Haunting Tales and Halloween Traditions Come Alive at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said, “Our Halloween event continues to be a firm favourite with visitors from across the Mid-West and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Bunratty, where history and the haunted come together in truly magical fashion.”

She added, “It’s a wonderfully eerie time of year, and we’ve pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience filled with fun, frights, and festivities for all the family.”

Age-old Halloween traditions will be brought to life at the Golden Vale Farmhouse, where the Bean an Tí will share stories about the foods typically enjoyed during Samhain and recall some of the curious superstitions of the time. Visitors can also enjoy classic Halloween fun with traditional games such as Bobbing for Apples, Blind-Man’s-Buff, and Snap Apple.

Adults can step back in time with a visit to a Victorian-era parlour séance, where the secrets of the past are revealed and the spirits of the departed are called forth. Over at The Shannon Farmhouse, The Wicked Wake returns as the resident MacNamara family mourn the loss of their beloved Mickey, whose ghostly presence hints that he may still have unfinished business among the living.

In the Doctor’s Kitchen on the Village Street, Bunratty’s resident seanchaí, Mickey Joe, will captivate visitors with fables of Samhain and spine-tingling tales passed down through generations. The entertainment continues with Halloween-themed puppetry by Konor Halpin each day at 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, and 4.00pm in the Village Street Alleyway. On October 27, Escapologist Monsieur Gusto will amaze audiences with his juggling, escapology, and acrobatic skills. Visitors can also look forward to plenty of fun and frightful encounters with Dracula: King of the Vampires, Dr. Jekyll, Escaped Convicts, The Red Devil and a whole host of creepy characters.

New for 2025, beware… the Child Catcher is coming to town! From the shadowy corners of childhood nightmares and the cobwebbed pages of old fairy tales creeps this mischievous and sinister sweets-slinger, who lures little ones with promises of treats…and all-day play. Step into the courtyard if you dare and see whether you can really trust him.

Meanwhile, tucked away in the Loop Head Farmhouse, visitors can meet the magical Grandmother Witch, Maudie, said to be the sister of the legendary Clare healer and bean feasa, Biddy Early. With her silver hair pinned under a bonnet, twinkling eyes, and cheerful cackle, Maudie enchants young hearts not with spells of control, but with wonder, wisdom, and a touch of wild magic. Her cauldron bubbles, fragrant herbs hang in bunches, and her watchful black cat, Treacle, keeps a gleaming eye on all who visit this charmingly mysterious corner of the village.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park invites families and thrill-seekers alike to join in the fun, frights, and festivities this Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday October 25 to Monday October 27, 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2pm to 5pm.

For more information, visit: www.bunrattycastle.ie/events