Fun, Safe Halloween Events in the Docklands 2019

Are you looking for some fun, safe ghoulish Halloween events for you and the kids? Then be sure to check out these great Halloween events coming up in the Docklands.

By Waterfront News On Oct. 20, 2019   
Fun, Safe Halloween Events in the Docklands 2019—Are you looking for some fun, safe ghoulish Halloween events for you and the kids? Then be sure to check out these great Halloween events coming up in the Docklands.

Bonfires have been a part of Irish Halloween tradition since Celtic times, on the feast of Samhain when the spirit world and the world of the living came in contact these fires could warn off evil spirits.

In recent years in Dublin, the Halloween bonfire has become a big problem. As Halloween approaches you can see the collection and stockpiling of pallets and truck tires at certain sites across the city to create huge bonfires which can cause danger to people and property in the densely populated inner city. There has been a crackdown on stockpiling of materials with gardaí and the city council using drones to spot stockpiling. Even so Halloween night won't pass without drama, and fire brigades called to deal with out of control bonfires frequently being attacked.

There are however safe alternatives to bonfires and illegal fireworks on Halloween night, and communities of East Wall and Ringsend are leading the way with providing safe family friendly events for the local children.

St. Mary's Youth Club, East Wall

East Wall has had organised Halloween night events since 2005. Organised by both St. Mary's Youth Club and East Wall Recreation Centre, the event has a parade which starts at the youth club and winds through the streets of East Wall to the recreation centre where the marching ghouls are met with an organised fireworks display and a chance to visit the haunted house. In 2009 this event was expanded to be a week long festival with events for all ages. The kids at the youth club are already working hard each week designing the decorations and props for the big night. Just up the road bear the IFSC, EPIC in the CHQ building, there are a number of interesting and educational workshops for kids of all ages, with a focus on the traditions of old.

Another great Halloween event this year will be the part at the Mud Island Community gardens in the North Strand (In aid of Trick or Treat for Temple Street), the setting of this urban community garden at night should be ideal for spooky Halloween festivities.

If we hop across the river to Ringsend, Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre's Halloween camp will entertain kids from age 5 and upwards from 9am to 1pm daily during the Halloween midterm break while the Dockers & Demons Festival in its 3rd year looks set to be better than ever this year with a range of events such as balls, discos and some more quirky events based on a 7 deadly sins theme like "The Gluttonous Spud Festival".

Given that the author of Dracula was from just up the road in Clontarf we have to mention the Bram Stoker festival as well, which has a series of events around the city, some of which are in Grand Canal Dock.

This year, you’ll find more events than ever, you will find a variety of venues and types of event with fun ways for you and your family to safely celebrate Halloween.

We have put together a list of some of the events in the Docklands area and close by. Check them out and have a ghastly, ghoulish fun time!

Ringsend Halloween Events

Here are some Halloween events you’ll find in Ringsend:

1). Dockers & Demons Festival

First launched in 2017, the Dockers & Demons Festival has fast become a favorite way for many Dubliners to celebrate Halloween. The festival was started as an alternative to the night of bonfires on October 31st and has been successful in taking the ghoulish fun in a completely new and safe direction.

The fun fest launched on October 18th and this year’s theme is “Meet the Sins!” Festival events include:

These fun, scary events are scattered between Ringsend, Irishtown and the Docklands, so be sure to check out the website for locations, times and tickets. There’s something for everyone, though if you’re taking the kids, make sure the event is kid-friendly!

2).Pop Dance Kids Halloween Camp Ringsend

This wonderfully spooky camp for kids is from October 29th to November 1st, from 10am to 1pm. While at the camp, kids can learn some scary, fun dance routines to pop music.

The camp is €65/child and you must book a place in advance.

East Wall Halloween Events

Looking for frightful fun and entertainment in the East Wall area? Then you’ve come to the right spot! East Wall certainly has some haunting, ghoulish events to offer this Halloween!

