As the days grow shorter and Halloween approaches, the National Museum of Ireland invites visitors of all ages to explore a programme of family-friendly talks, tours and workshops inspired by Ireland's rich history, archaeology, folklore and traditions.
While our Halloween programme has been reduced for 2026 due to ongoing industrial action, and some of our popular seasonal activities will not take place this year, we are delighted to continue offering a selection of engaging events across our museum sites. We regret any disappointment this may cause and sincerely thank our visitors for their understanding and continued support.
Throughout the Halloween mid-term break, our museum galleries remain open, offering a fantastic range of temporary and permanent exhibitions to discover.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, family time, or a moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Museum offers a place of discovery, sanctuary and surprise. Explore fascinating objects, uncover extraordinary stories from Ireland's past, and reconnect with culture, creativity and community in welcoming spaces for all ages. We look forward to welcoming visitors this Halloween season.
Check out some of our top events and activities taking place across our musuem sites in Dublin and Mayo.
Halloween Mid-Term at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Wednesday to Friday | 12:00 - 15:00 | Families | Pre-booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Join crafter Isolde Dingerkus for a spooktacular Halloween craft workshop filled with creative seasonal fun! Children will have the chance to make their very own flying bats, leafy hedgehogs and soft, cuddly spiders to take home. With plenty of hands-on activities and Halloween-inspired creations, this imaginative workshop is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween.
Wednesday 28 October to Friday 30 October | 12:30, 14:00 & 15:30 | Families | Pre-booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Get creative this Halloween with a frightfully fun arts and crafts session led by artist Lindsay McConnell! Using just paper, scissors, glue and a little clever folding, participants will create their own fang-tastic Halloween decorations to take home. Choose between making a scary skull or a petrifying pumpkin - complete with a moving mouth that opens and closes. Perfect for families, this hands-on workshop is a great way to unleash your creativity and celebrate the Halloween season.
Thursday 29 October 2026 | 15:45 - 16:45 | Adults and Children 12+ | Pre-booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
In association with the Mayo Dark Sky Fringe Festival 2026. Join keeper and folklorist Clodagh Doyle for a fascinating exploration of Ireland's rich traditions of storytelling, language and belief connected to the night sky. Discover how generations of Irish people interpreted the stars, moon and celestial events through folklore, mythology and local customs.
Saturday, 25 October to Sunday, 2 November
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Did you know many of our modern Halloween celebrations are inspired by our ancient Celtic traditions? Learn more at the Halloween display in the Museum - including a special 'Out of Storage' display of spooky homemade masks from the National Folklife Collection.
Halloween Mid-Term at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
From Monday 26 October - Saturday 31 October | 14:00 & 15:30 | All Ages | No booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 2
Find out about the trials and tribulations of life as a soldier living in the Barracks from the 1700s until the late 1900s, with a focus on (ill-) health, as well as the transition from one of Europe’s oldest occupied Barracks into one site of Ireland’s National Museum.
Available throughout October | During opening hours | All Ages | No booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 2
Solve riddles, find artefacts and sink your teeth into the frightfully fun Museum collections at Collins Barracks. This free, fun-filled self-guided family challenge is packed with brain teasers designed to keep you guessing and exploring this spooky season.
Halloween Mid-Term at the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks
Wednesday, 28 October 11:00 - 13:00 | Families | Drop-in
Dead Zoo Lab, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This mid-term, bring the family along to the newly opened Dead Zoo Lab and join a short activity to learn about our favourite objects in the handling collections. Please note that this event will be ISL interpreted.
Saturday 31 October - 11:00, 12:00 & 12:4, Sunday 1 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 | Families | Drop-in | No booking required
Dead Zoo Lab, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join the Animal Lottery Tour, a fun and fast-paced 30 minute tour for families in the Dead Zoo Lab. The twist? Visitors decide the route! Pick an animal name from our lottery bag and join us as we journey to meet some of our favourite animals and fossils in the Dead Zoo Lab.
Halloween Mid-Term at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Saturday 24 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 | Various times | All Ages | No booking required |
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Looking for something fascinating and free to do during the Halloween mid-term break? Join one of our guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street, and uncover the stories behind some of Ireland’s most treasured artefacts. From prehistoric treasures and Viking adventures to Ireland's rich artistic and religious heritage, there's something for curious visitors of all ages this Halloween.
Halloween midterm treats at Synge & Byrne | Turlough Park & Collins Barracks
Crunchy leaves, warm mugs & fluffy jumpers – autumn is in full swing at Synge & Byrne. Pumpkin spice latte, warming chai & creamy pumpkin soup served with homemade wheaten bread, there’s something to suit all tastebuds. Stop by, warm up & have a little happy moment at Synge & Byrne