In Dublin, Halloween is much more than just a celebration: it's a heritage deeply rooted in Irish culture. In fact, the Emerald Isle is the birthplace of Halloween! Born out of the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrating the end of the harvest and the transition to the dark season, this tradition is revived every autumn in the Irish capital. So it's the perfect place to experience this iconic festival. And it's only 2 hours by plane from us!
Read also: Going to Ireland without flying: itinerary tips
Why celebrate Halloween in Dublin?
Celtic New Year? Harvest festival? Festival of the dead? Whatever the case, for the Irish, Halloween is an unmissable event on the calendar. First, a little history... The roots of this festival go back to the Celtic era, almost 3,000 years ago, when the year ended on 31 October, at the end of the harvest. The Celts honoured Samhain, the god of Death, believing that on that night spirits could return to the living. Fireplaces were put out, great banquets and sacrifices were held, and everyone danced and sang around huge bonfires to mark the passage from light to darkness. The inhabitants wore frightening costumes and made offerings to appease the ghosts. The next day, the druids would distribute the embers from the bonfire to families to protect their homes throughout the year. Christianisation in the 7th century put an end to the official rituals, but the traditions endured, before crossing the Atlantic with the Irish exodus in the 19th century. So it was in Ireland that it all began, and it's a good starting point for Halloween celebrations the world over.
What are the Irish Halloween traditions?
From the beginning of October, Dublin, obviously one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland, undergoes a metamorphosis: facades decorated, shop windows lit up with pumpkins and streets animated by strange creatures and knowing laughter. The festivities culminate in spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky. The traditional parade winds its way through the streets, featuring spooky characters to thrill young and old alike.
As part of the Celtic tradition, the Irish also eat "barmbracks", a traditional sweet bread with dried fruit and spices containing a symbolic object: a ring for marriage, a coin for wealth, or a piece of cloth announcing a difficult end to the month. Enjoy your meal!
Discover the darker side of Dublin by booking this haunted guided tour which will take you into the dark heart of the medieval old town...
The end of October is also a happy time for Count Dracula fans, who flock to the Irish capital every year (from 31 October to 3 November this year). This is when the Bram Stoker Festivala tribute to the author who brought the famous vampire to life, reviving the myth in a gothic atmosphere. Over four days, the event offers a host of activities: immersive shows, outdoor installations, night-time tours of a haunted library, unusual dinners in churches, an ephemeral theme park, horror film screenings, and much more... In short, it's all part of a dark and fantastic atmosphere that's a must for Dublin's Halloween festivities!
Where to celebrate Halloween in Dublin? The best spots
So where can you go in Dublin to celebrate the festival of the dead in style? After celebrating the author of Dracula, it's time for an immersive experience that will have you shaking all over. What's it called? The Nightmare Realm. It's a "scream park", an attraction that truly immerses you in a horror film. And in 2025, it's happening at The Royal Liver Retail Park (Royal Liver Industrial Estate, Dublin 12)! For the occasion, this former shopping centre is transforming its warehouses and dark corridors into haunted labyrinths, populated by terrifying actors, gripping special effects and nightmarish mise-en-scene! As every year, new themes and settings will be introduced for the occasion, promising to give even the bravest of fans a cold sweat! A must-see experience for thrill-seekers.
Take a spooky journey through Dublin on this unique 2-hour bus tour. Let yourself be transported into a world of rogues and ghostsas your storyteller takes you on a tour of Dublin's darkest secrets.
On 30 October, to kick off the festivities, there's the Macnas Parade, a spectacular parade featuring creatures, giants and street performances . It's definitely one of the highlights of the festival! So be sure to arrive early, around 5 or 6pm, to find a spot in the heart of the city centre (around Henry Street, Capel Street, Mary Street).
Tourist operators are also offering a wide range of activities for Halloween. From bus tours to guided walking and cycling tours, the various companies offer visits to the darkest and scariest corners of Ireland's capital, with spooky stories and anecdotes thrown in for good measure. For example, wander the hidden streets and hear tales of Dublin's macabre history by booking this perfect tour to celebrate Halloween in Dublin.
And, after those fright-filled days, Dublin's pubs, an essential part of Oscar Wilde's city, are decked out in the colours of the late autumn festivities. Cobwebs, pumpkins and skeletons are out and about, and the cocktail menu has been completely revamped to match the theme of the event. So it's off to the legendary Temple Bar district, one of Dublin's must-visit areas, to get the party started! Thousands of Dubliners are dressing up for the occasion, so don't forget your costume!
Book my haunted tour of Dublin
Finally, to complete your Halloween visit to the Irish capital, there are a few visits and monuments not to be missed. As well as the great classics, don 't miss the old Kilmainham Gaol prison or the historic Glasnevin Cemetery. And, above all, be prepared to tremble during this unforgettable escapade! Here are our tips for a 2 or 3-day itinerary.
Also read: Top 25 most haunted places in the world
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