The Boyne Valley has long been considered as the home of Halloween. According to legend, Samhain, the ancient Celtic Festival that we now call Halloween, originated at Tlachtga (also known as the Hill of Ward) in Co. Meath in the Boyne Valley!
So what better place to celebrate Halloween than a trip to the Boyne Valley to experience the Spirits of Meath Festival 2023 which will run from the 6th October to 6th November. http://spiritsofmeath.ie/
This year’s line-up is full of exciting (and scary) events and activities that will definitely appeal to all age groups.
The Funtasia Pumpkin Patch Festival will take place on October 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th and 30th at Funtasia Theme Park, Drogheda. Hop aboard the enchanting pumpkin express. When you arrive, you can handpick your pumpkin before you carve and decorate it. You can also visit the arts & crafts area, play games, win prizes, indulge in an array of themed treats and capture the memories with a Halloween-themed photo opportunity. Prices: €9.90 (with pumpkin) / €6.90 (no pumpkin).
From the 27th – 28th October Funtasia Theme Park will also be hosting an electrifying evening of family-friendly thrills at Funtasia’s Family Halloween Waterpark Party. Get ready to groove to the beats of the dynamic DJ, as the waterpark transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland with a fusion of vibrant lights, swirling mist, and pulsating music, which you won’t want to miss. €19.50 per ticket.
Pooka Spooka at Causey Farm will be taking place on October 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st and is guaranteed to be a great day of Halloween fun for the young (and the not so young). Throughout the day you can get involved in games and crafts, get aboard the hayride and check out the pumpkin-carving demonstration. To really get a scare try the story telling and tunnel of terror! €14 per person. Children under 2 free of charge.
Farmaphobia will also be taking place at Causey Farm from the 6th October – 1st November. With five terrifying haunts spread over 100 acres of fear, Ireland’s biggest Halloween event is definitely not to be missed. DJ Spooks will also be performing nightly and will be joined by a few new friends. Visit https://farmaphobia.com/ to keep up to date on what is planned for Farmaphobia and for ticket information.
The Pumpkin & Fun Family Halloween Festival will take place at Navan Adventure Centre on October 21st, 22nd, 28th 29th, 30th and 31st. Some of the activities include a family fun comedy variety show, pumpkin carving area, Halloween disco, adventure obstacle course, mini golf, pedal go-karting and more! Kids €18 pp. (Early bird price €16 pp, limited early bird tickets). Adults €11 pp. (Early bird price €10 pp, limited early bird tickets). €3 booking fee (per booking transaction, not per ticket).
Lú Festival of Light in Drogheda will run over two long weekends on the 27th – 31st October and 2nd – 4th of November, and will shine a light on the myths and legends from our shared mythological past. Learn about the stories of Amergin, Aengus & Caer, Boainn, Fionn and the Salmon of Knowledge, and Lugh of the Long Arm. The stories will be brought to life over eight days of stunning illuminations that will light up the Old Abbey, St Peters Church and Laurence’s Gate using the latest digital technology. The festival will also host live street performance, together with family friendly entertainment.
The Otherworld will take place at Loughcrew Estate from the 28 – 30th October. The event will feature spooky Samhain walks as “the Soul Guide” Bartle D’Arcy brings visitors through the veil to the Otherworld – a place where all is not what it seems, and from which some never leave…Nightly tours will take place at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Book online at https://loughcrew.com/
Of course it wouldn’t be Halloween without the Púca Festival, which is returning from the 27th – 31st October in various locations across Trim and Athboy. The festival will be five days of music, feasting and much more. Headliners for this year include Niall Breslin, Mack Fleetwood, Jason Byrne, The Waterboys, Damien Dempsey, Macy Gray, and much more! Visit: www.pucafestival.com
Make it a Halloween to remember by visiting the Boyne Valley.
Check out http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/ and http://www.spiritsofmeath.ie
