Limerick might just be Ireland’s dark horse when it comes to Halloween in Ireland. While Dublin and Derry often get most of the attention, Limerick has its own growing mix of Samhain folklore, storytelling, family events and live entertainment.
From 11 October to 1 November 2026, Halloween events in Limerick will take place across the city and county. Living just outside Limerick ourselves, we know the city well and have watched its Halloween celebrations grow over the years.
Limerick’s Medieval Quarter and streets around King John’s Castle already have plenty of atmosphere as the evenings get darker — add some Halloween events into the mix and you know you’re in for some spooky chills!
For 2026, Limerick City and County Council has allocated €130,000 towards Halloween events, while the city continues into its second year in Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween development scheme. So, what’s happening this year — and which events are worth adding to your plans?
Limerick at Halloween: Quick Overview
What to Expect in Limerick at Halloween 2026
One big change this year: Limerick’s traditional Samhain Festival Parade, organised by Lumen Street Theatre, will not take place following a funding dispute with Limerick City and County Council.
It’s disappointing news for a much-loved event, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween in Limerick, whether you’re visiting with the kids, after a good scare or keen to discover the Irish traditions behind the celebrations.
We’ve split the events between Limerick city and the wider county to make planning your Halloween visit a bit easier. Just check the individual listings before setting off, as dates, times and booking requirements can change.
Halloween Events in Limerick City
If you’re looking for Halloween in Limerick city, there’s a mix of family-friendly trails, street theatre, food, folklore and after-dark entertainment. Here are the events to add to your October plans.
1. Mystery Samhain Banquet
When: Friday, 30 October, 6–10pm
Fancy dinner with a supernatural twist? The Mystery Samhain Banquet combines a three-course seasonal menu with live music, storytelling and a mystery journey inspired by Irish mythology and Limerick’s history.
It’s a more unusual Halloween night in Limerick out for adults than your typical pumpkin-picking afternoon.
2. Trick or Treat in the City
When: 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 October, 3–5pm
This free, family-friendly Limerick Halloween trail brings spooky characters, storytelling, challenges and interactive entertainment to locations around Georgian Limerick, finishing at Arthur’s Quay Park. Costumes are encouraged, so expect plenty of little witches, ghosts and other creatures roaming the city centre.
3. Con Mór, the Giant at King John’s Castle
When: 18, 19 and 26 October, and 1 and 2 November, at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm
One of the standout spectacles of Halloween in Limerick, Con Mór is a mythical giant created by Macnas that stands over 23 feet tall. Expect dramatic street theatre, sound, lighting and smoke effects as this larger-than-life character brings the Medieval Quarter to life. Performances take place at King John’s Castle, making this a great one to combine with a wander around Limerick’s historic streets.
4. Halloween City Centre Fancy Dress 5K
When: Thursday, 29 October, 8pm
Swap the sofa for a spooky run at Limerick’s Halloween City Centre Fancy Dress 5K. The event welcomes runners in Halloween costumes, with the route finishing at King John’s Castle. Up to 2,000 participants are expected, so it should be quite a sight if you prefer watching the action from the sidelines.
5. Limerick Harvest Festival at the Milk Market
When: Sunday, 25 October, 10.30am–5pm
The Limerick Harvest Festival brings food, seasonal traditions and family entertainment to the Milk Market. Expect food and craft stalls, cookery demonstrations, puppet shows, live music and fire performances, alongside storytelling celebrating Irish Halloween folklore. It’s a good one for combining a browse around local producers with a bit of Samhain history.
6. Morbid & Sons – Pop-Up Funeral Shop
When: Saturdays, 17 and 24 October, at 2pm and 4pm
Morbid & Sons brings a Victorian-style funeral shop to Limerick’s streets, complete with dark humour, live music, quirky characters and interactive street theatre. Despite the suitably gloomy theme, it’s billed as family-friendly entertainment for Halloween in Limerick. Best of all, it’s free to watch, making it an easy addition to a wander around the city centre.
7. Samhain Tales by the Limerick Fireside
When: Wednesday, 28 October; Friday, 30 October; and Saturday, 31 October
Storyteller and musician Dáithí Collopy explores the legends, customs and stories behind Samhain through traditional storytelling, music and verse. Performances take place across Limerick, including Kilmallock, Abbeyfeale and the city. The Limerick city performance is at the People’s Museum on Saturday, 31 October, at 2pm.
