less than four years, our coach fleet is one of the most modern, reliable, and comfortable in the European marketplace. We invest significantly in upgrading and expanding our fleet annually to provide you with the best travel experience. Our commitment to maintaining a young and technologically advanced fleet ensures that you receive top-quality service and comfort on every journey.
Plan Your Halloween Adventure
From vampire legends in Waterford to wizarding wonders in Kilkenny, every stop offers its own haunting charm. Let JJ Kavanagh take care of the travel so you can focus on the thrills, stories, and unforgettable moments this Halloween.