East Wall Halloween Festival 2019

This family-friendly fest offers a wide range of activities you and the kids are sure to enjoy. They offer something for all ages! Check out the fun:

  • Seniors Halloween Party: Monday, October 21st from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Sean O’Casey Community Centre
  • Ghost Walk: Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00pm (gather at Sean O’casey Community Centre and set at off at 7:15pm). Hear some terrifying tales in some haunted and horrible locations
  • Creative workshop: October 24th: 3:30pm-5:00pm (for kids 8-9); 5:30-7:00pm (for kids 9 and over); 7:30-8:30pm (face-painting for teens)
  • Kids’ Halloween Disco: Friday, October 25th from 5:30-7:00pm (fancy dress is optional)
  • Community Workshop Day: Tuesday, October 29th from 1pm-4pm for everyone of all ages!
  • Halloween Night Parade: come join the parade, which starts at 6:15pm at St. Mary’s Youth Club. The parade will weave through the streets, arriving at Russell Avenue Recreation Centre, where the Spooktacular Night will take off.
  • East Wall Recreation Centre – Halloween Night: about 7:15pm, the parade will end here and you can start to enjoy the evening with a spooky fireworks show, a Haunted House, and the Vampire Dance!

Enjoy Halloween Week in East Wall with a ghoulish bunch of haunted fun for everyone in your family!

Samhain Festival at EPIC

Prepare for a scare at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum this Halloween. On the 28th October the otherworldly will descend upon the vaults of the CHQ building in historic Dublin Docklands, as spirits big (and small) will gather for the inaugural family Samhain festival!

Events:

Tickets are free but pre-registration is essential, however there many be a small number of walk in spaces on the day. Ticket does not include entry to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum's main exhibition.

Other Events In or Close to the Docklands

Bram Stoker Festival

Dedicated to the famous writer, Bram Stoker, who wrote the gothic novel Dracula, the Bram Stoker Festival is one you can’t miss this Halloween! Advertised as “4 Days of Deadly Adventures,” don’t let the name scare you—this is a festival the whole family can enjoy! Everyone from kids to adults will have a spooktacular time!

The Bram Stoker Festival takes places across 4 days in several central locations in Dublin. To find times and locations, be sure to visit the website. Prepare to have a fun, haunting time!

Here’s a sample of what’s on at the Bram Stoker Festival:

Outdoor Movie Screenings
Location: Meeting House Square

  • The Craft: Friday, October 25th: screening of the 90s movie about teenaged girls practicing magic. Don’t miss this delightfully devilish time! You’ll need to get tickets for this event. Also note this is best for anyone over the age of 15 years.
  • An American Werewolf in London: Saturday, October 26th: another cult horror classic, enjoy the thrill and chill of this movie set on the streets of London.
  • The Lost Boys: Sunday, October 27th: one more for your series of spooky films, enjoy this tale perfect for the Bram Stoker Fest with its combination of vampires, punk and gore. You’ll need to get tickets to attend these outdoor screenings. Also note this is best for anyone over the age of 15 years.
  • Stoker Land: Have a spookilyliscious time at this Victorian-themed pop-up park with fun for the entire family! The park’s gothic gates open on October 26th & 27th in St. Patrick’s Park.

Here, you’ll find ghouls and all gathering to enjoy:

  • Street theatre
  • Free face-painting
  • Victorian funfair ride
  • Ghoulish and spooky games for people of all ages
  • Food village
  • And more!

Admission is free, though there will be some small charges for the ghastly, fang-tastic rides and food concessions. One more note—fancy dress is encouraged, but not required!

Conducted at Wolfe Tone Square, you’ll find an interesting experience. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of an immersive experience that blends technology and theatre to bring a chill. Are you brave enough to give it a try? This venue is appropriate for those 16 years and older. Be aware that this performance is conducted in complete darkness in a sealed shipping container. This may not be a good choice for those who are claustrophobic. Also be aware that once the event begins, it’s not possible to leave.

You’ll find these and many other events at the Bram Stoker Festival—just what you & your family need to experience the thrill and fun of Halloween! Check out the website for locations and times!

Other Halloween Fun: Ghostbus Tours

If you’re in for a good scare, then be sure to check out the Ghostbus Tour & the New Ghostbus Kids Tour! You’ll experience Dublin’s ghostly, macabre, and gruesome past. Hear tales from the past as you tour the old parts of the city. The kids’ tour is age appropriate and is more geared toward fun, rather than fear! Check out the website for full details on times and locations!

We hope you’ve found some fun Halloween activities here for you and your family. And we hope you have a ghastly, devilish, safe & fun Halloween!

© 2017 Waterfront News