As we say goodbye to summer, it’s the time of the year our forests erupt in a kaleidoscope of autumnal colour and the changing lights deepen the beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastlines and countryside.
It’s a magical time to wrap up and immerse yourself in nature – feel the sea mist on your face as you explore our beautiful beaches or listen as the leaves crunch under your feet during an idyllic walk.
With long winter nights on the horizon this half term break represents an opportunity to really get outside with the whole family and embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit.
Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of places to enjoy some Halloween and autumnal fun.
County Londonderry
Derry~Londonderry
- Halloween in Derry~Londonderry has grown to become the biggest celebration of its kind in Europe. The four-day festival, October 28-31, attracts up to 140,000 people each year and the 2022 event is back to full strength with the pinnacle of the celebrations once again being the carnival parade and fireworks display. Visit www.visitderry.com for a programme of events.
County Fermanagh
Carrickreagh Bay, Enniskillen
- Get close to nature in a luxurious glamping pod at the Insta-worthy Carrickreagh Bay. Operated by sustainable tourism company, Further Space, the pods look over the serene beauty of Lough Erne and are situated within the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and close to the beautiful Ely Lodge Forest. While visiting the area, don’t miss out on the Wicked Witch Trail where the woodland above the caves will be transformed into a spooky world of Halloween surprises. Visit www.further.space/location/carrickreagh and https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/todays_tour/the-wicked-witch-trail/
County Armagh
Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Killeavy
- The popular Footsteps in the Forest Festival makes a return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Thursday October 27 – Monday 31. This year Footsteps in the Forest will celebrate the ancient traditions which mark the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. Visitors will have an opportunity to encounter mythical people, hear their stories of a world that has been forgotten and explore their woodland realm through the magical living storybook tour. Visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
County Down
Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood
- Step back in time at Ulster Folk Museum from Saturday October 29-31 and experience a traditional ‘Samhain’ or Halloween as we know it today. The village of Ballycultra is not all it seems…it’s full of traditions and stories, some of which may give you a fright. While you’re exploring keep your eyes peeled for any unusual or unsavoury characters and listen as they recount spooky tales from times gone by with music from the Armagh Rhymers and lots of other Halloween treats. Visit www.nmni.com/whats-on/halloween-at-ulster-folk-museum
County Antrim
Lagan Valley Regional Park, Belfast
- Lagan Valley Regional Park is recognised as Northern Ireland’s only regional park. It was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is rich in natural features, biodiversity and a range of historically important sites. During autumn, the park takes on a new beauty. Join park rangers on a free seasonal walk enjoying the splendour of the regional park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk to learn about the regional park. Visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/autumn-discovery-morning-p803781
County Tyrone
Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley
- Todds Leap Activity Centre has a reputation for offering fun outdoor adventures in a beautiful forest and countryside setting perfect for burning off energy. This Halloween the centre has launched a new experience, ‘Granda Bens Spooktacular Ethical Zoo Trail’. Explore the park as you’ve never seen it before. Meet the animals, discover whimsical spaces, step across the exhilarating Carrick-a-Todd Rope Bridge and let your imagination run wild. Visit www.toddsleap.com
Subject to availability. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. For more information on great places to visit and for things to see and do this half term visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.
