Ireland is embracing the spirit of Samhain this weekend with parades, fire performances, and family festivals lighting up towns and cities across the country. From Galway’s world-famous Macnas Parade to Limerick’s lakeside fire shows, here’s where to enjoy free or mostly free Halloween events outside the capital.
Macnas Halloween Parade – Galway City
The acclaimed performance company Macnas returns to the streets of Galway for one of Ireland’s most anticipated Halloween spectacles. This year’s theme, “An Treun – The Summoning of the Lost,” brings giant puppets, live drummers, and surreal characters to life in a breathtaking display of street theatre and music.
- Date: Sunday, 26 October
- Time: Approximately 5:30 pm
- Location: Galway City Centre
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Arrive early for a good viewing spot, especially along the main route through the city.
Galway ABOO Halloween Festival
Running throughout the bank holiday weekend, ABOO Festival fills Galway’s streets with markets, live performances, and family-friendly workshops. Expect costumed characters, pumpkin trails, and pop-up shows across Eyre Square and Shop Street.
- Dates: Saturday 25 – Monday 27 October
- Time: Various daytime hours
- Cost: Free
Brigit’s Garden – Moycullen, County Galway
Just outside the city, Brigit’s Garden hosts “Howling Halloween” from 25–27 October, featuring outdoor treasure hunts, themed storytelling, and nature trails. It’s an ideal choice for families seeking a gentler celebration in a scenic setting.
- Dates: Saturday 25 – Monday 27 October
- Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
- Cost: Mostly free (some workshops may have small fees)
Halloween in Limerick – City & County
Limerick’s celebrations stretch across the city and surrounding county under the Halloween in Limerick 2025 programme. Events combine heritage, performance, and outdoor fun in some of the region’s most striking locations.
Highlights include:
- ROGU Firestorm – a fire and light show at Lough Gur, Saturday 25 October, 7 pm
- Mask-making workshop, Lough Gur, Monday 27 October, 10 am–12 pm
- Scavenger hunt, Lough Gur, Tuesday 28 October, 10 am–3 pm
- Storytelling: “Origins of the Fairies in Irish Tradition,” Lough Gur, Saturday 1 November, 2 pm
- Limerick Harvest Festival & City Pumpkin Patch, Milk Market, Sunday 26 October, 11 am–5 pm
Most activities are family-oriented and free of charge, with some requiring advance booking.
Other Free Halloween Events Around Ireland
Cork – Samhain Parade
Cork’s community-led Samhain Parade returns on Saturday 25 October, featuring local performers, lantern processions, and fire dancers through the city centre. Free for all ages.
Find out more
Kerry – Samhain at Killarney House
Killarney House and Gardens hosts an open-air evening with traditional music, folklore tales, and light projections inspired by Celtic mythology. Free entry for all.
Find out more
Summary Table
| Event | Location | Date | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macnas Halloween Parade | Galway City Centre | Sun 26 Oct | ~5:30 pm | Free | Giant puppets & street spectacle |
| Galway ABOO Festival | Galway City | Sat–Mon (25–27) | Daytime | Free | Family-friendly street entertainment |
| Howling Halloween @ Brigit’s Garden | Near Galway (Moycullen) | Sat–Mon (25–27) | 12–4 pm | Mostly Free | Nature-themed activities for children |
| Halloween in Limerick | City & County Limerick | Sat 25 Oct – 1 Nov | Various | Free | Fire show, storytelling & local crafts |
| Cork Samhain Parade | Cork City Centre | Sat 25 Oct | Evening | Free | Lanterns, costumes & fire performers |
| Samhain at Killarney House | Killarney, Co. Kerry | Sun 26 Oct | Evening | Free | Outdoor folklore & music event |
Across Ireland, communities are reviving the ancient festival of Samhain with imagination and inclusivity. From the spectacular Macnas Parade to fireside tales at Lough Gur, this year’s events promise to keep the spirit of Halloween alive — without spending a cent.
