Parades, Haunted tours, Family Fun, and so much more this Halloween in Galway 

By Eva Araña Molina 

Galway never does Halloween by halves. As the city’s cobbled lanes fill with mist and masks, the west of Ireland transforms into a playground of parades, pop-up scares, and fireside folklore.  

From family pumpkin workshops to the coastal magic in Salthill, here’s your guide to what’s happening across the city this spooky season. 

Families in Galway are invited to take part in Dark Shores, a free outdoor event exploring the city’s coastal folklore and marine life: 

Taking place on Ladies Beach, Salthill, from 10 a.m. this Friday, 18 October, the event is a collaboration between Galway City Museum and Galway Atlantaquaria and aims to combine storytelling, science, and local history in a hands-on experience for all ages. 

Participants will be guided along the shoreline to uncover “the hidden tales of our dark shore”; from ancient fossils and marine myths to sightings of the rare Hag Stone, a naturally holed rock long associated with Irish folklore. 

During the walk, guides will share short stories from Ireland’s coastal traditions and encourage children to create their own miniature “merrow”, inspired by the mythical sea people of Irish legend. 

The event also includes an Explore Your Shore activity, introducing families to the biodiversity of Salthill’s rock pools, where anemones and other sea creatures thrive. 

The event is free, but advanced booking is required through Galway City Museum due to limited capacity.  

Macnas’ legendary Halloween parade returns to Galway on 26 October, set to deliver a spectacular citywide takeover once again: 

This year’s theme, “An Treun: The Summoning of the Lost,” draws inspiration from a forgotten Bram Stoker story and the haunting cry of the corncrake. 

Directed by Louise Lowe, the production weaves together themes of culture, memory, and climate, exploring how we cling to what is slipping away.  

The parade will begin at the University of Galway and make its way to the Claddagh Fire Station, promising an unforgettable experience that will set the tone for Halloween in the city. 

Gaillimh-A-Boo, an initiative by Galway City Council, aims to reconnect the city with Samhain’s Celtic roots through a lively celebration of food, folklore, and fire running from 11 October to 2 November: 

Festival highlights include the Tine Lasta fire show, Féasta Fómhair with chef JP McMahon, and a show-stopping Thriller dance performance in Eyre Square. 

For more information on events and dates, check their website gaillimhahboo.ie 

One of the standout events is the Samhain Procession, which unites three traditions: Samhain, Día de los Muertos, and All Souls’ Day in a vibrant evening honouring culture, ancestry, and remembrance on Sunday, 2 November. 

And if you are still willing to test your limits, do you dare to explore Galway’s darker side? The Haunted Walking Tour takes visitors through the city’s dimly lit streets to uncover its eerie and unsettling past. 

Along the way, participants will hear spooky stories that will send shivers down their spine about the ancient origins of Halloween itself. 

Led by an expert local guide, the tour runs through the winter months. Revealing a side of Galway few ever see, once you’ve taken it, you’ll never look at the city the same way again!  

Do you think you are brave enough to participate in these events and so much more, this Halloween in Galway?