If you’re interested in the Irish traditions behind Halloween, rather than just the costumes and sweets, this is one to look out for.
8. Halloween Funderland in Castletroy
When: From 17 October
Head to Groody Road in Castletroy for Halloween Funderland, a Halloween-themed fairground with rides and family entertainment. It’s a handy option for families looking for something beyond the city-centre events. Check the official listing for operating days, opening hours and ride prices before visiting.
9. The Happy Halloween Experience at Jetland Shopping Centre
When: 17–31 October
Meet Hattie O’Goodspell, the Good Witch of Munster, at this child-friendly Halloween experience in Jetland Shopping Centre. Expect playful spells, Halloween stories and a magical setting designed for younger visitors. Check the booking details before travelling, as session times may vary.
10. The Scare Factory in Limerick
When: 15 October–1 November
For those who prefer a proper fright, The Scare Factory transforms Cleeves Factory in Limerick city into an immersive Halloween walkthrough featuring themed sets and live characters. This is one for visitors who enjoy scary attractions rather than gentle Halloween fun, so check the age guidance and ticket conditions before booking.
11. Halloween Scarefest at The Factory
When: Thursday, 29 October, from 4pm
The Factory at Southside Youth Space hosts a Halloween event featuring a scare maze, DJ, face painting, interactive games and Halloween goodie bags. A limited-place candy-floss workshop is also planned.
12. Oktoberfeis at King John’s Castle
When: Friday, 30 October, from 6pm
Oktoberfeis puts an Irish spin on the traditional Oktoberfest, with live music, Irish dancing, interactive entertainment and a DJ at King John’s Castle. It’s a lively evening option if you fancy celebrating Halloween in Limerick with music and Irish culture rather than a haunted trail.
13. Monsters, Misfits & Mayhem at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
When: 24–26 October 2026, 1.30pm–7pm (last entry at 6pm)
Just over the county border in Clare, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park gets a spooky makeover for Monsters, Misfits & Mayhem. Expect roaming characters, ghost stories, a haunted storyteller and eerie goings-on around the historic folk park. There’s also a giant dinosaur character, Dino the Velociraptor, making appearances during this popular Limerick Halloween event.
👉 Explore more: The Most Haunted Castles in Ireland
🎃 Which Irish Halloween Festival fits your style? Can’t decide between Derry’s carnival, Dublin’s gothic legacy, or Limerick’s 22-day takeover? We’ve ranked the Best Halloween Festivals in Ireland based on atmosphere and authenticity to help you plan the ultimate Irish spooky itinerary.
Halloween Events Across County Limerick
There’s plenty happening beyond the city too.
From pumpkin patches and community festivals to Irish folklore and lantern walks, these County Limerick Halloween events are worth considering if you have a car or want to explore more of the region.
1. From Dullahan to Darkness in Rathkeale
When: Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 October
Rathkeale’s Dullahan to Darkness festival brings one of Ireland’s best-known supernatural figures into a community Halloween celebration. The programme includes storytelling, workshops, a Samhain carving trail and a narrative-led parade, with a fancy dress party rounding things off. It’s a good choice if you want a Limerick Halloween event rooted in Irish mythology and local community life.
2. Samhain at the Crossroads in Kilfinane
When: Monday, 12–Saturday, 17 October
In the Ballyhoura area, Samhain at the Crossroads celebrates local heritage and traditional Halloween customs through community activities, creative workshops and storytelling. The programme builds towards a final gathering at The Fountain on Saturday, 17 October. Expect a more community-focused experience than a large commercial Limerick Halloween attraction.
3. Woodlands Pumpkin Patch in Adare
When: 3–31 October
Woodlands House Hotel in Adare hosts a seasonal pumpkin patch with pumpkin picking, games and family activities. It’s a handy autumn day out if you’re visiting Adare or looking for something to keep younger Halloween fans entertained.
4. Curraghchase Pumpkin Patch in Kilcornan
When: 24–31 October
Curraghchase Pumpkin Patch at Curraghchase Garden Centre offers pumpkin picking, Halloween storytelling and pumpkin-carving activities. It’s another family-friendly option for Halloween in Limerick.
