Halloween in Killarney 2025
There’s something special about Halloween in Killarney. Maybe it’s the mist rolling in across the lakes, or the golden leaves crunching underfoot in Killarney National Park. Maybe it’s the way the town throws itself into the season with festivals, parades, and pumpkin-lit celebrations. Whatever it is, October in Killarney feels like it was made for Halloween.
This year, 2025, promises to be bigger than ever. The Samhain Chiarraí Festival stretches right across Kerry from mid-October into November, filling towns and villages with folklore, storytelling, music, and street spectacles. At its heart is the legend of An Cailleach Chiarraí — the mystical Hag of Winter — a reminder of just how deeply rooted Halloween is in Celtic tradition.
Closer to home, the Killarney Pumpkin Festival is set to light up the October Bank Holiday weekend. Expect fire-eaters, live broadcasts from Radio Kerry, a Great Pumpkin Trail through the town, costume parades, and plenty of spooky fun for the little ones. It’s the kind of event that makes the streets buzz with colour, laughter, and just a hint of magic.
A Magical October in Killarney
And of course, a trip to the Killarney Pumpkin Farm is a must. From early October, families can wander through the pumpkin patch and pick their own perfect gourd. Lose themselves in a corn maze, or stumble across a witch’s cottage. Add in fairy-lit Pixie Discos and storytelling sessions. Furthermore, the smell of autumn treats in the air, and it’s easy to see why this has become a local favourite.
For those who like their Halloween with a touch of culture. Oireachtas na Samhna brings together the best of traditional Irish music, dance, poetry, and debate at the end of October. And film lovers won’t want to miss the Kerry International Film Festival. Which often adds a few atmospheric screenings to match the season. The film fest kicks off from Oct 16-19th
Halloween at Hotel Killarney
Back at Hotel Killarney, the celebrations continue with our own Halloween Midterm Breaks. Think family activities, themed parties, discos, and plenty to keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups relax. After a day at the festivals, tuck into a meal at the Sloe Berry Bar
Our spacious family rooms are the perfect base to return to after a day at the festivals, and with the town centre only minutes away, you’ll never be far from the action.
So whether you’re carving pumpkins, walking a spooky trail, or warming up after a crisp autumn evening in town, Halloween in Killarney 2025 is set to be unforgettable. Why not make it your autumn escape?