Halloween Events in Dublin 2025: Your Complete Guide to the Spookiest Season

Looking for the best Halloween events in Dublin 2025? You’ve come to the right place. This October, Dublin transforms into Ireland’s ultimate Halloween destination, packed with ghost tours, horror festivals, family-friendly attractions, and spine-tingling experiences that’ll make your Halloween unforgettable.

Whether you’re after extreme scares at The Nightmare Realm, atmospheric ghost walks through haunted streets, or family fun at Dublin Zoo’s Spooktacular, this guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Halloween in Dublin.

Why Dublin Is Ireland’s Top Halloween Destination

Dublin owns Halloween. As the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the author who gave us Dracula, this city breathes a Gothic atmosphere year-round. But in October? Dublin goes all-out with festivals, haunted attractions, and events that blend Ireland’s dark history with modern thrills.

From the four-day Bram Stoker Festival to underground club nights and candlelit cemetery tours, you’ll find Halloween events in Dublin 2025 for every taste and scare tolerance.

Best Halloween Festivals in Dublin 2025

Bram Stoker Festival (October 31 – November 3)

The Bram Stoker Festival is Dublin’s flagship Halloween event, and in 2025, it runs for four full days from Friday, October 31 to Monday, November 3.

This isn’t just a festival, it’s a city-wide Gothic takeover. You’ll find dozens of events across Dublin, including:

Macnas Parade: Large-scale street spectacle with towering puppets and theatrical performances
Immersive theatre: Step into Gothic stories brought to life
Haunted film screenings: Classic horror and new releases with live scores
Literary walking tours: Explore Bram Stoker’s Dublin and the city’s dark history
Late-night cabaret: Dark entertainment for adult audiences
Stokerland: Free family zone with Victorian-themed fun
Candlelit choirs and storytelling: Atmospheric performances in historic venues

How to Book: Visit the official Bram Stoker Festival website for the full program. Many events require tickets through the festival site or TakeYourSeats, while others are free but need advance registration. Book early, popular events sell out fast.

IFI Horrorthon (October 23-27)

Horror film fans, this one’s for you. The IFI Horrorthon returns to the Irish Film Institute from Thursday, October 23 through Monday, October 27, 2025.

Over five days, you’ll watch a curated mix of new horror releases, cult classics, and international premieres. The 2025 program opens with the Irish premiere of Shelby Oaks and closes with Dust Bunny, Bryan Fuller’s visually stunning exploration of childhood fears.

Beyond screenings, expect special events like the Vampire’s Ball and horror trivia nights that tend to sell out quickly.

Ticket Info:

Individual tickets: €16.50 for non-members (less for IFI members)
Multi-film passes: Available for 5-day or 10-film options
Special events: Separate ticketing for the Vampire’s Ball and quiz nights

How to Book: Buy tickets through the IFI website or box office. If you’re planning to see multiple films, grab a multi-film pass to save money.

Extreme Halloween Attractions in Dublin 2025

The Nightmare Realm (October 4 – November 2)

If you want pure terror, The Nightmare Realm is Ireland’s biggest and most intense scream park. Running from October 4 to November 2 at the Royal Liver Industrial Estate in Dublin 12 (Old Naas Road, Inchicore), this indoor horror experience isn’t for the faint-hearted.

What You’ll Experience:

Five new haunted mazes designed to terrify
Halloweentown with live performers
Fire shows and scare zones
Haunted food courts (if you can eat while scared)
Secret rooms and hidden surprises

How to Book: Get tickets through The Nightmare Realm‘s official website. Prices vary by time slot, and weekend nights sell out first. Book early to secure your spot, especially if you’re visiting around Halloween weekend.

Themed Horror Screenings at Lighthouse Cinema

The Lighthouse Cinema runs special horror and Gothic-themed screenings throughout October as part of the Halloween season. Past years have featured everything from classic silent films with live scores to modern psychological thrillers.

How to Book: Check the Lighthouse Cinema website in early October for their full Halloween program and book tickets in advance.

Best Ghost Tours and Haunted Experiences in Dublin

Dublin Gravedigger Ghost Bus Tour

The Gravedigger Ghost Bus Tour is Dublin’s most famous spooky tour, combining dark storytelling with visits to haunted sites. The tour ends at the historic Gravediggers pub, where you can steady your nerves with a pint.