5. Castleconnell Fright Fest
When: Friday, 23–Sunday, 25 October
Castleconnell Fright Fest brings Halloween activities to Shannon House, including a Halloween history talk, a family-friendly spooky morning and a scary trail. With different activities for different levels of bravery, it’s worth checking the schedule to choose the right event for your group.
6. Samhain at Lough Gur: Where Myth Meets Mystery
When: 29 October–1 November
Lough Gur’s Samhain programme explores the stories and traditions behind Halloween in a setting rich in Irish history and folklore. Expect heritage-focused activities, storytelling and family experiences inspired by the ancient festival of Samhain.
🎃 Explore the Ancient Roots at Púca: If you loved the medieval grit of Limerick, don’t miss the Púca Festival in County Meath. Running from October 29th to November 1st, it is the spiritual heart of Samhain. From the sacred fires at Athboy to folklore in Trim, it’s the perfect addition to a 2026 Irish Halloween road trip.
7. Halloween at Desmond Castle in Newcastle West
When: Saturday, 31 October, at 4.30pm
Desmond Castle provides the setting for this Halloween celebration in Newcastle West. The programme includes storytelling, live music, arts and crafts, street performers, competitions and seasonal activities. It’s a lovely option if you’re exploring west County Limerick and want to combine a historic setting with Halloween entertainment.
8. Trick or Treat Trails at Barnagh Greenway Hub
When: Saturday, 31 October, 4–8pm
Families exploring west County Limerick can head to Barnagh Greenway Hub for Halloween trick-or-treat trails. The event offers two trail options for different age groups, with timed entry. Check the official listing for the trail options, booking requirements and available slots before travelling.
Staying in Limerick a little longer? 🎃 There’s plenty to see beyond the Halloween celebrations, from King John’s Castle and the Medieval Quarter to riverside walks, great pubs and local food. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Limerick to plan the rest of your visit.
3-Day Halloween in Limerick Itinerary
If you’re spending three days in Limerick around Halloween, you can combine the city’s main Halloween events with its medieval landmarks, food scene and a day exploring County Limerick.
Here’s how we’d structure a long Halloween weekend without trying to cram too much in.
| Day | 🌤️ Morning | 🎃 Afternoon | 🌙 Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕯️ Day 1 Explore Limerick |
Explore Limerick’s medieval quarter, including King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral. | Wander around the Milk Market and city centre, stopping for lunch and exploring the riverside. | Look out for Morbid and Sons street theatre or another evening Halloween event. |
| 🎃 Day 2 Halloween in the City |
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring more of Limerick city. | Families can try Trick or Treat in the City, while couples and adults can explore the wider Halloween programme. | If your dates line up, join the Halloween City Centre Fancy Dress 5K on 29 October, or choose one of the evening events. |
| 🔥 Day 3 Samhain & County Limerick |
Head into County Limerick and explore Rathkeale or Kilfinane, depending on your dates. | Visit a pumpkin patch or, if you’re here on 25 October, enjoy the Limerick Harvest Festival at the Milk Market. | Finish with Samhain Tales by the Limerick Fireside, another folklore event, or head back to the city for dinner. |
👻 Swipe left to see the full itinerary →
Ready to compare? Check out our guides to Derry Halloween and Dublin’s Spooky Secrets
🎃 Our Insider Tips for Halloween in Limerick
We live just outside Limerick, so this is a city we know well rather than somewhere we’ve simply visited for a weekend. We walk its historic streets regularly, and October is a particularly good time to explore when the evenings get darker and the Halloween atmosphere starts to build.
Here are a few things we’d recommend if you’re visiting Limerick for Halloween:
- 🎃 Don’t plan everything around 31 October. Limerick’s Halloween programme stretches across October, and events can take place on different days. Check the dates carefully before booking your accommodation or building your itinerary.
- 🏰 Spend some time in the Medieval Quarter. We love wandering around the streets around King John’s Castle and Nicholas Street, particularly as it gets darker. The medieval setting gives Limerick a naturally atmospheric backdrop for Halloween without needing much added decoration.
- 🍽️ Leave time for Limerick’s food scene. Don’t make your visit all about Limerick Halloween events. We regularly recommend the Milk Market for local food and like exploring the city centre for somewhere to eat between events.
