Copyright limerickleader
FROM giant legends to fire-filled parades and family fun, Halloween in Limerick 2025 is bursting with folklore, creativity, and community spirit. Workshops, storytelling sessions, festivals and spooky spectacles are lighting up every corner of the city and county and there’s still plenty to enjoy as we head into the Halloween weekend and midterm break. Here’s your day-by-day guide to what’s on across Limerick from October 29 to November 2. Wednesday, October 29 Pumpkin Carving – Lough Gur Get hands-on with this Halloween favourite at one of Limerick’s most magical heritage sites. 10am–12pm | Lough Gur | Free with site entry Barnagh Halloween Festival Continue the frightful fun with daily pumpkin hunts, mystery tours, crafts, and games. 9am–3pm | Barnagh Greenway Hub | €45 per child (3+), adults free Magic & Mortality – The Hunt Museum Explore the darker side of creativity with themed workshops, storytelling, and family magic shows. Daily until November 2 | The Hunt Museum | See Limerick.ie/Halloween for details Thursday, October 30 Storytelling with John Carew – Lough Gur Gather round as local storyteller John Carew brings folklore and fairies to life under the autumn skies. 6.30pm | Lough Gur Barnagh Halloween Festival Continues daily through November 1 with crafts, games, and seasonal fun. Magic & Mortality – The Hunt Museum Mask-making and magic sessions continue throughout the day. Read More: Ghostly games and ghoulish treats return at annual County Limerick event Friday, October 31 – Halloween Night Headless Horseman Parade – Rathkeale Rathkeale embraces its rich culture and folk traditions with a ghoulish parade led by the Headless Horseman himself. The spectacle, created by Lumen Street Theatre, will feature actors travelling in a handmade carriage covered in pages from the Limerick Leader. 7pm | Starting at Rathkeale House Hotel and winding through the town Newcastle West Halloween Festival – Desmond Castle The castle becomes a realm of enchantment and eerie delight for one thrilling night only. 4pm–9.30pm | Desmond Castle Highlights: - Storytelling at 4pm - Outdoor Cinema at 5.15pm & 8pm - ROGU Firestorm at 7pm Barnagh Halloween Festival Final days to enjoy pumpkin hunts, crafts and games. 9am–3pm Magic & Mortality – The Hunt Museum Workshops and performances continue throughout Halloween night. Saturday, November 1 Con Mór the Giant – King John’s Castle The legendary 23-foot Macnas giant awakens once again, bringing Limerick’s medieval heart to life in a spectacular finale. Shows at intervals | King John’s Castle General Admission €3 | Family Ticket €10 | Under 5s free The Origins of the Fairies in Irish Tradition – Lough Gur A fascinating storytelling session exploring the roots of Ireland’s fairy folklore. 2pm | Lough Gur ROGU Firestorm – Newcastle West Ireland’s premier fire performance company lights up the skies with an unforgettable display of flame and movement. 7pm | Newcastle West Sunday, November 2 Con Mór the Giant – Final Showings Catch Con Mór’s last towering performances inside King John’s Castle before he returns to the realm of myth. King John’s Castle | Booking via Limerick.ie/Halloween Limerick Harvest Festival & City Pumpkin Patch – Milk Market Celebrate the season’s close with local food, crafts, demos and hands-on fun for all ages. 11am–5pm | Milk Market Adult €6 | Child €4 | Family €18 Magic & Mortality – The Hunt Museum (Final Day) Workshops, storytelling, and creativity wrap up a week of Halloween magic in the heart of the city. Ongoing Throughout the Week Samhain Tales by The Limerick Fireside Dramatic storytelling steeped in Samhain tradition at: - King John’s Castle - The People’s Museum - The Hunt Museum - Kilmallock - Newcastle West
