It’s that time of year when spooky surprises begin to stir across Mourne Gullion Strangford! From family-friendly trails and eerie outdoor adventures to fang-tastic festivities in Newry City and our towns and villages, there’s plenty to get everyone into the Halloween spirit.
This October, enjoy thrills, chills and plenty of Giant Adventures for all ages. Meet mysterious characters, discover unforgettable Halloween experiences and start planning a spook-tacular family break in Mourne Gullion Strangford.
25 October - 1 November
Rowallowe'en Fun in the Garden, Saintfield
Take a walk in the old wood, make your own scary movie in the Stableyard film studio, and join the hunt in the walled garden to find out what villainous creature has been terrorising our gardeners!
24 October - 1 November
Castle Weird Hallowe'en Trail, Strangford
There's been a few spooky goings on around Castle Ward - visit to walk our Hallowe'en trail and test your bravery along the way. Discover the fascinating and slightly creepy world of Mary Ward and her famous "creepy crawly" creations from 24 October to 1 November. The trail slithers and snakes it's way starting from the stable yard, winding its way through the sunken garden! Runs daily during opening hours.
29 October
Baby Banshee Boogie at Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
There'll be songs, puppets, music and play - perfect for getting little goblins giggling. Suitable for ages 0-3 years. Sessions are at 12.30 and 1.30. Squiggles & Giggles love being creative and having fun is our top priority so don't miss this session!
30 October
Hallow Lights, Kilkeel
Enjoy an evening at Hallow Lights Kilkeel this October, Music - Face painting - Fancy Dress Competition - Stalls - Arts & Crafts - Amusement Rides - Food Vendors - Balloon Making - Fireworks Extravaganza in the Mourne Mountains region.
Why Hallow Lights Kilkeel is great for families:
Set along the scenic coastal backdrop of the Mourne Mountains region, the event offers a gentle, fun-filled experience, ideal for visitors looking for safe, light-hearted seasonal activities rather than the high-thrill scares. With fireworks, hands-on arts & crafts, balloon modelling, and children’s entertainment, it’s perfect for younger children or anyone seeking a peaceful yet fun-filled night out by the coast.
30 October
Hocus Pocus: A Halloween Dinner & Show, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle
As autumn settles over the Mournes and the nights draw in, Slieve Donard turns its grand halls over to a night of mischief and theatre. Join us for an evening of Hocus Pocus-inspired dining, with a live show from the cast of InspireME Entertainment weaving through the room as you eat. Expect a two-course dinner built for the occasion, and a performance that turns dinner into something altogether more theatrical.
30 October
Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen - Downpatrick
This Halloween, dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours brings his 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out talk about William Burke and William Hare to Down Arts Centre on Friday 30 October 2026!
Andrew tells the ghoulish tale of the infamous miscreants, from their origins in rural Ulster to the shocking murders in 1820s Edinburgh that made them arguably the first modern serial killers.
The talk will remember Burke and Hare’s victims, and reveal what became of the duo, their wives and the doctors who paid for fresh cadavers during the body snatching era.
31 October
Halloween in Newry City
Step into a Halloween evening full of autumn atmosphere, fun activities, and local delights at the Newry Halloween Twilight Market. Taking place on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 5pm to 10pm, at Newry Variety Market, John Mitchel Place, Newry Variety Market will transform into a lively Halloween celebration suitable for all ages. Free entry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
31 October
Halloween Storytelling for Families at Newry and Mourne Museum
This Halloween join us at Newry and Mourne Museum for spooky tales and ghostly stories.
There will be two sessions, starting at 11.30am, 1.30pm, which will last 40 minutes approximately. This is appropriate for children aged 4 - 11 years. Numbers for these sessions are limited so pre-booking of places is essential.
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31 October
Halloween in Newcastle 2026
Halloween 2026 .. event planned and carried out primarily by the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. This year the event will take place on Saturday 31 October 2026
Further details to follow
31 October
Samhain Stone Circle Tour - Newry
Celebrate the Celtic festival of Samhain with a mini-Camino, in the heart of the Ring of Gullion, with Holistic Tourguide Ann Ward. We will roam through the hills and heritage of this special landscape, formed over 60 million years ago. This gentle walking tour is 6 miles/10 km return, from Ann's quirky WW2 hut in the small village of Meigh, to the Celtic Court Tomb of Ballmacdermot.
Ann will support you to connect deeply to this sacred place through guided meditation and time for personal reflection. Breathe in the spectacular scenery as we meander back, with Slieve Gullion mountain by our side. Rest and relax during a nurturing lunch in Ann's cosy WW2 hut. We will gently end the day with a guided meditation.
31 October
Rowallowe'en Kids onster Rave, Saintfield
Gather by the tower for a danse macabre in the dark heart of Rowallane Garden! Put on your spookiest costume, warm up your dancing feet and get ready to dance til you drop. In collaboration with professional party animals Jump Jiggle & Jive, this is the perfect afternoon's fun for children age 4 and up.
Feeling left out in the cold?
Organising an event that you would like us to feature? Then pop the details into our Submit Event form and if there's no tricks then we might just add your event in as well.
We still have a bag of treats left (and some tricks up our sleeves) so check back soon for more frightfully fangtastic events! Don't forget to check out the What's On section for all the other events in the region.
We hope you have howling time whatever you decide to do.
Step into a Halloween evening full of autumn atmosphere, fun activities, and local delights at the Newry Halloween Twilight Market. Taking place on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 5pm to 10pm, at Newry Variety Market, John Mitchel Place, Newry Variety Market will transform into a lively Halloween celebration suitable for all ages. With free entry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Embark on the Trail of Tiny Terrors this Halloween at Montalto. Something strange is happening at Montalto Estate ... the moon has vanished from the night sky! Set off on a magical quest through mysterious realms and whispering woods, where you'll encounter spooky scenes & ghoulish games. Brave young explorers must collect the missing words of an ancient spell to reverse the curse and bring back the moon. Perfect for children & families, this enchanting outdoor experience is filled with adventure, imagination, and just the right amount of frightful fun!
The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is a leading four-star Hotel in Newcastle nestled beneath the Mountains of Mourne. Located just 45 minutes from Belfast or Newry, The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa is the ideal location to relax and unwind. Perfect for a Spa Break, Family Retreat, Romantic Getaway or Business Trip.
Footsteps in the Forest is set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Slieve Gullion. Footsteps in the Forest brings to life one of Ireland’s most storied landscapes, steeped in myths of giants, fairies, and ancient warriors. Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling thrills or simply wish to soak in the atmospheric beauty of the forest, Footsteps in the Forest is an unforgettable autumn adventure.
This year 'Halloween in Newcastle' will take place on Saturday 31 October 2026. Further details to follow!
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry and Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
We are a family run farm park based just outside Newcastle, County Down. Established in 2017, we have been providing families with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories since then.
Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre is the operational base for the arts in Downpatrick and the surrounding area.
This unique garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision created a place where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
