With Halloween nearly upon us, JOE has decided to investigate some of the top five things to do to get into the swing of things.
Along with our friends in DiscoverIreland.ie, we take you right around the country for some of the best events out there.
Have a Hellish Night in Dublin!
Considering that Dracula was written by Bram Stoker, it would be churlish not to celebrate what the Clontarf has given us. Stoker suffered a number of strokes before his death, so he could also be called Bram Stroker. But that is another story.
Why not sample a weekend of chills and thrills at the inaugural Bram Stoker Festival My Name is Dracula (October 26th – 28th) which will take over the streets of Dublin. Ouroborus Theatre Company will present “Stoker” a newly written play based on the life of Bram Stoker.
You will also get the opportunity to meet bloodcurdling bestselling US crime author, Patricia Cornwell, in Trinity College and get her take on modern-day vampires. There will be films, exhibitions, plays, literature and performances including the screening of cult classic Nosferatu: A Not-So-Silent Symphony, in Meeting House Square.
Follow the Wicklow Gaol Ghosts!
Wicklow is offering you a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the spirits. Not for the fainthearted, Wicklow’s Historic Gaol knows how to put on a scary show and this Halloween is no exception. For a bit of old fashioned ghost busting, book yourself in for one of its paranormal investigation nights, which run at weekends from 9pm to 3am…if you dare. No sleep guaranteed.
There is a special Halloween Night tour, with character actors to get you in the spooky mood. The Wicklow Mountains will provide exercise the next day to blow away any remaining cobwebs.
The video gives you an idea of what to expect, though it must be borne in mind the video was most likely intended for an American audience. And the voice-over is not the most charismatic, but you get the idea.
Nightmare in Cork!
For some around the country, being in Cork itself could be classified as a real-life nightmare. However, the Rebels know how to throw on an event and The Nightmare Realm (October 5th – 31st) returns to Custom House Quay and is guaranteed to scare the wits – or a word that rhymes with wits – out of you.
This hi-tech, walk-through horror house is strictly for over-13’s and uses elaborate special affects to terrify punters. Themed on an asylum of the damned, this is truly the stuff of nightmares! Possibly bring a spare pants.
You can also learn about the paranormal in Cork – not humility – at the 12th Annual Ghost Convention (October 26th) which takes place in the 19th century Cork City Gaol. There will be paranormal investigators, psychic mediums, and a white witch attending, so leave your broom at home or face being burnt at the stake. Or something along those lines.
Experience the Spirit of Meath
Co. Meath is full of ancient history, and was for a while home to cúigí, the fifth province in Ireland. That makes it as good as setting as anywhere to celebrate Halloween and Samhain, the Gaelic harvest festival. See what spirits you can conjure up at The Spirit of Meath Festival (October 31st – November 6th).
Join the Torchlight Procession that leaves the Fairgreen, Athboy, on Halloween night heading for the Hill of Ward, a major spiritual centre for the druids more than 2,000 years ago. You can also be spirited away with a night time tour of ruined castles and ancient graveyards in Oldcastle. There is Farmaphobia at Causey Farm in Fordstown, a frightful evening of tears and laughter. Just like Friday night watching The Late Late Show.
For something a bit gentler in Meath you can snuggle – yes, we did just use that word – under the stars in Rathoath and watch a classic Halloween horror at Tatttersalls Country House Spooktacular Halloween Drive-In movie (October 25th – 31st). Just make sure no one’s creeping up behind you! And don’t tell your mates.
Have Aboo in Galway!
Everyone loves Galway, don’t they? Great food, great pubs, a relaxed atmosphere, a cultural heaven and more Stag and hen do’s than you can shake a stick at.
And guess what, they can put on a good Halloween show too, full of ghoulish behaviour for the weekend that is in it.
The medieval streets of the city’s Latin Quarter will deliver buckets of devilish fun for the Galway Aboo Festival (October 26-28th). Catch an exciting new performance of ‘The Dead Arise’ on Friday and afterwards join in an eerie funeral street parade.
On Saturday the award winning LUXe Theatre Company present the Galway Abooo Spooktacular Street Spectacle, when the cobblestoned streets will be taken over with exotic sculpture, wild music and spectacular feats. You have to dress up in your scariest costume on Sunday for the Fancy Dress Party Trail! You know you want to.
As you can see, there is lots happening right around the country so make sure to get dressed up and have a bloody good time!
For more suggestions and great value breaks in Ireland, check out Discover Ireland’s new Autumn Winter brochure. The brochure is available in Discover Ireland Centres nationwide and to download at www.discoverireland.ie/specialoffers
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