Waterford, with its signature claim to be Ireland’s oldest city, is celebrating the ancient festival of Samhain throughout the October Bank Holiday weekend, including a special procession inspired by local folklore and cultural events that highlight the region’s rich Halloween traditions.
The festival features performances by award-winning street spectacle creators Spraoi, a Dark History Tour that explores the spooky past of Waterford, and After Dark Tours at the newly opened Irish Wake Museum, focusing on Ireland’s customs and superstitions surrounding death.
Families can enjoy pumpkin picking at Mount Congreve Gardens, ride the Spooky Express on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, and visit the transformed ‘Spooky Tunnel’ along the Waterford Greenway for free Halloween-themed installations.
Tramore’s Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens offers a Ghostly Woodland Walk for children, while Lismore provides free family movies and the Carnevil event at Lismore Castle promises a thrilling, mysterious carnival experience, showcasing a range of festive activities throughout the region.
