Waterford set for a spooktacular Halloween with packed programme of events

Waterford is preparing to unleash its spookiest side this Halloween, with everything from haunted tunnels and wicked woods to ghostly cruises, Viking werewolves and paranormal investigations on the programme.

Events will take place across the city and county throughout the October midterm, offering a mix of family activities, outdoor adventures, workshops, supernatural tales and Halloween night entertainment.

One of Waterford’s most popular seasonal attractions, the Spooky Tunnel on Waterford Greenway, will return from Friday, October 23, to Saturday, October 31.

The atmospheric Ballyvoyle Tunnel will once again be transformed into a spooky family experience, while nearby Waterford Suir Valley Railway will embrace the season with its Spooky Express, taking families on a Halloween-themed journey.

Visitors will also be able to take to the water, with Osprey Viking Cruises running a special Halloween cruise to the ruins of Grannagh Castle.

Meanwhile, Spraoi’s popular Wicked Woods will return to Carriganore Woods from October 23 to 31.

The site-specific Samhain experience will see families follow a woodland trail featuring strange creatures and characters alongside lights, sounds and music.

Special daytime matinee performances will take place on October 24 and 25 for younger visitors and those who might prefer not to brave the woods after dark.

Waterford’s Viking and medieval history will also inspire some of the programme’s darker offerings.

Fangs & Fables at Viking House will explore Irish and Norse mythology through the stories of Raghnailt, a medieval vampire, and Ulfr, a Viking werewolf.

Those keen to discover another side of the city’s past can take part in the 'Crime, Grime & Graveyards – Urban Underbelly Evening Tour', featuring stories of crime, punishment, imprisonment, superstition, disease and death.

The supernatural will also come under the spotlight at the Medieval Museum, where psychical researcher and GhostÉire co-founder Anthony Kerrigan will present Paranormal, Past and Present.

The event will explore the world of paranormal investigation and include insights from GhostÉire’s investigation of Waterford’s Irish Wake Museum.

There will be plenty for younger history fans too. Waterford’s Weird and Wicked Past will offer an entertaining look at medieval medicine, hygiene, food, crime and punishment, while Masks & Mystics at the Irish Wake Museum will give children the chance to make Halloween masks inspired by folklore and seasonal traditions.

At Mount Congreve Gardens, Poison & Petals will take adults on a guided exploration of some of the garden’s more sinister secrets, including poisonous plants, folklore and unusual botanical stories.

A number of camps and activities are also planned for children during the school break.

Splashworld Tramore will host a Halloween Swim Camp from October 27 to 30 for children aged three to 15, while GROW HQ will run its four-day Junior GIYers Halloween Camp for youngsters aged eight to 12, combining harvesting, cooking, food and nature.

Lismore Heritage Centre will hold its Halloween Camp on October 27 and 29 before hosting its inaugural Halloween Children’s Fancy Dress Party on October 31.

Adults looking for a Halloween experience of their own can attend a Fancy Dress Supper Club at Grow HQ on Halloween night, while Moon & Lotus Studio in Dunhill will offer a quieter celebration with its Lakeside Samhain Sauna, incorporating yoga, sauna and seasonal treats.

The festivities will continue into Halloween night at venues around the county.

The Reg in Waterford city will stage its annual Halloween Party, while The Haven in Dunmore East will host Halloween Drag Bingo, featuring comedy, drag performances, prizes and music.

With events stretching across the city and county, organisers are hoping people will make the most of the October midterm and turn their Halloween visit into a longer break in the county.

Full details of Waterford’s Halloween programme is available at visitwaterford.com.