The Halloween parade in Ireland is more than just costumes and candy; it’s a living tradition rooted in Celtic Samhain. In 2025, the country comes alive with firelit processions, giant puppets, gothic festivals, and folklore celebrations.
From Galway’s Macnas spectacle to Dublin’s Bram Stoker Festival and the Púca Festival in Meath, Ireland, offers travelers a chance to experience Halloween where it all began.
Top Irish Halloween Parade & Festivals (2025)
Bram Stoker Festival Dublin
- Dates: October 31 – November 3, 2025
- Highlights: Gothic theatre, candlelit choirs, haunted screenings, public installations, walking tours of Dublin’s darker history. The festival also includes a parade (a “Macnas Parade”) as part of its programming.
- Parade note caution: There’s no guaranteed large-scale public parade every year beyond the festival programming; verify the official schedule closer to the date. (In past years, there have been false rumors of parades in Dublin that never happened.)
- Tips: Book haunted tours well in advance. Many events are ticketed. To book your tickets, check Dublin City Council official website.
If you plan to visit Dublin, check out my detailed guide to things to do in Dublin.
Macnas Halloween Parade Galway
- Date/Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
- Route & vibe: The parade wends through Galway’s medieval core. Expect giant puppets, fire, theatrical forms, aromatic “spice corners,” shadowy creatures, and immersive light/pyro effects.
- Duration: About 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Tips: Arrive early (by ~5 pm) for the best street vantage points. Dress warm (evening chill + wind near the river). Bring a camera with good low-light capability.
If you plan to visit Galway, check out my detailed guide to things to do in Galway.
Púca Festival: Trim and Athboy, County Meath
- Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2025
- What to expect: This is more than a parade; it’s a multi-day immersive Samhain celebration full of folklore, fire, music, dance, mythical storytelling, and processions (the “Púca Procession”) in historical settings like Trim Castle.
- Tickets / access: To book your ticket, check Púca Festival official website.
- Getting there: Trim and Athboy are ~45 minutes from Dublin by car. Festival shuttle / “Puca Buses” connect from Dublin, Drogheda, Kildare.
Derry Halloween Festival (Northern Ireland)
- Dates: October 28–31, 2025
- What happens: The historic walled city transforms into a spectacle: illuminated performances, aerial acts, storytelling, fireworks, procession stages, ghost walks, theatrical displays.
- Tickets: To book your tickets, visit their official website.
- Logistics: Derry is accessible from Dublin or Belfast by train/bus. Check cross-border travel if coming from Republic of Ireland.
Dragon of Shandon Parade Cork
- Date: October 31 (All Saints’ Eve)
- Vibe: Local community parade starting after dark, with dancers, costumed groups, music, and culminating in the skeleton “dragon” that breathes smoke.
- Tickets: To book your tickets, visit their official website.
- Why go: A more local, community-rooted Halloween street parade, ideal if you’re staying in Cork or exploring Munster region.
If you plan to visit Cork, check out my detailed guide to things to do in Cork.
Farmaphobia, Ireland’s Biggest Halloween Scream Park
- Location: Causey Farm, Co. Meath (about 1 hour from Dublin)
- Dates: Mid-October – early November 2025
- Highlights: A terrifying mix of themed scare attractions like The Purge, Corn’Evil, Zombie Morgue, and Clown Town. Visitors wander through haunted houses, dark cornfields, and twisted mazes, all designed to test your nerves. Live actors bring jump scares to life, making it Ireland’s ultimate fright night.
- Tickets: To book your tickets, visit their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the biggest Halloween festival in Ireland?
The largest Halloween festival in Ireland is the Derry Halloween Festival in Northern Ireland. Often described as Europe’s biggest Halloween celebration, it features parades, fireworks, illuminated shows, storytelling, and city-wide performances.
What time is the Halloween parade in Galway?
The Macnas Halloween Parade in Galway is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5:30 pm and lasts around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Where is the Halloween parade held in Modern Ireland?
Today, Halloween parades are held in several cities across Ireland, including Galway (Macnas Parade), Dublin (Bram Stoker Festival events), Meath (Púca Festival processions), Cork (Dragon of Shandon Parade), and Derry in Northern Ireland.
What city in Ireland is best for Halloween?
It depends on what you’re looking for: Galway is best for theatrical parades, Dublin for gothic culture, Meath for Celtic Samhain heritage, and Derry for Europe’s largest Halloween spectacle.
Conclusion
Experiencing a Halloween parade in Ireland 2025 means embracing fire, folklore, and festivity — a magical journey blending ancient Celtic tradition with modern celebration.
