From illuminated parades and ghostly trails to pumpkin patches and afternoon treats, there’s plenty to look forward to around Inishowen and Derry this Halloween.
Whether you’re planning a family midterm break or an autumn escape with friends, Redcastle Hotel & Spa offers a welcoming base on the shores of Lough Foyle. Spend your days exploring Donegal, join the Halloween celebrations nearby, then return for good food and a relaxing evening by the water.
Here’s our guide to some of the Halloween events taking place in the area this October.
Halloween Afternoon Tea at Redcastle Hotel
Add a little sweetness to your Halloween plans with Halloween Afternoon Tea at Redcastle Hotel. Take a seat overlooking Lough Foyle and enjoy an afternoon together, whether you’re catching up with friends or making time for a family treat during the school holidays.
It’s a lovely addition to a day exploring Inishowen, or a relaxed way to begin your afternoon before heading out to the evening celebrations.
For Halloween Afternoon Tea dates, menu details and reservations, contact our team on +353 74 938 5555 or email sales@redcastlehotel.com.
Explore Afternoon Tea at Redcastle Hotel
Derry Halloween Festival
28 October–1 November 2026
Derry comes alive for Halloween, and this year marks the festival’s 40th anniversary. With street performances, music, family activities and food stalls, the city offers plenty to explore throughout the celebrations.
Dress up, soak up the atmosphere and discover a programme inspired by the stories and traditions of Samhain. From an afternoon with the children to an evening exploring the city’s historic streets, there are plenty of ways to join in.
Explore the Derry Halloween programme
Awakening the Walled City
28–30 October 2026 | 6pm–9pm
As darkness falls, Derry’s streets become a setting for folklore, fire and unexpected encounters. Awakening the Walled City brings the Halloween story to life through illumination and performances around the historic city centre.
Follow the trail, meet its unusual characters and experience the atmosphere of the Walled City after dark. Check the programme for access arrangements and the separately ticketed enhanced experience on the Walls.
Discover Awakening the Walled City
Derry Halloween Carnival Parade and Fireworks
Saturday 31 October 2026 | Parade at 7pm
Halloween night brings one of the festival’s most anticipated events: the Carnival Parade. Expect imaginative floats, colourful costumes and performers as the procession makes its way through the city.
Afterwards, look towards the River Foyle for the fireworks finale, scheduled for approximately 8.15pm, subject to weather conditions. Make an evening of it, arrive early and join the crowds in your Halloween best.
Find out more about the parade and fireworks
Samhain by the Swilly: Parade of the Púca, Buncrana
Sunday 25 October 2026 | 7pm
Buncrana’s Main Street will fill with illuminated floats, costumes and performances as the Parade of the Púca returns for another evening of Halloween celebrations.
This family-friendly event brings together creativity, community and the traditions of Samhain. Following the parade, families can continue the fun at St Mary’s Hall with music and children’s arts and crafts.
Come dressed for the occasion and enjoy an autumn evening in the heart of Buncrana.
View Parade of the Púca event details
Redcastle Scarecrow Drive-Thru and Fright Night
Scarecrow displays from 19 October | Fright Night on Friday 30 October 2026
There’s Halloween fun close to home with Redcastle’s annual Scarecrow Drive-Thru and community celebrations.
Look out for the imaginative scarecrow displays along the route before joining the main event on Friday 30 October. A pumpkin and turnip carving competition will be followed by a Fright Night Walk along Shore Lane at 5pm, with a DJ and refreshments afterwards.
It’s a chance to enjoy the local community spirit and discover some creative Halloween characters along the way.
Explore the Redcastle Scarecrow and Halloween event
Spraoi na Samhna, Carndonagh
24–30 October 2026
Families visiting Inishowen over midterm can enjoy a week of Halloween activities with Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh.
The programme includes a free pumpkin patch at Saothrú Nursery & Garden Centre from 24–26 October, alongside workshops, sensory-friendly activities and fun for younger children. Halloween activity camps run from 27–30 October, with arts and crafts, active play, dance, music, Lego and technology.
Check the full programme for age groups, session times and booking requirements.
View the Spraoi na Samhna programme and bookings
Haunted Inishowen Tours
Selected dates from 24 October–1 November 2026
Discover another side of the peninsula with North West Scenic Tours’ Haunted Inishowen experience.
Explore local ghost stories and visit an ancient fort, a graveyard and monastery, with a mystery stop adding to the adventure. Halloween costumes are encouraged, making this a memorable way to explore Inishowen during the spooky season.
Tours depart from Derry, with pickups also available in Buncrana, Carndonagh and Bridgend by arrangement. Places are limited, so advance booking is recommended.
View Haunted Inishowen Tour dates and booking details
Learmount Forest Halloween Trail
21 October–3 November 2026 | Daylight hours
For an outdoor adventure a little further afield, head to Learmount Forest in Park for a self-guided Halloween trail.
Collect a map from Learmount Community Centre and follow the woodland route, keeping an eye out for spooky characters among the trees. With autumn colour overhead and plenty for younger explorers to spot, it’s a lovely way to spend time outdoors together.
Discover the Learmount Forest Halloween Trail
Make Redcastle Your Base This Halloween
Combine the excitement of Halloween with a relaxing stay on the shores of Lough Foyle. From local celebrations in Inishowen to the atmosphere of Derry’s festival, there’s plenty to fill an autumn getaway.
Between adventures, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, a swim or dinner overlooking the water at Redcastle Hotel & Spa.
Plan your Halloween stay at Redcastle Hotel
Event details may change. Please check the organisers’ websites for the latest times, availability, age guidance and booking requirements before travelling.