- 🚶 Limerick is easy to explore on foot. If you’re staying centrally, you can walk between many of the main sights in Limerick, including King John’s Castle, the Medieval Quarter, the riverside and the city centre. We’d allow yourself time to wander rather than rushing from one scheduled event to another.
- 👻 Check what type of Halloween event you’re booking. Some Limerick Halloween attractions are aimed at families and younger children, while others are deliberately much scarier. Check age recommendations and descriptions before booking, particularly if you’re travelling with kids.
- 🔥 Look beyond the big-ticket events. Some of the smaller storytelling, folklore and community events can give you a better feel for the Irish Samhain traditions behind Halloween. We particularly like the idea of mixing these with the larger city events rather than spending the whole trip at ticketed attractions.
- 🏨 Stay central if your budget allows. If Halloween is your main reason for visiting, staying within or close to the city centre makes things considerably easier. You’ll be able to walk to many events, restaurants and the Medieval Quarter rather than worrying about parking after dark.
- 📅 Keep checking the programme. Limerick’s 2026 Halloween events are being announced in stages, so we’d check the official programme before travelling. We’ll also update this guide as more events and dates are confirmed.
Our biggest tip: don’t feel that you need to fill every hour. Limerick is a city we know well, and part of its charm is simply wandering through the medieval streets, grabbing something good to eat and seeing what is happening around the city.
🚗 How to Get to Limerick for Halloween
Limerick is well connected to the rest of Ireland, making it a straightforward destination for a Halloween break. We live just outside Limerick ourselves, so we’re very familiar with getting into the city by car and public transport.
- ✈️ From Shannon Airport: Shannon Airport is around 25 minutes by car from Limerick city, depending on traffic. It’s the closest international airport and a convenient option if you’re flying directly into the region.
- 🚆 By train: Limerick Colbert Station is the city’s main railway station and is within walking distance of the city centre. Direct trains connect Limerick with Dublin, Cork and Galway, although some routes require a change.
- 🚌 By bus: Limerick is also well served by long-distance buses, with connections from Dublin, Cork, Galway and other Irish towns and cities.
- 🚗 By car: Driving gives you more flexibility if you’re planning to explore beyond Limerick city, particularly if you want to visit Halloween events in County Limerick.
- If you’re staying centrally, check your accommodation’s parking arrangements before you arrive, as Limerick Halloween events and the October Bank Holiday can make the city centre busier than usual.
Our local tip: If you’re staying in central Limerick and mainly visiting city events, we’d leave the car parked and explore Limerick on foot where possible. The Medieval Quarter, King John’s Castle, the riverside and city centre are all relatively close together.
Where to Stay in Limerick at Halloween
If you’re visiting Limerick for Halloween, we’d recommend staying in or close to the city centre if you want to walk to the main events, restaurants and attractions.
Although we live just outside Limerick ourselves, for a Halloween weekend we’d choose the city centre if we wanted to make the most of the evening events without worrying about driving and parking.
- The Absolute Hotel: Right in Limerick’s Medieval Quarter, the Absolute Hotel is a handy choice for exploring King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, the riverside and the city centre on foot. It’s particularly convenient if the historic side of Halloween in Limerick is what interests you.
- The Savoy: A central luxury option on Henry Street, close to Limerick’s shops, restaurants and nightlife. It’s a good base if you want to combine Limerick Halloween events with plenty of choice for eating and drinking.
- No. 1 Pery Square: This elegant boutique townhouse overlooks People’s Park and offers a quieter, more characterful stay in Limerick’s Georgian Quarter. It’s a lovely option if you’d rather stay somewhere small and historic than in a larger city-centre hotel, with plenty of period charm to suit a Limerick Halloween trip.
Staying a little longer? Check out our guide to the Best Things to do in Limerick for more ideas on what to see, eat and explore while you’re here.
👻 Bonus: The Halloween Family Package at Radisson Blu
While located about 15 minutes outside Limerick’s city centre, we have to mention the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa due to its dedicated Halloween Family Package. They essentially take the stress out of planning a holiday by packaging everything together:
- Supervised “Explorers Kids Club”: From ghost town scavenger hunts and movie nights to outdoor bonfire storytelling, Radisson Blu Limerick runs a packed daily timetable to keep the kids entertained.
- The Paddocks Open Farm: Take a stroll along the Sandy Bridge Walk to feed the resident alpacas, goats, and rabbits.
