Halloween 2021 in Waterford
There’s so much to do this October in the sunny south of the country and Waterford is fast becoming one of my favourite counties for so many reasons. It’s perfect for a Halloween Break and you will be spoilt for choices with a wide range of activities. Check out https://visitwaterford.com/
Spraoi – Wicked Woods Halloween Event
Award-winning spectacle company Spraoi presents an enchanting mix of music, magic, light and performance celebrating the Celtic time of transition into the darker half of the year. This seasonal, mildly scary, walk in the woods is suitable for children and adults.
The event at WIT Arena is a fifteen-minute drive from Waterford City centre and runs from October 27th to 30th.
Wicked Woods tickets will be for sale online at www.spraoi.com from October 15th (€5 each or €20 for a group of five). Time-slots e.g. 6.00, 6.30 p.m. etc. may be booked and there is a matinee show on Saturday, October 30th from 2.00 p.m.
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens
Halloween Ghostly Woodland Walk
Be afraid, be very afraid as you enter the haunted Woodlands of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore. Lafcadio Hearn is famous for his Japanese Ghost stories, so in these gardens ghosts, ghouls, witches and spiders haunt the woodlands even in daytime.
Although these stunning gardens appear to be very peaceful and tranquil during the day, be aware when you cross the bridge. Haunting sounds fill the air here and at every turn creepy spiders, and ghostly figures meet you on your path. Witches hide behind the trees and in the undergrowth skeletons rise up.
The Ghostly Woodland Walk runs from Sunday 17th October to Sunday 31st October. Open every day 10.00am to 5.00pm. General entry to gardens and woodlands: Adults €6 Children €3.
Opened in 1992 to share insights into Lismore’s formidable history and heritage. This Halloween, The Robert Boyle Escape Room will become the Hocus Pocus Escape Room. Have you got what it takes to escape from the Sanderson Sisters?
Transylvania at the Towers – Camp Suitable for junior infants to 4th Class! Costumes welcome. Date – Friday, October 29th. 3pm – 5pm €15. Dracula’s pumpkins have been stolen from his castle by the ghouls and now his Halloween Ball is in danger! Dracula needs a brave group of super scientists to solve the Halloween head-scratchers in the woods to get Dracula’s pumpkins back in time for midnight!
Autumn Walks – Themed guided walks take in the beautiful fall colours around Lismore on one of our themed walking tours. Also available – The Lismore Castle 360 and VR Experiences
Bookings available at www.discoverlismore.com or call 058-54975
A heritage narrow-gauge railway that runs along 10 kilometres of the abandoned Waterford Dungarvan line. Operating five trips per day throughout the mid-term break for all the family to enjoy. Watch out for the spooky scenes at Kilmeadan Station and along the route.
To book – www.wsvrailway.ie
Dunmore Adventure offers individuals and groups a unique adventure experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Water and land activities all year round. Suitable for ages 7 years to 97 years!
Get into the Spirit of Halloween – activities for Adults, Teens, Groups and Families:
Enjoy Archery and a Team Challenge – Escape from the dark! Climbing wall is also on site and sailing – Weather permitting, they will operate taster sailing sessions. Also on the water why not try 1-hour fun Kayaking or Stand up Paddle Boarding
Imagine Arts Festival – 15th – 24th of October
Imagine Arts Festival is a unique celebration of the arts in Waterford City. During the festival, they will host a number of events and workshops.
A Stop/Go Animation Workshop for 10 – 12-year-olds – Sat, Oct 23rd
Body Percussion Workshop for 8-10yrs – Sat, Oct 23rd
To book, go to www.imagineartsfestival.com
Waterford Treasures
During my recent trip to Waterford I visited many of the fabulous museums at the quay that make up waterford treasures. The King of the Vikings is the only virtual reality experience of its kind in the country and see the most remarkable artefacts in the Medieval Museums and the museum of Time. https://thenoveltraveller.com/time-to-explore-waterford-this-travel-tuesday/
Simon Live At The Haven
The legendary Waterford band SIMON will be playing on Friday 22nd October – this a free gig! Doors open at 7pm and all are very welcome!
Spookyville Family-Friendly Adventure
The Haven Hotel’s brand-new family friendly multimedia interactive adventure SPOOKYVILLE on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October. Are you brave enough to take on the creepy but friendly Halloween experience?
Journey along our wondrous and mysterious spooky walk, meeting characters, solving puzzles, finding clues to win your prize. Let your imagination run free making your own Halloween arts and crafts.
And if all of that is not enough, join them for their fully interactive live stage and screen show with “The Trick that Switched the Witch.”
Tickets are €15 per child. Book now at www.thehavenhotel.com/events. One-hour slots are available from 12 noon – 7pm on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October
Ticket includes Spooky Walk, Halloween arts & craft, fully interactive live stage and screen show and treat bag. Children must be accompanied by an adult who can enter free of charge.
Something for the adults! Fancy dress halloween party from 9pm on Saturday 30th October. Music with DJ Paul Sheridan and spot prizes for best costumes. Free entry
Places to stay in Waterford
Thinking of taking a break to Waterford? I’ve some great offers
Enjoy 2 or 3 nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast for all the family in a lovely family room with a 2-course dinner on one evening for the family in the Met Bar
Your package includes 2 Nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast each morning for all the family
Delicious 2 course Meal for the family on one evening served in the Met Bar from the Bar Menu which is available from 12-9.30pm daily (either starter & main course or main course & dessert ). Childrens evening meal from the children’s menu only.
Complimentary car parking and WIFI Each room has 43″ Smart TV with access to Netflix (own account required to watch)
Family Room Packages are based on up to 4 people (max 2 adults) Sharing. Family Break – 2 or 3 Nights B&B + 1 Dinner – From €310
Dooley’s Hotel is situated in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford. The three-star, family run hotel offers guests modern and contemporary conveniences and comforts with a warm welcome and traditional Irish hospitality. Overlooking the River Suir, the Darrer family have been welcoming guests for three generations. With over 70 years of exceptional service, the hotel offers modern amenities combined with traditional values and charm.
Dooley’s Hotel offers an extensive casual dining menu from 9am to 9.30pm daily and prides itself on its range of delicious dishes from locally sourced produce. Why not relax and unwind in the new canopied outdoor dining area, The Courtyard…bright, spacious and airy, perfect whatever the weather.
With 100km of sandy beaches, five Blue Flag beaches, the Waterford Greenway, a 46-km off-road walking and cycling path, a 1000-year-old Viking history, a city heaving with museums, architecture, the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal, excellent shopping, beautiful parks, and Ireland’s biggest Wipeout aquapark at Dunmore Adventure Centre, Dooley’s Hotel in the heart of Waterford is the perfect base to explore all the Waterford has to offer!
Contact details W: www.dooleys-hotel.ie T: 051 873531 E: hotel@dooleys-hotel.ie
Family B&B Package
Three nights bed and full Irish breakfast from €320
Family packages: (2 adults and 2 Children under 12’s)
Complementary Freedom of Waterford Tickets – Five attractions in the Viking Triangle T&C apply
Twin/Double B&B Package
Three nights bed and full Irish breakfast from €290 with Complementary Freedom of Waterford Tickets – Five attractions in the Viking Triangle T&C apply
