Autumn is in the air, and there is no better base to experience the magic, history, and mystery of Ireland’s oldest city than Dooley’s Hotel. Perfectly situated on the scenic Waterford Quay, we put you right in the heart of the action for the October midterm break and Halloween celebrations.
From eerie evening walks through medieval streets to family-friendly workshops and lively Halloween night events, Waterford has something for every ghost, goblin, and history buff this season.
Here is your ultimate guide to what’s happening around Waterford this Halloween—and how you can make the most of your stay with us!
For Families & Creative Spirits
If you're visiting us with the family for the midterm break, Waterford offers plenty of spellbinding activities just a short walk or drive from our front door:
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Waterford’s Weird and Wicked Past
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Where: Medieval Museum (Viking Triangle, 10-minute walk from Dooley’s)
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When: 24–30 October | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Tickets: €4 per child (Adults free)
Discover the gruesome, strange, and downright disgusting realities of medieval life! Through interactive storytelling, kids will learn about medieval medicine, food, crime, and everyday life centuries ago.
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Masks & Mystics: Children’s Halloween Workshop
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Where: Irish Wake Museum
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When: 26–30 October | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Tickets: €12.50 per child (Adults free)
Let the kids get creative! They can design and decorate their own Halloween masks inspired by Irish folklore and seasonal characters, with all materials provided to take their creations home.
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Fangs & Fables
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Where: Viking House
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When: 26, 30 & 31 October and 1 November | 3:00 PM & 4:00 PM
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Tickets: €8 per child | €5 per adult
Join Raghnailt (a medieval vampire) and Ulfr (a Viking werewolf) as they compete to tell the spookiest myths and legends. Kids can even handle Viking weapons and test an enchanted harp! (Parental discretion advised for very young children).
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Eerie Evening Walks & Paranormal Tales
For adults and older teenagers fascinated by dark history and ghost stories, Waterford's ancient roots hold plenty of secrets:
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Crime, Grime & Graveyards – Urban Underbelly Evening Tour
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Where: Starts at the Medieval Museum, Cathedral Square
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When: 27–30 October | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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Tickets: €15 per person (Ages 16+)
Take a dark walking tour through the city streets, from the Viking Triangle to Ballybricken Square. Led by expert guides, uncover centuries-old tales of crime, punishment, superstition, and disease.
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Paranormal, Past and Present
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Where: Garden Room, Medieval Museum
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When: Saturday, 24 October | 6:00 PM
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Tickets: €5 per person
Join psychical researcher and GhostÉire co-founder Anthony Kerrigan as he explores paranormal investigation techniques and reveals intriguing findings from GhostÉire’s 2024 investigation of Waterford’s Irish Wake Museum.
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Poison & Petals: A Halloween Garden Tour
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Where: Mount Congreve Gardens (15-minute drive from the hotel)
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When: Thursday, 29 October | 2:00 PM
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Tickets: €15 per adult
Step beyond the autumn blooms for an adults-only guided botanical walk uncovering poisonous plants, hidden histories, and botanical folklore in one of Ireland’s finest gardens.
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Make Dooley’s Hotel Your Halloween HQ
After a day of exploring haunted historic trails, attending workshops, or taking in the atmosphere on Cathedral Square, return to the warm hospitality of Dooley's Hotel:
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Central Base: Located right on the Quay, walking to all Viking Triangle events is effortless.
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Seasonal Dining: Warm up with hearty, delicious local cuisine in the New Ship Restaurant or enjoy a warm hot drink or cocktail in our Dry Dock Bar.
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Comfortable Stay: Rest easy in our comfortable rooms after a full night of Halloween fun.
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Planning Tip: Halloween event tickets in Waterford sell out quickly! We strongly recommend booking your event tickets online in advance.
Ready to plan your autumn escape?
Book your stay directly with Dooley’s Hotel today for our best available rates and special seasonal packages!