- Bunratty Castle: Located just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, the iconic Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has previously hosted spooky festivities in the build-up to Halloween in Limerick.
- Great Dining & Leisure: The package includes a full breakfast each morning, access to the indoor pool, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before you arrive—which is absolute gold when visiting Limerick with kids.
- Parent Perks: While the kids are busy with their supervised spooky activities, you can slip away to the Thermal Spa or enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted seasonal dinner at The Brasserie.
Popular Tours for Limerick at Halloween
- Medieval Limerick Exploration Game and Tour ($6): This is a perfect “budget” recommendation. It’s a self-guided app-based game that leads people through Limerick’s historic sites. It fits the Samhain vibe perfectly because it encourages wandering the old streets at your own pace.
- Limerick Private Walking Tour with a Local ($48): This is the best way for visitors to hear the “dark” history of the city. You can suggest that readers ask their guide to focus on the Medieval Quarter and the legends of the Bishop’s Lady.
- Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket ($15): The Hunt Museum is housed in the old Custom House and contains ancient Celtic artefacts. It’s a great “indoor” option for chilly October days to see the actual archaeological history of the Samhain era.
FAQ: Planning Your Visit to Limerick at Halloween 2026
When is Halloween in Limerick in 2026?
Halloween falls on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with Limerick’s wider Halloween programme running from 11 October to 1 November 2026. Events take place across the city and county, with the main celebrations concentrated around the October Bank Holiday and Halloween weekend.
What is happening in Limerick for Halloween 2026?
Limerick’s 2026 Halloween programme includes Trick or Treat in the City, the Mystery Samhain Banquet, a Halloween fancy dress 5K, the Limerick Harvest Festival, Samhain storytelling, street theatre and family Halloween events. There are also events outside the city, including Halloween celebrations in Rathkeale and Kilfinane.
Is Halloween in Limerick good for families?
Yes. There are plenty of family-friendly Halloween events in Limerick, particularly during the October mid-term. Trick or Treat in the City, the Curraghchase Pumpkin Patch and the Happy Halloween Experience at Jetland are among the options for families, while some attractions such as Limerick’s Scare Factory are aimed more at older children, teens and adults.
Where can I go pumpkin picking near Limerick?
Curraghchase Pumpkin Patch is one of the best options for pumpkin picking near Limerick in 2026, running from 24 October. It combines pumpkin picking with seasonal autumn activities, making it particularly suitable for a family Halloween day out in Limerick.
Limerick: The Perfect Base for the Wild Atlantic Way.
Another reason we like Limerick as a Halloween base is its location. Once you’ve had your fill of spooky events in the city, you can easily add some of County Clare’s most famous sights to your trip.
- Cliffs of Moher: Around an hour and 15 minutes by car, making this one of the easiest major west coast day trips from Limerick. On a misty autumn day, the cliffs are particularly atmospheric.
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Just outside Limerick and an easy stop on the way to or from the Clare coast. The castle, Folk Park and medieval-style experiences make it a natural addition to an Ireland Halloween itinerary.
- The Burren: Continue west into County Clare to explore its extraordinary limestone landscape, prehistoric sites and ancient Irish heritage.
Our tip: If you’re spending a few days in Limerick, we’d definitely allow time to get out into County Clare rather than spending the entire trip in the city. You can browse Limerick day tours if you’d rather leave the driving to someone else.
Conclusion: Why We’re Choosing Limerick for Halloween
Having lived just outside Limerick, we know the city well, and we think it’s a great option if you want to experience Halloween in Ireland without basing yourself in Dublin. The combination of Samhain folklore, storytelling, family events and live entertainment, alongside Limerick’s Medieval Quarter and the River Shannon, gives the city plenty of atmosphere at this time of year.
The 2026 programme is already taking shape, with events announced across Limerick city and county from 11 October to 1 November. The full programme is due to be released later in September, so we’ll keep updating this guide as more events are officially confirmed.
If you’re planning a Halloween trip to Ireland, we’d definitely consider Limerick for a few nights. You can enjoy the Halloween celebrations in the city and still have easy access to Bunratty, County Clare, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher — giving you a good mix of Halloween and west coast sightseeing in one trip.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Limerick at Halloween. Why don’t you let us know how you get on celebrating Halloween in Ireland?
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