If the graveyard tour hasn’t satiated your Ulster American Folk Park appetite, their four day Hallowe’en event should prove fruitful enough to the most passionate autumn lovers. Recounting tales of unfortunate souls and classic Celtic lore, the event will follow the transference of rural Irish traditions to America, even providing visitors with the chance to try their hand at the likes of barn dancing, crafting and more. For more information, go to ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/halloweenplaceholder image
If the graveyard tour hasn’t satiated your Ulster American Folk Park appetite, their four day Hallowe’en event should prove fruitful enough to the most passionate autumn lovers. Recounting tales of unfortunate souls and classic Celtic lore, the event will follow the transference of rural Irish traditions to America, even providing visitors with the chance to try their hand at the likes of barn dancing, crafting and more. For more information, go to ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/halloween

11 historical halloween events across Northern Ireland to get you feeling spooky

By Maisie Laughton
Published 15th Oct 2024, 15:30 GMT
Updated 15th Oct 2024, 16:19 GMT

Halloween celebrations may now be a mix of pumpkins, fancy dress and a heap of sweet treats, but the pagan holiday is rooted deep in history.

If you’re a history buff or just looking to learn more about your favourite occasion, these explorations into the origins of October 31’s synonymous event will provide you with a wealth of information.

With something in every county in Northern Ireland, there are plenty of insightful and entertaining spectacles to discover.

Here are 11 spooky halloween events featuring a sprinkling of historical heritage to check out this month:

This Tyrone tour is a must-visit for fans of evening entertainment blended with historically (in)accurate discoveries, with a towering figure being uncovered inside the Ulster American Folk Park across three October dates. The annual Torchlight Tours are a favourite amongst Omagh residents, so don’t miss the chance to witness the mysterious stories of Crudden Boyle this month. For more information, go to ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/halloween-torchlight-tours

5. Hallowe'en Torchlight Tours: The Uncanny World of Crudden Boyle, October 26-30, Co Tyrone

This Tyrone tour is a must-visit for fans of evening entertainment blended with historically (in)accurate discoveries, with a towering figure being uncovered inside the Ulster American Folk Park across three October dates. The annual Torchlight Tours are a favourite amongst Omagh residents, so don’t miss the chance to witness the mysterious stories of Crudden Boyle this month. For more information, go to ulsteramericanfolkpark.org/halloween-torchlight-tours Photo: Hallowe'en Torchlight Tours website

Another seasonal tour, Cairde na Cille have brought their Belfast Halloween Graveyard Tour back for 2024, offering locals the chance to celebrate traditional celtic ceremonies and burials on October 27. Held in Friar’s Bush Graveyard by Samhain Spinster Dr Deirdre Nic an tSionnaigh, immerse yourself in Gaeilge incantations and witness the grim reaper walking round the site as you hear about how Halloween was celebrated centuries ago. For more information, go to visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com/halloweengraveyardtour

6. Halloween Graveyard Tour: October 27, Co Antrim

Another seasonal tour, Cairde na Cille have brought their Belfast Halloween Graveyard Tour back for 2024, offering locals the chance to celebrate traditional celtic ceremonies and burials on October 27. Held in Friar’s Bush Graveyard by Samhain Spinster Dr Deirdre Nic an tSionnaigh, immerse yourself in Gaeilge incantations and witness the grim reaper walking round the site as you hear about how Halloween was celebrated centuries ago. For more information, go to visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com/halloweengraveyardtour Photo: unsplash

If you’re closer to County Down but still want to experience the delights on offer in County Tyrone, the folk park’s sister site is running its own Hallowe’en feast from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31. The Ulster Folk Museum will be displaying a deep dive into the origins, customs and traditions associated with Samhain, with characters roaming the Cultra premises in timely costumes and masks, providing passersby with their unnerving stories. For more information, go to ulsterfolkmuseum.org/halloween

7. Hallowe'en at Ulster Folk Museum: October 29-31, Co Down

If you’re closer to County Down but still want to experience the delights on offer in County Tyrone, the folk park’s sister site is running its own Hallowe’en feast from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31. The Ulster Folk Museum will be displaying a deep dive into the origins, customs and traditions associated with Samhain, with characters roaming the Cultra premises in timely costumes and masks, providing passersby with their unnerving stories. For more information, go to ulsterfolkmuseum.org/halloween Photo: Ulster Folk Museum website

Enniskillen Castle Vaults will open its doors on October 30 for an evening of gruesome tales, soul-stirring stories and other Gallow’s Green insights. Costing only £10 per head, this County Fermanagh experience in the town’s oldest rooms includes a glass of wine or non-alcoholic option to sip on whilst the recounting is underway. For more information, go to fermanaghlakelands.com/tales-from-the-vaults

8. Tales From The Vaults: October 30, Co Fermanagh

Enniskillen Castle Vaults will open its doors on October 30 for an evening of gruesome tales, soul-stirring stories and other Gallow’s Green insights. Costing only £10 per head, this County Fermanagh experience in the town’s oldest rooms includes a glass of wine or non-alcoholic option to sip on whilst the recounting is underway. For more information, go to fermanaghlakelands.com/tales-from-the-vaults Photo: Colin Fawcett

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