The Haunted Trail returns to Malahide with Halloween Experiences by Day and After Dark
The Haunted Trail returns to the grounds of Malahide Castle this October with the new Malahide Samhain Festival, combining playful daytime spooks with a more atmospheric celebration after dark. All rooted in the Irish folklore, storytelling and ancient traditions that started it all, it’s the perfect offering for families who want the ultimate spooky evening out or indeed prefer a little less haunted day-time light.
By day, The Haunted Trail presents the Malahide Samhain Festival, brings playful Halloween fun as families encounter mischievous characters including Puck the Jester, Malahide’s resident spirit, before venturing into the Samhain Forest to discover the folklore and traditions behind Ireland’s original Halloween. Running until 4.30pm, it’s Halloween with the fright dialled down, making it ideal for younger ghosts and ghouls or anyone who gets spooked easily.
As darkness falls, Samhain takes on a different side as from 4.45pm, visitors will journey along The Haunted Trail and through the Samhain Forest before arriving at The Samhain Gathering, where the storytellers of Candlelit Tales breathe life back into tales of old and haunted Ireland, for the young and old alike, all set to live traditionally inspired music. Enjoy these evocative tellings while enjoying the seasonal food and drinks available to purchase, in an atmosphere built for gathering together, just as it always has been as the veil grows thin.
The Night Experience remains family-friendly while offering a more atmospheric way to celebrate the season for Halloween lovers, folklore fans and the culture-curious of all ages.
Jessica Fagan, Sales and Marketing Director at Follow Fox Events, said: “We wanted to create a Halloween celebration that really does have something for everyone, whatever your age or appetite for spooks. From gentler daytime fun to a more atmospheric experience after dark, it’s all rooted in celebrating the incredible heritage, traditions and folklore of Samhain. Ireland is the home of Halloween, and we want people of all ages to come together, have fun and experience the stories and traditions that started it all.”
Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals and Major Sporting Events at Fáilte Ireland said:
"We're pleased to support Fingal as part of Ireland, Home of Halloween. The success of the programme in 2025 demonstrated the strong appeal of authentic Halloween experiences rooted in Ireland's traditions and folklore. This year, visitors from home and overseas will have even more reasons to explore destinations across the island during the autumn season. By working in partnership with local authorities and communities, we're showcasing the very best of our cultural heritage, creating distinctive visitor experiences that will encourage travel beyond the traditional peak season, generate economic benefits for local areas and support sustainable tourism growth."
Rooted in the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter, the festival puts the Irish stories and traditions that helped shape Halloween back at the heart of the celebration.
Souvenir photography will be available in the Walled Garden, with free on-site parking for visitors and easy access by public transport.
The Haunted Trail Presents Malahide Samhain Festival opens on Saturday 17 October and runs across the final three weekends of October, including the October Bank Holiday Monday, before culminating on Halloween, Saturday 31st October.
Ticketing Information:
Day Experience: Sessions up to 4.30pm, with tickets starting from €14 for children and €17 for adults plus booking fee.
Night Experience: Sessions from 4.45pm, with tickets starting from €18 for children and €21 for adults plus booking fee, including access to The Samhain Gathering with storytelling and live Celtic music.
Tickets are on sale now, with infants under 2 years going free. Family and group saver bundles are available with flexible payment options including Klarna, allowing families to spread the cost over three payments of approximately €24.67.
Tickets will be available from thehauntedtrail.ie. Sign-up to the priority list for a 15% discount code when you book before 30th September.
Slán go fóill.
