Halloween Magic Around Kilkenny — What’s On This October
Autumn has settled in, the leaves on the Lime Tress along the drive at Croan are turning, and the nights grow longer … which means Halloween season is upon us.
Here at Croan Cottages we love to see the county come alive with spooky fun, folklore, and harvest celebrations. Kilkenny truly leans into its reputation as Ireland’s Home of Halloween.
If you’re staying with us in October, here’s a round‑up of the best things to see and do near Croan (and in Kilkenny) to embrace the haunted, mystical, and magical side of the season.
Kilkenny’s Halloween Highlights
Nore Valley Park Halloween (Pumpkin Patch, Treasure Hunt & Scare Maze)
From 11 October to 29 October 2025, Nore Valley Park in Bennettsbridge offers a full farm‑yard Halloween experience. Discover Ireland Pick your pumpkin, get creative with carving or crafts, ride the tractor, meet the animals, zoom on go‑karts, and warm up with hot chocolate and treats. As night falls, there’s a torchlight treasure hunt, bonfire marshmallows, and a scare maze to challenge the brave.
It’s suitable for families and all ages, though some parts get spookier after dusk. Be sure to book in advance where required.
Jurassic Newpark Halloween Experience
From 25 October to 2 November, Jurassic Newpark hosts its Halloween events. Expect a mix of dinosaur thrills and enchanting magic. Among the highlights:
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Wicked Walk & Scare Trail
- Harry Potter themed fun — decorate chocolate apples, take part in wizarding quests, get sorted into Hogwarts houses
- Haunted Cabin / Scare Rooms / Dino Den explorations
- Halloween Express train ride, spooky stories, and more surprises in the woods.
Tickets apply (approx €18.50 per person as of current listings).
Magic & Mischief at Medieval Mile Museum
From 28 to 31 October, step into a world of shadows and spells in Kilkenny city’s Medieval Mile Museum. Family sessions (aimed at ages 4–14) run at 10:30am and 2:30pm each day. Expect:
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Spooky storytelling by the Grim Chronicler
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Potion‑making workshops
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A Halloween scavenger hunt inside the museum
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Mystical theatrical elements among the ancient stone walls
A perfect mid‑morning or afternoon break from the city’s shops and cafés.
Kilkenny’s Toil & Trouble Festival
Running 29 October to 2 November, this festival explores Kilkenny’s darker medieval history — witch trials, folklore, and more. You’ll find talks, workshops, guided tours, and evening events about the lives of women accused of witchcraft. The festival ties in with the Home of Halloween theme of Fire, Feast, Folklore.
One standout event: the Fire & Light Show on 1 November. Also, there’s a family afternoon on 2 November.
Sullivan’s Taproom — Samhain at Sullivan’s
On 31 October, Sullivan’s Taproom comes alive with tradition, tunes, and mischief. Expect:
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Live music from Up She Flew dressed in straw boys style
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Turnip carving (the old Irish way)
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Costume contests
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A magician, make‑up artist, and autumnal bites to keep you going
It’s a lively, atmospheric way to mark the witching hour in the city.
Savour the Spooktacular @ Market Cross, Kilkenny
Part of the Savour Kilkenny festival (celebrating autumn, food, harvest and Halloween), this family fun afternoon takes place on Saturday 25 October, 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Highlights include:
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Chillies and “How Hot Can You Go?” tasting challenges
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Pretzel tower building contests
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Spooky Halloween crêpes
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Family disco, DJ, face‑painting, walkabout witches
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Fancy dress competition with prizes
A great daytime outing, especially for families with younger children.
Witches & Wizards Pumpkin Festival — Castlecomer Discovery Park
Running from 11 to 30 October, this event blends the natural beauty of Castlecomer Discovery Park with witchy fun. Expect:
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Enchanted pumpkin patches
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Wizarding stage shows
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Trick‑or‑treat trails
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Character appearances, crafts, spooky decorations
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Haunted carousel and interactive experiences
As dusk falls the trails grow more atmospheric, so consider a return evening visit if you’re brave.
Why Kilkenny is Perfect for Halloween at Croan
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Rich folklore & history — From medieval witch trials to ghost stories in stone buildings, Kilkenny is fertile ground for spookiness.
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Events throughout October — Not just 31 October: the celebrations stretch across weeks so there’s always something on.
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Accessible to guests — Many of these events are only 20–40 minutes by car from Croan Cottages.
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Perfect mix of family & frights — Some events are gentle and fun, others lean spookier for those who like a thrill.
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Atmospheric walk opportunities — In between events, you can stroll old lanes, take torchlit trails, or explore decorated streets with just a bit of goosebumps.
Tips for Planning Your Halloween Stay at Croan
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Book early, especially for special events, guided tours, and tickets (many have limited capacity).
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Dress for weather & darkness — bring a torch, layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes.
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Check event times — some spooky events begin after dark or at dusk, while others run during the day.
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Mix and match — pair a daytime event (like Nore Valley or Market Cross) with an evening ghost tour, fire show or museum special.
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Stay flexible — local small events pop up closer to Halloween (ghost walks, storytelling, candlelit tours) — keep an eye on Kilkenny tourism social media.
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Stay local when you can — after the chills and thrills, return to Croan for warmth, stories by the fire, and a restful night.
Halloween at Croan won’t just be about costumes and pumpkins — it’ll be about stepping into old stories, walking under ancient walls, hearing whispered legends, and connecting with a landscape that knows all about shadows and light.
Stay with us during October, and let Kilkenny’s spookiest season surprise you.