11 Must-Do Halloween Activities in Waterford

As October deepens and the shadows stretch, Waterford becomes the perfect place to embrace all things spooky, spectred and Samhain-inspired. Whether you’re looking for family fun or adult chills, here are 11 events and experiences across the county you won’t want to miss.

Halloween Event – Waterford After Dark: Crime, Grime & Graveyards
Join the curators of the Waterford Treasures on this 90-minute guided evening walk (27-30 Oct) through the city’s darkest corners — vampires, ghosts and the under-belly of Ireland’s oldest city.

Halloween Tours – The Irish Wake Museum
Visit the Irish Wake Museum in Cathedral Square (27-30 Oct) for a family-friendly dive into Irish death-rituals, Samhain traditions and real-life spine-tinglers. Dress-ups encouraged.

Spooky Tunnel – Ballyvoile Tunnel on the Waterford Greenway
For a more outdoors and free experience, the “Spooky Tunnel” runs along the Waterford Greenway where the old railway tunnel at Ballyvoile takes on a ghostly glow and eerie trail from 24 Oct.

Samhain: Fire & Shadows Procession – Waterford City
From 25-27 Oct, join the giants, fire-dancers and puppets in the Samhain procession of the Samhain Festival through the Viking Triangle. Mythic, theatrical and perfect for all ages.

Poison & Petals – Halloween Garden Walk at Mount Congreve Gardens
On 31 Oct, the evening walk at Mount Congreve Gardens blends folklore, plants and terrors for adults — explore which blooms hide deadly secrets.

Ghostly Lanterns – Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Tramore
A unique fusion of Japanese and Irish folklore, with glowing lanterns, samurai ghosts and serene paths in the gardens near Tramore (dates vary).

Halloween Camp & Crafts – Lismore Courthouse Theatre
For younger children and families, join morning sessions of spook-crafts, storytelling and dress-up at the Lismore Courthouse Theatre (dates such as 29 Oct).

Three Sisters Halloween Cruise – River Suir
On 25 Oct, take the ghost-stories-on-water route with the Osprey Viking Cruises for an atmospheric trip along the Suir with Halloween themes.

Dark History Tour – Beyond the Walls of Waterford
A late-evening walk (7.30pm) exploring the gaol, the Norman town walls and the lesser-seen history of waterford’s haunted past. Choose the “Over 16s” version for full chills.

Halloween Trail & Pumpkin Picking – Mount Congreve
Coming back to the gardens for families: a trail of pumpkins, spooky characters, and autumn leaves at Mount Congreve (24-27 Oct) — fun and seasonal outdoors.

Costume Parties & Ghoul-Lit Cocktails – Cultural Quarter, Waterford City
When night falls, head to O’Connell Street and the Applemarket for Monster Mash events, ghost-themed cocktails and live music for over-18s.

Tips to make the most of Halloween in Waterford

• Book early for tours that have limited spaces (like the Irish Wake Museum or Dark History Tour).

• Some events are outdoors and weather-dependent: dress warmly, bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes.

• For family activities, check age suitability and times (many kids-friendly slots are earlier in the day).

• After dark tours or night-time events: travel safely and check transport or parking in advance.

• Embrace Samhain myth: the boundary between the living and the other-world is thinner now — wander respectfully.

Check out our Halloween event listing for a full list of gruesome activities!