Halloween is always a tricky one to plan. Nights out in Dublin city can involve queues the length of Croke Park, costumes you fear will go up in flames and it’s as if every taxi in the city goes on a national holiday.
Fear not, we have found the best stuff to do over the entire festive season in Dublin to make it worth while blowing the cobwebs off your witches hat.
The Spooky stuff:
The Nightmare Realm at the RDS
This extreme walk-through horror house will trigger every fear you have. Bigger and better this year, the RDS is home to ‘Charlie Chops 3D Clown House’, ‘The Nightmare Realm Hostel’ and ‘Gruber Asylum’. Danger lurks in every shadow here so be prepared to scream. Student tickets cost €20 during peak times and €18 during off peak. However, to guarantee entry and for a cheaper fare book online – €18 during peak times and €16 during off peak.
Warning: not for the faint-hearted.
The Hellfire Club Dublin Tour
Known as ‘The most terrifying walking tour experience in Dublin’ by some, the Hellfire Club tour promises to make you shudder. The excursion lasts 2.5 hours and a private bus brings you up to the Hellfire club – infamous for its connections to ‘Satanism, the supernatural and the occult’. Tickets are €25 and includes transport. This tour is only available during Halloween week (26th to 31st of October)
Festivals:
Samhain
Samhain combines the native pagan festival with the spook of Halloween. The weekend festival takes place in Weston Airport Hangar, Lucan and will hold acts such as Annie Mac, 2 Many DJs and Liam Gallagher. Tickets for the Saturday cost €49.50 and unfortunately Sunday is sold out.
Metropolis
Usually held at a later date, Metropolis comes back to Dublin this year for the October bank holiday. Now a must on the Irish festival scene, this indoor festival is a guaranteed memorable night out. It will be located in the RDS and acts such as Bonzai, Adam Beyer and Jungle will take the stage. Weekend tickets costs €119.50 and Sunday tickets cost €69.50 and a booking fee.
Halloween day/night:
Xico nightclub
One of Dublin’s hottest clubs is hosting a ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ festival. Meaning Mexican Day of the Dead, which is when the gates of heaven are opened and deceased spirits arrive to reunite.
With tunes pumping and €5 frozen margaritas, Xico promises a festive Halloween night out.
TeaHouse of Horror – TeaParty v Techno & Cans Special
Hangar, Andrews Lane are hosting a Halloween night full of techno music, a night guaranteed to have the best and worst fancy dress imaginable and great drink deals all night. Acts such as Jake Noland and KETTAMA will be taking the stage and entry will be €8.
Tess O’Connor
Image Credit: The Nightmare Realm