Here are ten exciting things taking place 24 – 30 October 2022
1. The Wicked Witch Trail, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, 29-31 October. Join the fun when the woodland above the Marble Arch Caves will be transformed into a spooky world of Halloween surprises. A quest awaits those who dare to explore a trail of monsters and magic and for those brave enough to help save the cave from the grips of an evil witch’s spell. Keep your wits about you on your adventure as who knows what could be lurking behind the trees or creeping up behind you!
2. Hallowe'en Torchlight Tours: The Haunting of Drowned Horse Creek, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 28, 29, 31 October. Celebrate Halloween at the Ulster American Folk Park. The tours explore the life of Amos Burns, who, along with his wife in 1865, travelled to an American town called Drowned Horse Creek. Legend has it that the only correspondence after his departure was a book sent home to his mother written in blood red ink and titled Torment at Drowned Horse Creek. Will you join the search for Amos and his wife, to discover if the terrifying tales of Drowned Horse Creek are true?
3. Samhain Yoga & Nature Retreat, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 29 October. Join the Blaney Spa & Yoga Centre for a full day retreat to celebrate Samhain and to begin to look inwards as you prepare for the coming winter. Across the day there will be three yoga sessions to awaken your muscles and your mind. You will learn about the ecology of the season, unearth the mythology behind the date and share customs and traditions around this most spooky time of the year.
4. Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 29-30 October. Join a very special Tall Tales & Terror tour of the Observatory this Halloween. Meet your terrifying tour guide and listen to stories that will chill you to the bone. The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, and with hundreds of years of history, there are plenty of stories to tell. There will be stories which will include themes not suitable for young children. Also, join Scientific Sue for a special Halloween themed "Potions and Explosions" live science show at Armagh Planetarium.
5. Hallowe'een Ghost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 27-30 October. This one-hour walking trail will be a mix of gruesome tales of days gone by coupled with a few surprises along the way. Tread the narrow streets lightly - you don't know who is waiting to get you. The tour concludes at Red Ned's with a hot whisky/hot port or a drink of your choice or if U18 a voucher will be provided for an ice-cream treat or speciality coffee at Mackles Ice Cream. This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age.
6. Gruffalo Halloween Guided Walk, Belfast, 22-31October. Visit Northern Ireland's only official Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen to experience this Julia Donaldson-endorsed guided walk with a Halloween twist. Hear the story of The Gruffalo before heading outdoors for a guided walk through the deep dark wood to meet your favourite characters and even stop by the pumpkin patch, where you'll pick out your very own pumpkin to carve and take home.
7. Ultimate SUP Halloween Party Paddle, Downpatrick, Co. Down, 29 October. This just might be the fancy dress event of the year. Paddle up the amazing QuoileRiver with this guided tour with Ultimate SUP NI. Time warp to Inch Abbey, keep an eye out for Viking invaders and paddle into the twilight on this three-hour trip. Fancy dress not compulsory but it’s recommended. This event is suitable for everyone over 14 years.
8. Awakening The Walled City Halloween 2022, Derry~Londonderry, 28-31 October. The Walled City of Derry~Londonderry comes alive for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see around 40,000 revellers gather on Halloween night for the first time since the pandemic.
9. Halloween Family Chocolate Experience, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, 30-31 October. In this fabulous 90-minute experience, participants (suitable for ages 5+) will make a tantalising and tasty selection of Halloweenthemed chocolates – tailored to the ages of those attending. Every member of the family will go home with their creations, having learned the basics of tempering chocolate. They will be offered a hot chocolate while their creations set and then package them up to take home and enjoy. Kids (and adults) can choose to come in their Halloween costumes but please note this can be a messy experience. Also note, this is a private experience – when you book you will have the Chocolate Manor exclusively for your own family.
10. Halloween at Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, 14-30 October. Halloween at the Farm is back again this year - bigger and better than ever! This year there will be pumpkin picking, a witchy scavenger hunt, a Halloween craft barn and scarecrow competition at Broughgammon Farm. The farm shop and cafe will be serving up spooky treats, hot chocolates and mulled apple juice.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
