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:

Known for being the last resting place of the Lenox-Conyngham before they left for the infamous Titanic journey, Springhill House will open on October 30 for a look at the myths and legends surrounding the site for the past three centuries. Generations after the ship’s voyage, a member of the family will be in County Derry to explain stories from the past within the believed-to-be haunted house that certainly boasts an eerie presence. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill/events

9. Springhill after Dark: Haunting Tales from the House, October 30, Co Derry / Londonderry

Known for being the last resting place of the Lenox-Conyngham before they left for the infamous Titanic journey, Springhill House will open on October 30 for a look at the myths and legends surrounding the site for the past three centuries. Generations after the ship’s voyage, a member of the family will be in County Derry to explain stories from the past within the believed-to-be haunted house that certainly boasts an eerie presence. For more information, go to nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill/events Photo: DiscoverNI

Foyle Trails’ Halloween Origins tour will see guide Martin lead attendees through the city in search of ancient Samhain origins. Paired with enthralling stories of the pre-archaeological and primaeval sites, this opportunity will identify how Halloween developed into the phenomenon it is today, providing backstory into the holiday’s mythology. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/halloween-origins

10. Halloween Origins: October 30-31, Co Derry / Londonderry

Foyle Trails’ Halloween Origins tour will see guide Martin lead attendees through the city in search of ancient Samhain origins. Paired with enthralling stories of the pre-archaeological and primaeval sites, this opportunity will identify how Halloween developed into the phenomenon it is today, providing backstory into the holiday’s mythology. For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com/halloween-origins Photo: DiscoverNI

For only £4 per head, the whole family can enjoy some festivities and historical fun at Down County Museum in Downpatrick thanks to their Hallow Gaol event on October 31. As well as circus performers, arts and crafts, carnival games and, of course, spooky storytelling, kids can enjoy the thrill of putting their parents in jail, with a judge and jailer sentencing them to a cell for their overabundant use of rules. For more information, go to ticketsource.co.uk/down-county-museum/the-hallow-gaol

11. The Hallow Gaol at Down County Museum: October 31, Co Down

For only £4 per head, the whole family can enjoy some festivities and historical fun at Down County Museum in Downpatrick thanks to their Hallow Gaol event on October 31. As well as circus performers, arts and crafts, carnival games and, of course, spooky storytelling, kids can enjoy the thrill of putting their parents in jail, with a judge and jailer sentencing them to a cell for their overabundant use of rules. For more information, go to ticketsource.co.uk/down-county-museum/the-hallow-gaol Photo: DiscoverNI

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