This theatrical tour typically runs nightly in October and blends historical facts with chilling ghost stories about Dublin’s most haunted locations.

How to Book: Check out Ghost Bus Dublin or check with DoDublin tour operators. Book online in advance, these tours fill up quickly in October.

Glasnevin Cemetery Night Tours

Glasnevin Cemetery offers several atmospheric tours perfect for Halloween:

Children’s Samhain Tour: Family-friendly introduction to Irish Halloween traditions
Irish History Tour: Explore famous graves and historical tales
Dead Interesting Tour: Discover the cemetery’s eerie past and famous crypts

How to Book: Visit the Glasnevin Cemetery Trust or Experience Glasnevin website for dates and tickets. These tours require advance booking and often sell out for Halloween dates.

Macabre and Haunted Dublin Walking Tours

Several tour companies run haunted walking tours during October, taking you through Dublin’s spookiest locations. These tours typically explore:

Haunted pubs and their ghost stories
Old churches with dark histories
Dublin folklore and supernatural tales
Literary connections to Gothic horror

How to Book: Check the Bram Stoker Festival website for official walking tours, or search for local walking tour operators on Discover Ireland. Book ahead for Halloween week.

Malahide Castle Haunted Trail (October 26, 27, 31)

Malahide Castle runs its Haunted Trail on October 26, 27, and 31, 2025. This family-friendly experience features costumed characters, spooky decorations, and themed scenes throughout the castle grounds.

The trail typically runs from midday through late afternoon, making it perfect for families with younger kids who want Halloween fun without extreme scares.

How to Book: Visit the Malahide Castle official website or check Fingal County Council event listings for tickets and times.

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Dublin 2025

Pumpkins After Dark (October 3-31)

From October 3-31, Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate transforms into a glowing Halloween wonderland. You’ll walk a 1 km illuminated trail featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

What You’ll See:

Creative pumpkin sculptures of dragons, movie characters, and fairies
Atmospheric lighting and sound effects
Live pumpkin carving demonstrations
Photo opportunities throughout the trail
Food trucks and seasonal treats

Evening time slots run from approximately 5:15 PM to 10:00 PM, with accessible paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

How to Book: Check the Fingal County Council events page or Newbridge House website for tickets. Choose your time slot carefully, weekends sell out fast.

Spooktacular at Dublin Zoo (October 31)

Dublin Zoo is hosting a Halloween-themed event called “Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt” on October 31. Kids in costumes get free entry on Friday, 31st October, making this a budget-friendly option for families.

The event features a spooky trail around the zoo, Halloween-themed activities, and the chance to see the animals in the evening atmosphere.

How to Book: Visit the Dublin Zoo official website closer to October for current ticket prices, costume policies, and booking information.

Fingal Festival of Fire (October 31)

On Halloween night, October 31, the Fingal Festival of Fire lights up three locations across Dublin County:

Bremore Castle (Balbriggan)
Swords Town Park
Millennium Park (Blanchardstown)

These free outdoor shows feature music, performances, light displays, and fireworks, a dramatic way to end Halloween night with the whole family.

How to Book: These events are free and don’t require booking. Just show up and enjoy the festivities. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.

Murder Mystery Hunt at the National Wax Museum

The National Wax Museum Plus offers an interactive Murder Mystery experience where you use clue packs to solve a mystery while exploring the museum. The evening versions start late in the day and work best for older kids and teens (16+).

How to Book: Book through the National Wax Museum website. The self-guided version runs daily from 4 PM, while private guided hunts need 48 hours advance booking.

Halloween Night Clubbing in Dublin 2025

Halloween at Pyg & Pyg Backstage (October 31)

For club-goers, Pygmalion throws one of Dublin’s biggest Halloween parties. Running from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM on Friday, October 31, this night features an incredible lineup: Cinthie, Crazy P (DJ), and Dan Shake.

Expect house, disco, and techno across multiple rooms with world-class sound. The crowd goes all-out with fancy dress, so plan your costume.

How to Book: Tickets are available on Resident Advisor. These sell out early, so grab yours as soon as they’re released.

Wigwam × HONEYPOT: Yunè Pinku + Hannah Hession (October 31)

At Wigwam on Abbey Street, The Honeypot Collective hosts an inclusive, high-energy night from 11:00 PM till late. This Halloween party blends electronic, alternative, and queer-friendly club culture with heavy beats, neon visuals, and creative cocktails.

