Samhain Chiarraí celebrations
Running until November 1, Kerry is once again embracing the spirit of Samhain Chiarraí with a great offering of county-wide blend of ancient Celtic traditions with contemporary cultural celebrations.
As one of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween hubs, the festival will showcase an array of street parades, fire ceremonies, storytelling, music, family entertainment and community-led events across Kerry.
The festival’s flagship celebrations will centre on Killarney from October 23 to 25 and Tralee from October 30 to November 1, where visitors can enjoy colourful street parades, the dramatic Cailleach Chiarraí fire spectacles, death cafés, pop-up Scéil & Céilí gatherings, and a wide-ranging programme of cultural, community and family-friendly activities.
A major highlight of the festival is Idir Dhá Shaol – Between Two Worlds, a new street parade by MÓTHU – Street & Spectacle Arts Group featuring the debut of the Cailleach Chiarraí puppet.
Accompanied by musicians, fire performers and stilt walkers, the spectacle will take place in Killarney on October 24 and Tralee on October 31 from 7pm to 8pm.
The hugely popular Samhain Fire Rituals, led by the Dingle Druid, return for 2026, bringing communities together to mark the third harvest at five locations the county.
This year’s rituals will take place in Killarney (October 23), Cahersiveen (October 29), Tralee (October 30) and Listowel (November 6).
Kenmare Halloween Howl
Kenmare will come alive for Halloween with a week-long festival the highlight of which will be the Halloween parade throughout the streets of the town on Saturday, October 31.
This will see young and old dressed in their Halloween theme costumes bringing the spirt of Samhain alive. Throughout the week will there are a host of events including Fright Night on Monday, October 26 which runs at Reenagross from 6pm.
Reenagross will also feature an enchanted wood on the opening night of the week-long celebration on Sunday, October 25. A duck race, story-telling event and night time orienteering will also take place during Halloween Howl.
All further information on the event can be found on the Kenmare Halloween Howl social media pages.
Halloween in the Sem returns for a sixth spine-chilling year
St Brendan’s College, Killarney is set to open its doors once again for Halloween in the Sem, the school’s hugely popular Halloween show.
What began as a school project has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the Halloween season in Kerry, with more than 1,000 guests making their way through the school each year. Visitors find their way through the corridors, classrooms and grounds of “the Sem”, where actors and scarers bring the old building to life in the most unsettling way possible.
This year’s show is bigger than ever. More than 170 students are involved, taking on roles as actors, scarers and backstage crew.
Guests will have four mazes to explore this year, each with its own brand-new spooky play. Every maze tells a different story, so even those who have visited before can expect plenty of surprises.
Halloween in the Sem runs on from October 21 to 23 from 6-9pm. There is an Autism Friendly Slot on Thursday October 22 from 5.15pm to 6pm, during which there will be no jump-scares or loud music. Tickets are €8 and are available from the school website.
Guests are advised that the show is not for the faint-hearted!
Causeway’s ‘spooktacular’ 5km charity run
Causeway will, on Sunday November 1, host a 5km charity run in aid of the Kerry Cancer Support Group charity.
The run will start from outside Na Leanaí Childcare Centre in Causeway with registration taking place from 11.30am with the run itself starting at 12pm.
There will be a €10 registration/donation fee to enter with medals set to be awarded to all finishers. There will be plenty of sweet treats on offer, as well as a prize for the best dressed runner.
Halloween at Tralee Bay Wetlands
Looking for a fun family activity during the mid-term break? Tralee Bay Wetlands are set to hosting their Halloween Scavenger Hunt, The Legend of the Lost Wetlands Treasure from Saturday October 24 to Monday, October 26, Tuesday 27th (2pm) and again on October 30 & 31 inclusively.
The event is suitable for children aged from five to 12 and costs €15 per child and €6 per adult, with each family receiving a pumpkin. Bookings can be made directly on the Tralee Bay Wetlands website.
Halloween in Cahersiveen
Cahersiveen is gearing up for a spooktacular Halloween, with a programme of family-friendly events, music, entertainment and seasonal activities taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
The festivities begin with the Samhain Chiarraí Fire Ritual at the Old Barracks on Thursday, October 29, at 7pm. Led by the Dingle Druid, this free event will feature fire, music and ancient seasonal traditions. Booking is required.
On Sunday, October 25, children and families can enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween Disco at Foilmore Community Centre from 3pm to 5pm, with Halloween music, colouring and crafts. Admission is €2 per person or €5 per family.
The Halloween fun continues on Saturday, October 31, with a Mini Halloween Music Class at Cahersiveen Library from 10.30am to 11.30am for children aged six months to three years. Booking is required, at €10 per child.
That same evening, Halloween at Franks promises fun for all ages, with a children’s party featuring a Halloween movie, treats, a fancy-dress disco and prizes, followed by an adult Halloween party with live music from Dreams of Freedom ahead of their US tour, a DJ and a late bar.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to dress up, join the celebrations and enjoy the community spirit that makes Cahersiveen such a special place to celebrate Halloween.
Halloween in Ballybunion
Ballybunion is set for a frightfully fun Halloween night on Saturday, October 31, with a spooky stroll through McMunns Field leading to a blood-curdling bonfire on the beach.
The event begins at 6.30pm, starting from the top gate of McMunns Field, nearest to Marios. Visitors are invited to enjoy a thrilling Halloween experience, complete with terrifying traps and spooky surprises along the route.
A less scary alternative route will also be available for younger children, following the footpath across from McMunns towards the beach shops.
Tea, coffee and other refreshments will be available for sale at the Sea Rescue Hut, with all proceeds going to the Events Committee.
Organisers invite families and visitors to come along, enjoy the Halloween atmosphere and take part in what promises to be a memorable night of spooky fun in Ballybunion.
Blennerville Goosebumps Display
The Kerry Model Railway Association will present its Blennerville Goosebumps Display at Blennerville Windmill, on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Open from 10am to 5pm on both days, this family-friendly event promises Halloween-themed displays, spooky decorations and activities for all ages.
Admission is €5 for children, €6 for seniors, students and people with disabilities, and €8 for adults. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for €24.
Visitors are invited to bring the family along and enjoy a unique Halloween outing at one of Kerry’s best-known attractions. For further information, contact Blennerville Windmill at blennervillewindmill@gmail.com or call (066) 71 21064.