Further events as part of Derry Halloween will also be taking place in Strabane and Donegal, including a Halloween Hay Trail, fireworks display, and more. There will also be the Story of Samhain Puppet Show, Animal Spirits Mask Making Workshop and Illustrate an Irish Vampire Workshop. Experience the Cú Chulainn Coaster in the dark, brave the Rotator or take to the night sky on Endeavour and much more.

There will also be a live DJ set, food options, pumpkin games, vampires, dancers, giveaways and a Halloween Town.

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The Dearg Due gets ready to awaken her inner Seanchaí at Samhain Family Festival's free "Creatures of Samhain" show in Meeting House Square October 23rd (Image: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland) Roberta's Spooky Drag Brunch The themed attractions, or should we say horrifying experiences, on offer this year include Cult, Clown Town, Purge Night, Momma's Murder Maize and Zombie Morgue. The celebration pays homage to Bram Stoker, the Dubliner who created the novel “Dracula,” which was first published 126 years ago. Hurloween Tours’ at Croke Park are ideal for families looking for seasonal fun rather than scares. This autumnal tour series is suitable for children aged between five and twelve, accompanied by an adult.

Creature of Samhain at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar takes place on Sunday, October 23 and consists of a retelling of Irish myths and legends for young ears. The event will see seanchaí and colourful characters bringing spine-tingling tales of the Morrigan, Caorthannach (a monstrous dragon monster), The Fairy Queen and the cheeky Puca to the Ark outdoor stage.

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The festival was devised to encourage more international visitors to visit Ireland during the months of October and November, and to encourage domestic visitors to explore different regions of Ireland too. Today, Halloween is a popular holiday in Ireland and while there is certainly a more modern vibe to it, some of those old traditions are being revived in the many festivals that you’ll find around the country. Go on a magical journey through the City of Bones where you’ll encounter a cast of weird and wonderful characters who bring Halloween to life in Derry. See the story of Halloween/Samhain through illumination, an aerial performance, pyrotechnics, and music.

The holiday was virtually unknown here before that. Trim Castle lights up for Halloween in Ireland. Photo: Púca Festival Facebook.

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It was the Irish emigrants who brought the old traditions of Samhain with them to America in the 19 th century. If you plan on being in Derry during this very popular time, be sure to book your accommodation in advance. You haven’t experienced Halloween until you've come to Derry. Celebrating Derry's Halloween festivities. Photo: Tourism Ireland.