Clandeblog Things to do this Halloween 2024 in Northern Ireland

From family-friendly pumpkin patches to spine-chilling events, get ready for a ghoulishly good time. Here are the top things to do this Halloween 2024 in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Mark your calendars because Halloween is just around the corner on Thursday 31st October 2024! If you're in Northern Ireland, you're spoilt for choice for things to do this Halloween...

1. Pumpkin patches

Pumpkin patch in Northern Ireland — Family-friendly pumpkin patch

Get into the Halloween spirit with a visit to one of Northern Ireland's many pumpkin patches. Whether you're looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve or simply want to enjoy a day out with the family, these spots offer an unforgettable pumpkin picking experience. Don’t forget to book early, as tickets sell out fast for these popular Halloween events.

Streamvale Open Farm, Dundonald
Ark Open Farm, Newtownards
Mountpanther Farm Park, Downpatrick
Pickie Funpark, Bangor
Laganvalue Farm, Lisburn
The Jungle, Magherafelt

2. Halloween Extravaganza at Pickie Funpark

This year, Pickie Funpark in Bangor is pulling out all the stops with its biggest Halloween event yet! Your admission includes access to their Pumpkin Patch, where you can pick, decorate, and carve your very own pumpkin. The fun doesn’t stop there... Explore the Jigsaw Petting Farm, encounter mysterious creatures at the Exploris Pop-Up Aquarium, and enjoy special performances by famous spooky characters. This is a must-do for families looking for a Halloween day out in Northern Ireland.

3. Autumn waking routes

Autumn forest walk during Halloween in Northern Ireland — Clandeboye forest

Embrace the beauty of autumn with a beautiful forest walk during the Halloween half term. As the leaves turn to shades of gold and red, there's no better time to explore Northern Ireland’s country parks. Whether you're collecting conkers, spotting squirrels, or simply soaking in the seasonal beauty, these local walking trails are among our favourites:

Crawfordsburn Country Park
Killynether Woods
Helen's Tower / Clandeboye Way
Cairn Wood
Redburn Country Park

4. Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade Art Workshop

Join local artist Kerrie, also known as Mrs. Maker, at WWT Castle Espie on 30th October for a fun-filled, creative Halloween experience. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild, crafting masks of their favourite animals or dreaming up their own fantastical creatures, from spooky bats to ghostly swans. After the workshop, take the opportunity to explore Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic birds, ducks, and geese.

5. Todds Leap Horror Nights

This year, Todds Leap is hosting 'GET OUT! Horror Nights' a spine-chilling Halloween event running on select nights in October. Expect a terrifying blend of haunted mazes, eerie off-road ghost rides, and sinister attractions like Motel Hell and the Fairground of Horrors. Designed for those 15 and older, this Halloween event promises unforgettable frights and adrenaline-pumping experiences.

6. Ulster Folk Museum

Children dressed for Halloween at an event in Northern Ireland — Ulster Folk Museum, courtesy of National Museums Northern Ireland

Step back in time at the Ulster Folk Museum in Holywood and discover the origins of Halloween, rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain. Experience a traditional Halloween, complete with tales of old customs and practices. Perfect for those interested in learning more about the history of Halloween in Northern Ireland.

7. The Jungle Halloween events

The Jungle NI is the place to be for Halloween in Northern Ireland, offering something for both thrill-seekers and families. Fright Night 2024 promises to be a night of terror with its all-new Woodland Trail and six terrifying Scare Attractions. For younger visitors, Hallowee’uns provides a more family-friendly experience with pumpkin picking, arts and crafts, and a spooky ghost trail.

8. Derry Halloween

Fireworks in Northern Ireland — Derry Halloween fireworks, courtesy of Tourism Ireland

As Europe's largest Halloween festival, Derry Halloween offers a packed schedule of haunted tours, ghostly parades, live music and a firework display. Drawing on local folklore and contemporary traditions, this event is a must-do in Northern Ireland.

9. Halloween event at Ballyburren

Enjoy pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving in the Barn of Ghouls and spooky crafts with the Witches from the Swamp. Then brave the Scare Trail through haunted woods and zombie-infested ponds, and enjoy refreshments from the coffee trailer. The Halloween event at Ballyburren in Ballynahinch is perfect for all ages.

10. Halloween hotel break

A couple walking through an autumnal archway over Halloween in Northern Ireland — Autumn at Clandeboye Lodge

Why not make the most of the half term with a Halloween break in Northern Ireland? Nestled in the rich oak woodlands near Bangor Country Down, Clandeboye Lodge offers the perfect retreat. Close to many of the best Halloween attractions, you can extend your day out into a cosy overnight stay. Enjoy the warm hospitality and seasonal delights at the Coq & Bull brasserie, where comforting soups, hearty mains and a selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails await.