Wigwam’s basement venue creates an intimate atmosphere that comes alive on Halloween.

How to Book: Find tickets on Resident Advisor. Costume prizes and themed drinks are usually included.

Signs of Life Halloween Spooktacular at The Sugar Club (October 31)

If you prefer live music over club DJs, The Sugar Club on Leeson Street hosts the Signs of Life Halloween Spooktacular from 8:00 PM till late.

This event blends live bands, DJs, and immersive visuals in the Sugar Club’s iconic vintage cinema-style setting. It’s perfect if you want something between a gig and a club night.

How to Book: Get tickets on Resident Advisor. Expect costume prizes and themed cocktails.

Planning Your Halloween Trip to Dublin 2025

When to Book Tickets

Book early for all major events. The Bram Stoker Festival, The Nightmare Realm, and popular ghost tours sell out weeks in advance. Start booking 2-3 months before Halloween if possible.

Getting Around Dublin During Halloween

Use Dublin’s Leap card for public transport, it’s the easiest way to get around, especially for late-night events. The Luas (tram) and Dublin Bus run extended hours during Halloween weekend.

Download the Transport for Ireland app or Dublin Bus app to plan your routes in advance.

If you are new to Dublin and want to know more about Irish Halloween, you might want to read:

What to Pack for Dublin in October

Dublin weather in October is cool, damp, and unpredictable. Pack:

Layers: Temperatures range from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F)
Waterproof jacket: Rain is likely
Sturdy, comfortable shoes: You’ll do lots of walking
Warm clothes: Evenings get chilly, especially for outdoor events
Small umbrella: Compact enough to carry everywhere

Saving Money on Halloween Events in Dublin

Look for Dublin attraction passes that bundle museums, tours, and transport
Some passes offer discounts on festival tickets
Many Bram Stoker Festival events are free (but need registration)
The Fingal Festival of Fire is completely free
Kids in costume may get free entry to Dublin Zoo on Halloween

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Events in Dublin 2025

Is Dublin Really One of the Best Halloween Destinations?

Absolutely. As Bram Stoker’s birthplace, Dublin has deep connections to Gothic horror. The city hosts one of Europe’s largest Halloween festivals, plus dozens of unique events you won’t find anywhere else. From literary tours to extreme haunts to family trails, Dublin offers something for every Halloween fan.

When Do Halloween Events in Dublin 2025 Start?

Halloween events begin as early as October 3 with Pumpkins After Dark. The Nightmare Realm opens October 4, and most major events run throughout October, with the peak being Halloween weekend (October 31 – November 3).

Are Dublin Ghost Tours Suitable for Children?

It depends on the tour. Many ghost tours offer family-friendly versions or early evening time slots for younger audiences. However, some tours are designed for adults and may be too intense for small children. Always check the age guidance before booking.

How Much Do Halloween Events in Dublin Cost?

Prices vary widely:

Free events: Bram Stoker Festival has many free events, Fingal Festival of Fire
Mid-range: Ghost tours (€15-25), IFI Horrorthon (€16.50 per film)
Premium: The Nightmare Realm (€25-40 depending on date), club nights (€15-30)

Budget €100-150 per person for a weekend experiencing multiple events, plus accommodation and food.

Can I Visit Dublin for Just Halloween Weekend?

Yes! If you arrive Friday, October 31 and stay through Monday, November 3, you’ll catch the entire Bram Stoker Festival plus Halloween night events. This gives you four full days of Gothic fun, the perfect Halloween weekend getaway.

Do I Need to Dress Up for Halloween Events in Dublin?

For club nights and some festival events, costumes are expected and add to the fun. For tours and film screenings, costumes are optional but welcomed. Check individual event descriptions for dress code guidance.

Make Your Halloween 2025 in Dublin Unforgettable

Dublin offers Halloween events you won’t find anywhere else. From walking the streets where Bram Stoker once lived to screaming your way through The Nightmare Realm, from sipping Guinness in haunted pubs to watching world-class horror films, this city knows how to celebrate the spookiest season.

Start planning now! Book your tickets, reserve your hotel, and get ready for the Halloween of a lifetime. Dublin is waiting to haunt you in the best way possible.