What's on and what's gone:Your guide to Halloween events in Meath
Meath is the best places in the entire country to celebrate the old pagan tradition of Halloween after all The Samhain autumn festival that we now call Halloween originated at Tlachtgla or the Hill of Ward near Athboy more than 3,000 years ago.
Although the royal county is always awash with the very best events designed to scare the bejesus out of those even with the toughest nerves of steel due to Covid 19 restrictions this year things will be a little different.
Many events are still going ahead with some changes but some unfortunately have been forced to cancel including Farmaphobia who have announced that they have put their famous fright event on hold due to level 3 restrictions being implemented however they are hopeful they can open again on October 28 th to 31st when restrictions are lifted. Keep an eye on their social media pages for updates.
Recognised as one of the largest Halloween Festivals in Ireland, The “Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival” with over 35 events is not going ahead this year.
This year, due to restrictions, The Púca Festival -communicating the story of Halloween’s origins in Irish and Celtic traditions will be told through their Púca channels so you can get involved in celebrating Samhain from wherever you are in the world.
Just last night Grove Gardens announced that its ‘Haunted Spooktacular” will not go ahead just to government guidelines.
There are still plenty of amazing things you can do locally this Halloween however including:
Farmaphobia –Causey Farm, Fordstown –
Ireland’s Biggest Halloween Event Farmaphobia hopes to run at Causey Farm from Oct 28thto Oct 31st(pending level 3 restrictions being lifted )
The three outdoor haunts for 2020 are:
Corn Evil
The carnival is in town – the crazies are starving, and the corn is only whetting their appetite for human flesh … these clowns will stop at nothing to taste you.
Purge Night
This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of Purge NIght, sanctioned by the Government. Commencing at the Siren, all crime, including murder, will be legal until Purge Night is over. Blessed be our New Founding Fathers, a nation reborn.
WW2: Zombies
The Third Reich army has risen from the dead to seek revenge on those who buried them. You and your squad must answer the call of duty and navigate through the terrifying battlefield to escape the undead army.
To book your tickets for Ireland’s premier Halloween Event, visit www.farmaphobia.com or call 046 9434 135.
The Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park
This Halloween, The Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park will return to Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, opening on Saturday, 17th of October. The ultimate Halloween treasure hunt for kids, this new 30-minute experience, will be filled with spooky stories, magic and fun!
Tayto Park After Dark
Guests can catch a ride on seven thrill seeking attractions including Europe’s largest inverted wooden rollercoaster, the Cú Chulainn Coaster. Those looking for an adrenaline fix can take to the night skies on the Endeavour, Power Surge, Air Race, Rotator, Flight School or Windstar attractions.
To manage safe numbers and to ensure social distancing, all tickets must be pre-booked from www.taytopark.ie
The Pumpkin & Fun, Family Halloween Festival -Navan Adventure Centre – Navan Racecourse
The Pumpkin & Fun, Family Halloween Festival is running on October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th & 31stat Navan Adventure Centre from 10 am to 6 pm.
What's Included:
A pumpkin patch where you choose your own pumpkin, pumpkin carving area (carving tools provided), make your own witches slimy snot (can take home).
Grow your own spooky eyeballs (can take home)
Inflatables Obstacles Course & Slides
Foot Golf
Adventure Obstacle Course
Samhain Food Festival – virtual event
Boyne Valley Flavours have announced that Samhain Food Festival will not be happening this November but they will be hosting a one-day virtual event, titled ‘Samhain - Recovery through Food’ on Saturday November 7th.
There has never been a more important time to support each other, collaborate and reflect on how food and its power to unite can play a large part in our recovery for the future.
For up-to-date details please visitwww.boynevalleyflavours.ie
Irish Military War Museum –Collon
As the leaves fall away and Autumn sets in, a shroud of Halloween mystery surrounds all at the Irish Military War Museum as it prepares for another Halloween week full of socially distanced spooks, surprises and fun!
Rampage through their even bigger spine chilling family fun maze and bounce the fears away in Ireland's LARGEST inflatable area.
www.irishmilitarywarmuseum.com