Kildare has a spooktacular line-up of events this Halloween
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AS HALLOWEEN approaches, County Kildare is set to come alive with a host of frightfully fun events for local families. A number of well-known businesses have put together a wide range of activities and attractions running throughout the month, from haunted trails and pumpkin patches to folklore-inspired celebrations of Samhain.
In Naas, Palmerstown House Estate has transformed into a Haunted Trail, inviting families to walk a one-kilometre outdoor path lined with decorations, costumed characters, and plenty of photo opportunities. This experience is designed especially for younger children but is open to all ages.
Over at Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Halloween festivities take place from October 25-31. Visitors can expect haunted holograms, a zombie terror train ride, and a treasure hunt, with some attractions tailored towards younger and older children.
Families can also visit Clonfert Farm, which is hosting its annual Haunted Harvest Festival until October 31. Visitors can enjoy spending the day at one of Irelands’ top 10 pumpkin patches.
Meanwhile, Kildare Farm Foods is offering its popular Halloween Farm Spooktacular, complete with ghostly train tours, an enchanted scarecrow woodland walk, indoor crazy golf, and pumpkin picking, running until October 31.
In Monasterevin, the local Tidy Towns group is preparing for “MONSTEREVin,” featuring spooky walks, cake sales, and discos.
And Kildare Town will see ghouls and witches take over Market Square for its annual Halloween Parade and displays on October 31.
In the same vein, Athy will be putting on a free Halloween celebration on the newly upgraded Emily Square on Friday, October 31, from 6.30pm. Visitors can expect a special drum performance and laser light show. There will also be prizes for the best carved pumpkins and best fancy dress on the square.
Younger children can enjoy the Discovery Playtime Halloween Camp in Naas from October 28 to 31. Aimed at children aged three to six, the camp features potion-making, arts and crafts, storytelling, and imaginative play sessions.
Over in Moore Abbey Woods, the “Forest of Horrors” trail and family cinema screenings at The Woodstack Café promise both scares and smiles. Free cinema screenings take place every Saturday in October, while the spooky forest experience will run on October 26, 27 and 31 for a small fee.
Rounding out the county’s Halloween calendar is Samhain Newbridge, an expanded month-long celebration rooted in Irish folklore. The festival features craft workshops, storytelling sessions, nature and folklore talks, an outdoor cinema, and a Samhain procession with a fire ceremony on Friday, October 31. Most events are free, though some require advance booking.
Whether you’re seeking some spooky family fun or a deeper connection to Ireland’s ancient Samhain traditions, County Kildare has something for everyone this Halloween.
