Carlingford Halloween Festival 2025: Ireland’s Spookiest Seaside Celebration
Introduction
Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween. Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, it has evolved over centuries from a solemn time of remembrance to a lively celebration filled with fun, frights, and folklore. And few places in Ireland bring that evolution to life quite like Carlingford, a medieval village perched between sea and mountains.
Each year, as October winds begin to howl and the days grow shorter, Carlingford transforms into a haunted wonderland for the Carlingford Halloween Festival—a family-friendly, spine-tingling event packed with tradition, storytelling, and community spirit.
Whether you’re drawn by ghost stories, trick-or-treat trails, or simply love a good costume parade, Carlingford offers the perfect Halloween experience, steeped in history and shrouded in just the right amount of eerie charm.
What is the Carlingford Halloween Festival?
The Carlingford Halloween Festival is a multi-day community event held in the last week of October, culminating on Halloween night (October 31st). It’s part spooky spectacle, part educational folklore tour, and entirely family-focused fun.
The event is organized by local volunteers, tourism organizations, artists, schools, and businesses who work together to build an immersive festival that reflects the history of Halloween in Ireland while offering modern entertainment.
More than just trick-or-treating, the festival explores the ancient roots of Samhain, Ireland’s original harvest and spirits celebration, blending it with haunted castle tours, costumed parades, and interactive storytelling to create something truly unique.
When and Where Does It Take Place?
In 2025, the Carlingford Halloween Festival will run from Friday, October 24th to Thursday, October 31st, with events happening daily and nightly across town.
Key locations include:
- King John’s Castle – host to haunted tours and historic ghost encounters
- Carlingford Heritage Centre – storytelling, crafts, and history talks
- Town Square and Tholsel Street – parades, street performers, and food stalls
- Local trails and alleyways – ghost walks and scavenger hunts
Autumn weather in Carlingford is cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging between 7–12°C. It’s perfect weather for scarves, cloaks, and creepy costumes.
Festival Highlights and Activities
Haunted Castle Tours
Step inside the ancient stone walls of King John’s Castle—if you dare. With flickering lanterns and costumed guides leading the way, this tour isn’t your average history lesson.
Guests encounter:
- Chilling tales of ghosts and mysterious deaths
- Actors playing cursed knights, plague doctors, and medieval prisoners
- Special effects, soundscapes, and flickering lights to build atmosphere
Each tour is tailored for different ages, with lighter options for children and late-night scares for adults.
Ghost Walks and Paranormal Trails
Local storytellers lead small groups through Carlingford’s historic alleyways and graveyards, recounting true stories, local legends, and unsolved mysteries. Dressed in hooded cloaks and carrying candles or lanterns, these “guides from beyond” blur the line between history and horror.
Expect to:
- Learn about the banshee, púca, and headless horseman
- Visit the town’s most “haunted” corners
- Question what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what might be… something else
Kids’ Pumpkin Patch and Family Zone
For little monsters, the festival includes:
- Pumpkin picking and carving stations
- Face painting and Halloween-themed games
- Craft workshops (make your own bat wings or monster mask)
- Storytime with spooky tales that are fun, not frightening
It’s safe, friendly, and designed with the youngest goblins in mind.
Costume Parades and Street Performers
The festival’s highlight is the Carlingford Costume Parade, a spectacular evening procession where hundreds of ghouls, witches, superheroes, and fairytale creatures march through the town, cheered on by crowds.
Prizes are awarded for:
- Best Family Costume
- Most Creative Use of Recycled Materials
- Spookiest Individual Costume
- Best Pet in Costume
Around every corner you’ll find fire breathers, acrobats, skeleton dancers, and stilt walkers, bringing the streets to life with eerie entertainment.
Scary Movie Screenings and Fire Shows
After dark, the town square becomes an open-air cinema, screening Halloween classics (from mild PG tales to terrifying thrillers for grown-ups). On select nights, professional fire performers light up the night with dazzling displays of flame and sparks.
What Makes It Unique?
Unlike large urban Halloween events, Carlingford keeps its festival local, immersive, and full of heart. You won’t find neon lights or plastic gimmicks here. Instead, you’ll experience:
- Authentic folklore rooted in Irish Celtic tradition
- Historic surroundings that lend natural atmosphere and mystery
- Interactive experiences that teach as they entertain
- A true community vibe, where locals welcome visitors like old friends
The entire town participates—from schools and senior centers to pubs and restaurants. Everyone has a part to play in keeping Carlingford spooky, spirited, and spectacular.
Where to Stay and What to Eat
Accommodation
Options within walking distance of all events include:
- Carlingford House B&B – charming and central
- Four Seasons Hotel – larger hotel with family rooms
- Taaffes Castle Bar & Guesthouse – perfect for themed stays
- Self-catering cottages – ideal for groups in costume!
Book early—rooms sell out quickly for Halloween weekend.
Seasonal Eats
Many local establishments serve special Halloween menus, including:
- Pumpkin soup with Irish brown bread
- Mulled cider with cinnamon
- Black pudding sliders
- Spiced apple tarts
- Honey-glazed pork and roasted root vegetables
Pubs often host live music, quiz nights, or horror-themed menus.
Tips for Visitors
- Dress up! Most attendees wear costumes, even during the day
- Bring layers and waterproof gear—autumn in Ireland can change quickly
- Check the official festival schedule for time-specific events
- If doing a ghost walk or haunted tour, book in advance—spots are limited
- Arrive early on parade night to grab a good viewing spot
Testimonials from Past Visitors
“It’s like a Halloween movie came to life. Carlingford was made for this festival.” – Fiona, Galway
“The haunted castle tour was spine-chilling in the best way. Not too gory, but very immersive.” – Darren, Dublin
“Our kids had the best weekend carving pumpkins, dancing in costumes, and watching fire shows. We’ll be back every year!” – Maggie, Belfast
FAQs
When is the 2025 Carlingford Halloween Festival?
October 24–31, with main events on October 30–31.
Is the festival suitable for young children?
Yes. Family zones and child-friendly events are available daily.
Do I need to buy tickets?
Most events are free. Some (e.g. haunted tours, movie nights) may require a small fee or booking.
Is parking available?
Yes, but limited in the town center. Shuttle services may be offered.
Can I bring my dog in costume?
Yes—on a leash. Pets in costume are even encouraged in the parade!
