Spend Halloween Weekend in Waterford

If you love Halloween, why not spend the weekend itself in the place where centuries of history, folklore and autumn atmosphere come together? From the medieval streets of Waterford City to the gardens and coastal villages beyond, there’s plenty happening across Waterford as 31 October approaches.

We’ve put together a Halloween itinerary with something for every mood: mysterious gardens and dark-history tours, cosy daytime exploring and a choice of celebrations once night falls. Whether you want to dress up and dance, settle in for drag bingo or mark Samhain with a slower lakeside experience, you can make Halloween in Waterford entirely your own.

3 Days in Waterford: Halloween Weekend

Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 October

If you want to be in Waterford for Halloween itself, make a long weekend of it. From poisonous plants and dark-history walks to Halloween parties and drag bingo, there’s plenty happening as 31 October approaches.

Thursday: Discover the Darker Side of the Garden

Start your Halloween break a little early at Mount Congreve Gardens.

At 2 pm on Thursday 29 October, Poison & Petals: A Halloween Garden Tour invites adults to step beyond the flowers and explore a more unusual side of the gardens.

The 60-minute guided walk delves into poisonous plants, folklore, hidden histories and botanical curiosities, revealing some of the fascinating stories growing among Mount Congreve’s celebrated collection.

Once the tour finishes, stay a little longer and enjoy the gardens in their autumn colours before heading into Waterford City for dinner and an evening at your own pace.

Thursday Evening: Set Sail for Samhain on the Suir

For a different perspective on Waterford’s darker history, take to the river for an atmospheric Halloween adventure.

Samhain on the Suir with Osprey Viking Cruises invites visitors aboard for a twilight journey along the River Suir towards historic Grannagh Castle.

Along the way, discover stories of Waterford’s witches, pirates, Vikings, ghosts and ghouls as the city and its surroundings take on a new atmosphere in the fading evening light.

Cruises depart at 4.30 pm daily from 26–30 October, making Thursday 29 October an ideal opportunity to experience Waterford’s spooky side from the water.

Friday: Follow Waterford’s Darker Side

With more than 1,100 years of history behind it, Waterford has accumulated plenty of strange stories along the way.

Spend Friday discovering some of the city’s more atmospheric corners. Wander through the Viking Triangle, pass the medieval ruins of Greyfriars, explore Cathedral Square and stop beneath Reginald’s Tower, where Viking and Norman history sit side by side.

For a little extra atmosphere, bring along our guide to The Dark Side of Waterford: Ghosts, Vampires & Strange Tales from Ireland’s Oldest City, which explores some of the ghost stories, folklore and unusual accounts recorded across Waterford.

Grab an early dinner – because once darkness falls, there’s more history waiting.

Friday Evening: Crime, Grime & Graveyards

At 7 pm, join Crime, Grime & Graveyards – Urban Underbelly, a special after-hours walking tour through Waterford City.

Beginning at the Medieval Museum and continuing from the Viking Triangle towards Ballybricken, the 90-minute tour explores stories of crime, punishment, imprisonment, superstition and everyday life across the centuries.

It’s a chance to see familiar Waterford streets from a completely different perspective and uncover some of the chapters of the city’s history that tend not to make it onto the postcards.

The tour runs from 27–30 October and is suitable for visitors aged 16 and over.

Saturday: Brunch, Browse and Take It Slow

It is Halloween, after all, so there’s no need to schedule every minute.

Enjoy a lazy Saturday morning in Waterford with brunch or coffee, browse the independent shops around the city centre, visit a museum you missed earlier in the weekend or simply soak up the Halloween atmosphere.

Then get the costumes ready. Saturday night is when Waterford really gets into the spirit of things.

Saturday Evening: Slow Down With Samhain Sauna

Saturday Night: Choose Your Halloween Celebration

If you’re staying in Waterford City, head for The Reg’s Halloween Party, kicking off at 5 pm.

Expect creepy cocktails, music, Halloween surprises, costume prizes and a DJ keeping the party going into the evening. The ticketed portion runs until 9 pm, but celebrations continue afterwards for anyone not quite ready to call it a night.

Or make your way to Dunmore East for something completely different.

Halloween Drag Bingo at The Haven opens its doors at 8 pm, with the show beginning at 9 pm. Expect drag performances, bingo, prizes and plenty of laughs, followed by a DJ playing into the night.

Heading back to Waterford City afterwards? A ticket option including bus transport back to the city is available when booking.

For something a little different, head to GROW HQ’s Fancy Dress Supper Club at 6.30 pm, where you can enjoy a seasonal Halloween feast featuring fresh, locally grown ingredients from the GIY Farm at Curraghmore Estate. Fancy dress is encouraged, with tickets priced at €45 per person.

Celebrate Halloween Your Way

Halloween weekend in Waterford can be as lively or as laid-back as you like. Spend your days uncovering centuries of history and strange stories, then choose between costumes and cocktails, an evening by the lake or simply a cosy night in after a day of exploring.

However you celebrate, there’s something particularly special about experiencing Halloween among the old streets, historic buildings and autumn landscapes of Ireland’s oldest city and county. All that’s left to do is choose your plans, pack your costume  (or your cosiest jumper) and make a weekend of it.