The family-friendly fun of the Púca Festival (October 31 - November 3) digs down into Halloween’s native roots in the Boyne Valley, with a spread of activities based in the sprawling Púca Harvest Market in Trim. Kids can turn back time with ancient cooking, weaving and arrow-making demonstrations at the immersive Déise Medieval Village, or join along in a bread-making workshop. Little archaeologists can even dig for treasures and artefacts with 'The Big Dig' excavation workshop. 

You can also bring the kids to the all-ages Sorcas na Samhna, a dazzling circus with aerial acts, Irish dancing and singing, thrilling daredevils and charming clowns. Older kids can join a historical walking tour of the Hill of Ward or the Beyond the Veil Trail with spooky storytelling. There's a mixture of free and and ticketed events on to explore across all four days.

See the gateway to the Boyne Valley awash in dazzling light displays throughout Lú the Festival of Light. From October 25 to 28 and October 31 to November 3, stunning illuminations will light up the Old Abbey, St Peters Church and Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda, each telling the stories of five of Ireland’s mythological heroes and heroines. Bring the kids for family-friendly street performances, live music and displays that will light up their imaginations.

Enjoy a day of interactive games and play for all ages in Ashbourne, County Meath. Emerald Park sends you down their Tricky Trail, a treasure hunt with storytelling and magical performances to spark little imaginations. Event entry is included in all Emerald Park ticket prices, and under threes go free. 

Come nightfall for the Emerald Park After Dark experience and enjoy the twists and turns of the mighty Cú Chulainn Coaster (Europe’s largest wooden roller coaster), or soar through the twilight on the Endeavour at dizzying speed. Tickets allow unlimited access to these white-knuckle favourites and more, though pre-booking is essential.

During warmer months, the Bee Wise Nature Trail blooms with bee-loving trees, shrubs and flowers across its five acres of woodland outside Trim. In October, the trail transforms into the spooky Bee Tricked & Bee Treated walk, where littles ones dressed in costume can meet friendly witches, ghosts and skeletons and get a treat from their cauldrons. Older kids can come back in the evening (accompanied by an adult) for the Forest of Doom night tour. Pre-booking is essential for these Halloween walks. 

With fanciful Halloween activities for families with 2 to 12 year olds, there’s something creepy afoot at Causey Farm near Navan. Pooka Spooka has a hayride that delights, alongside a fun Broomstick Ride. You can test your mettle in the Mirror Maze and end the day with a spot of Severed Limb Throwing. Get a leg up by booking in advance (kids under two get in for free).

Just two minutes from Newgrange and neighbour to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the Red Mountain Open Farm. Visitors can choose from a range of indoor and outdoor experiences at the farm, from playing in the Halloween Barn and Witches’ Den to cuddling fluffy bunnies. Junior farmers can test drive a toy tractor, or take a family spin on the Ghost Carriage. Booking in advance is recommended.

Take in autumn in the Boyne Valley by walking or cycling the Carlingford Lough Greenway with the gang. The route passes old railway lines, and the panoramic views across the mountains of Mourne make for a stunning backdrop. With a mostly flat, gravel trail that takes about an hour and a half to complete by foot, it's not too tiring for little legs.

If it’s adventure you’re after, set a course for Carlingford and kick off an action-packed day. Drop into the Carlingford Adventure Centre and choose from over 20 activities, including kayaking, water trampolining and rock climbing. There are three unique zones spread across Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Mountains, so no matter which activity you choose, you'll be surrounded by pretty autumnal landscapes.

Once the kids have finished their day's aquatic adventure at Carlingford Adventure Centre, keep the fun going into the evening at the Adventure Lights at Skypark. Running from October 26, the whole family can follow the lit outdoor path and admire illuminated 3D statues and creative installations. 

The Loughcrew Historic Gardens in picturesque Oldcastle are as spellbinding for kids as they are for adults, with a medieval moat and Alice in Wonderland-inspired sculptures throughout the grounds. From October 26, bring the little ones along on the Trick or Treat Trails as you search for the Candy Man in the estate's beautiful gardens.