Home of Halloween: Lights, Legends & Pumpkin Patches in Louth
When the clocks go back and the nights draw in, County Louth embraces its spookiest season. Ireland's smallest county is proud to be part of the Home of Halloween, with ancient myths, glowing trails and family-friendly frights across the county from now until the first of November.
Scarefest at Fitzpatrick's: Bring Your Bravest Friends
Start with a Louth Halloween institution. Fitzpatrick's Halloween Scarefest returns to Fitzpatrick's Bar & Restaurant from Friday 9 October to Sunday 1 November. Expect a venue themed inside and out, with ghosts, ghouls and a trail of things that go bump in the night. Live actors take over on selected dates, including every night from 23 to 31 October. Book tickets in advance, and as the trail isn't suitable for prams or babies, it's one for older kids and brave grown-ups. Restaurant tables are booked separately, if you fancy also booking for dinner.
Lú Festival of Light: Ancient Stories on Modern Walls
From Friday 23 to Monday 26 October, Drogheda's landmark heritage buildings become storytelling canvases as the Lú Festival of Light returns for its fifth year. This year's theme follows the Celtic calendar from the harvest festival of Lúghnasa towards Samhain, with new animations bringing gods, myths and legends to life after dark. The free outdoor projection trail kicks off on Friday evening with the Spooks Parade, followed by a street festival of fire performers, stilt walkers and characters to spark the imagination. A pop-up Cottage Market will also take place in the beautiful setting of the Dominican Church from Sat 24th to Mon 26th October from 5-9pm. Wrap up warm, bring the family and wander the town as darkness falls.
Adventure Lights: The Lost Kingdom, Carlingford
In the Cooley Mountains, Skypark Carlingford trades its zip lines for lanterns when Adventure Lights – The Lost Kingdom opens on 24 October. Follow an illuminated trail through an ancient world of legendary heroes, mythical creatures and enchanted forests, and hunt for clues to unlock the mystery of the Lost Kingdom. It's a magical evening out for all ages, a perfect way to spend a weekend in Carlingford. Early bird rates are on offer now, pre-booking is advised.
Hauntings for the adults
The Haunted Carlingford Food Tour is a special Halloween edition of the guided food tour, winding through medieval Carlingford as your local guide shares ghost stories, legendary characters and centuries of folklore. Along the way you'll enjoy local food and drink, and fancy dress is encouraged! The tour starts on Carlingford Village Green and finishes at The Brass Door.
If you enjoy the unexplained, the ghoulish and the ghastly – join a Dark Drogheda Walking Tour for a walk through some of the grizzlier moments in Drogheda's history. Tours take place each Sunday in October.
Pumpkin Picking Across the County
No Halloween is complete without a freshly picked pumpkin, and Louth has plenty of places to find yours! Corderry Fruit Farm near Dundalk is a third-generation family farm that welcomes pumpkin pickers on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, and includes a quiet session. In Drogheda, Funtasia hosts its Pumpkin Patch Festival on 17 - 18 October, where booked families hop aboard the Pumpkin Express straight to the patch. Near Carlingford, O’Neills Flowers hosts pumpkin picking on Saturday 17 and Saturday 24 October, with family tickets redeemable against four pumpkins. Dates and opening hours vary, so check each venue before you travel and advance booking is definitely recommended.
Omeath Fright Fest
Get ready for a week of Halloween fun at the Omeath Fright Fest 2026, taking place from 25 to 31 October. With something for all ages, the festival features a packed programme of spooky and seasonal events, including live music tribute acts, family entertainment, children's activities, a cinema night, and even a flower demonstration. Soak up the spooky atmosphere and enjoy a packed week of Halloween celebrations in the heart of this charming coastal village.
Ferdia Festival, Ardee
Finish the season in Ardee on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, when the Ferdia Festival returns with a Samhain and Halloween theme. Expect a vibrant mix of street arts, live music, art workshops, historical walking tours with an eerie twist, a spooky trail and the pop-up Museum of the Town in a Ghost House guise. Events will take place across a variety of indoor and outdoor locations throughout the town. New this year is a Sunday evening parade of drummers, dancers and local schools, finishing in the park with aerial performances and a fire show.
Halloween in Louth: Make a Weekend of It
With so much happening, why not stay a night or two and make the most of the Home of Halloween? Browse our places to stay for a wide range of options for hotels, glamping and B&Bs across the county.
Spooky, spectacular and steeped in stories, experience the Home of Halloween right here in County Louth.
