There are plenty of reasons to be excited this weekend – not only is it the long Bank Holiday, but the clocks go back (giving us all an extra hour in bed) and Halloween celebrations are taking over the city, stretching into the mid term break.

There’s plenty going on this Halloween weekend, so if you’re in Dublin and looking for something to do we have a few suggestions…

Samhain Tours & Tales at the GAA Museum

There are activities aplenty in Croke Park this Halloween, from treasure hunts to storytelling. At the GAA Museum, they are celebrating the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, which used to mark the harvest season. Visitors will follow harvest themed clues to find Séamus the Samhain Scarecrow, even winding through the changing rooms and the side of the pitch. The tickets also include late entrance to the museum.
When: Saturday October 28^th - Wednesday November 1^st

See: Website

Macnas Parade

One of the most dazzling events in the city, the Macnas Parade starts out on Moore Street at 6pm, weaving around Henry Street, Mary Street, Capel Street, Little Britain St, Halston St and finishing on Mary’s Lane. If you’re bringing the kids, your best bet is to stand along Henry Street, Mary Street and Capel Street, where you’ll get the widest view of the parade – if you want to get a closer look at the costumes and floats, head towards the end of the route, where things are a little quieter and the streets narrower. The parade is part of the excellent Bram Stoker Festival - check out their website for more fabulous events around the city.

When: Monday 30^th October

See: Website

Spooktacular Boo at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo always gets into the Halloween spirit, and this year is no exception. At the Spooktacular Boo, there’s spooky face painting, creepy arts and crafts, spine-chilling keeper talks and also music on the Great Lawn.

When: Tuesday 31^st October

See: Website

Butlers Chocolate Halloween Experience

What’s one of the best things about Halloween? The treats, of course! So what better place than Butlers, the home of chocolate in Dublin, to indulge a little. The resident witch will be there to show children around the chocolate factory and the chocolate museum, to learn how chocolates are made. There’s even a tasting experience, and a sweet chocolate pumpkin for kids to take home. Those in fancy dress are even in the running for a special prize…

When: Friday 28th to Tuesday 31st October

See: Website

Ericsson Skyline at Dusk Tours

They were hugely popular when launched, and now the sunset Skyline tours are back at Croke Park. Beginning today, the tours will be running from 4pm, taking people 17 storeys (or 44 metres) above the iconic pitch. Watch the lights of the city dim or even catch a glimpse of the pumpkins glimmering from up high!

When: Daily

See: Website