Experience Eerie Events at OPW Locations across the country this Halloween

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce a series of exciting and spooky events taking place at our OPW Heritage sites across the country this Halloween. From treasure hunts to ghostly tours, there are plenty of events that are sure to make your hair stand on end.

Delve into the darkest corners of Charles Fort Military Fortress, Co. Cork and face your fears on the spine-tingling Halloween Trail – ‘The Hour of Darkness is Upon Us’. Make sure to bring a torch!

Step back in time in Emo Court and Estate, Co. Laois and discover the weird and wonderful gadgets servants used many years ago. Join us for a fun, family friendly experience exploring curious Victorian objects.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said ‘It is great to see such a diverse range of events on offer at a number of OPW locations throughout the country this October. Families will be in for a fright with a range of ghoulish tours, spooky treasure hunts and other fun activities on offer – there’s truly something for everyone, young and old’

Ross Castle, Co Kerry will transform into a haunted haven of ghouls, goblins and witches for Halloween festivities. Visitors can take part in our spooky family friendly treasure hunt collecting information and Halloween stickers along the way.

At the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, visitors can join the ‘Halloween at Glasnevin’ tour or the numerous ‘Samhain Embers’ tours that rekindle the ancient folklore and traditions of Samhain. Explore the myths and folklore of plants that were used during this otherworldly time and discover the stories associated with them. Visitors can enjoy the magical plants demonstrations in the children's garden.

Meanwhile at Portumna Castle, Co. Galway brave souls can take on the Creepy Castle Quest and answer riddles that will that will lead to the ultimate prize.

For an afternoon of spooky Halloween fun, take a trip to Parke’s Castle, Co Leitrim for ‘Spooky Halloween Tales’ where ghost stories, face painting and fancy dress will be in full swing.

Sligo Abbey, invites visitors to hear spooky tales from ‘Old Sligo’ told by Sligo Abbey's Seanchaí or for those brave enough follow the spooky clues around Sligo Abbey and find a Halloween treat on the Halloween fancy dress treasure hunt.

And lastly, for those seeking a spine-tingling experience, Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary offers a thrilling evening of chilling tales from Medieval Ireland - ‘Great Was The Darkness’ (suitable for adults only). The stories are brought to us by Waterford-born Dublin-based medievalist Hannah Mac Auliffe, an expert in Medieval life in Ireland.

Immerse yourself in the dark history of our heritage sites and join us for these unforgettable Halloween events happening at OPW locations nationwide. For more information and a full list of events see links below or visit www.heritageireland.ie.

For our budding young artists why not take part in our Halloween Colouring Competition. Pick up our spooky image of Trim Castle at our participating sites or online. Please see heritageireland.ie/halloween for more information.

For more information about the events please see links below:

Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary

Great was the Darkness - link

Charles Fort Military Fortress, Co. Cork

Halloween Trail 2025: ‘The hour of Darkness is upon us….’ - link

Emo Court and Estate, Co. Laois

Mystery Gadgets of the Basement – link

Ennis Friary, Co. Clare

Ghost Hunt - link

National Botanic Garden, Glasnevin

Halloween at Glasnevin - link

Themed Tour October – Samhain Embers - link

Parke’s Castle, Co. Leitrim

Spooky Halloween Tales at Parke’s Castle – link

Portunma Castle, Co. Galway

Creepy Castle Quest - link

Ross Castle, Co. Kerry

Kids Castle Tour and Treasure Hunt – link

Sligo Abbey, Sligo

Ghostly Tales of Sligo for Halloween - link

Halloween fancy dress treasure hunt - link

NOTES

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request to discuss this initiative. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

The Office of Public Works (OPW)

The OPW provides accommodation for Government Services and manages much of the State’s property portfolio.

It cares for 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens and buildings. It is the Government’s principal engineering agency, providing an engineering service to the Flood Risk Management and Estate Portfolio Management functions of the OPW as well as to other Government Departments.

Follow us on Twitter @opwireland

Follow us on Facebook @opwireland

Follow us on Instagram @opwireland

Follow us on LinkedIn @Office of Public Works