Before Halloween, there was Samhain, an old Celtic tradition to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter, or the "darker half" of the year. To celebrate Samhain and its folklore and traditions, the Waterford Treasures: Irish Wake Museum is opening its doors for a Children's Halloween Workshop. From October 26 to 30, kids are invited to use their wild imaginations to design their own Halloween-themed masks, which they'll get to bring home just in time for Halloween night. 

You'll find another thrilling family day out at the Dead of Night Festival in Longford. From October 24 to 31, the festival will feature street performers, creative workshops, storytelling sessions and live music. The festival's Halloween HQ on Pig Market Lane will also host plenty of family-friendly events throughout the weekend. And, of course, you can't forget about the Samhain Fire and Shadows Procession on the final day, which will take over the streets before culminating in a fiery finale in Connolly Barracks.

Head to Trim and Athboy in County Meath to reconnect with Halloween's roots and get into some mischief at the Púca Festival. While much of the lineup is focused on adults-only performances, there's also family fun to be had all weekend long at the sprawling Púca Harvest Market at the Porchfields, Trim. 

You can also bring the kids to the all-ages Sorcas na Samhna, a dazzling circus with aerial acts, Irish dancing and singing, thrilling daredevils and funny clowns. If they like what they see, they can even learn the art of juggling and hula-hooping at the Circus Workshop. Meanwhile, older kids can join the Beyond the Veil Trail for spooky storytelling, and watch shapeshifting spirits roam the streets at the Púca Procession on October 30.

There's always something going on in Galway city, especially during the Halloween season. See the streets transformed into a spooky spectacle for the return of Gaillimh Ah-Boo!, with this year's programme including major milestones for some of the festival's regular participants. 

Between October 9 and 18, celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children with musical performances, exhibitions, craft workshops and even a Spooky Disco where the kids can showcase their best moves. Then, join fellow Halloween lovers on October 25 as huge floats and puppets take over the city for Macnas' 40th anniversary Halloween Parade.

At the Luggwoods Fall Festival,  a guide will lead you and your crew along the Enchanted Forest Trail. Along the way, you’ll meet curious characters and search for magical ingredients needed to restore balance to the woods. Set at the base of the Dublin Mountains in Saggart, this fully outdoor experience is a great spot to enjoy a safe Halloween evening in natural surroundings. Dress up, get some family photos and let everyone’s imaginations run wild in the hills.

Crisp, clear days make for memorable family outings in the great outdoors. At the Halloween Happenings event at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park in Kildare, the natural history of the Irish peatlands unfolds in the breathtaking Bog of Allen. Go flora and fauna spotting on the Biodiversity Boardwalk before setting out with older kids on a Terror Treasure Hunt or Terror Train Trip.

See the sights while you get a good scare on a paranormal journey of discovery with Kilkenny Ghost Tours or Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours. Walk the cobbled lanes of Kilkenny city from St Mary’s Church to Kilkenny Castle. Follow in the notorious footsteps of Dame Alice Kyteler, the Kilkenny Witch. Tales of torture will have you looking over your shoulder as you meander through one of Ireland’s oldest medieval cities.

This year, Westport is turning its pretty streets into a hub of Halloween shenanigans for Westival: Samhain – a lively spectacle that celebrates the spooky season through music, fire and visual art. Follow the rambunctious procession through the town and watch as performers from all disciplines bring the ancient traditions of Samhain to life. 

Located in Roscahill, the gateway to Connemara, Brigit’s Garden – or rather, four gardens – takes you on a journey through the Celtic cycle of the seasons. Pay a special visit to the Samhain garden at the Howling Halloween event from October 24 to 26. Kids can dress up for the Gruesome Ghosts' Treasure Hunt around the garden, with spooky storytelling and a potion-making class in the roundhouse. 

From October 24 to 30, the gardens of Belvedere House in wonderful Westmeath will be transformed into an immersive playground for The Samhain Gathering. Take in the Samhain Spectacle, a live production featuring aerial artists and circus performers bringing the origins of Samhain to life, before heading to the Children's Halloween Trail. Follow the trail through the estate's beautiful woodland in search of hidden letters which spell out a secret Halloween word. 

Dubbed Ireland's 'Gate to Hell,' the cave of Uaimh na gCat (Oweynagat) in County Roscommon has strong ties to the ancient festival of Samhain. Take a guided visit to the cave and down to the bowels of the Earth with the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre on their special Origins of Samhain Cave Tour running from October 27 to November 6.

From October 24 to 31, Murtagh's Organic Farm in Westmeath will be abuzz with spooky activity for Samhain on the Land, a family-friendly festival inspired by Irish folklore, farming and nature. Take the kids along to enjoy the impressive pumpkin patch, discover fairy doors and mythic symbols on the Forest Maze Walk and visit Winnifred the Witch to hear some Samhain tales. There will also be plenty of chances to get your hands dirty at a crafty workshop, or meet the resident farm animals. 

Say hello to the meerkats, lemurs, llamas and more at Wexford's Secret Valley Wildlife Park. From October 16 to 30, the park opens its doors for the Halloween Day Fall Festival, with special seasonal treats like pumpkin picking, tractor rides and a corn maze. Take on mythical creatures on the Monsters' Woodland Walk, or help the little ones as they gather hidden sweets on the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Kids can feed the goats and learn to handle smaller animals before heading out into the park for an autumn adventure.

If the usual spooky antics of Halloween don't appeal to your little ones, spend the midterm enjoying the Andean Alpacas Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Experience in Mullingar. Here, you can combine old Samhain traditions such as pumpkin carving with farm fun activities like saying hello to the friendly alpacas onsite. 

Bring the family to Clonfert Pet Farm in Kildare throughout October for their Halloween festivities, packed with seasonal activities that are fun for all ages. Little ones can pick a pumpkin and say hi to the animals, while older kids can head to the dazzling fire show and the haunted house. 

Get your hands dirty at one of the many creative workshops on offer at Ghosts, Ghouls and Grooves on October 30. Bring the kids along to PV's Hotel and Restaurant in Longford town and get their creative juices flowing at a mask-making session, or learn how to level up any scary costume with special effects makeup with the help of an expert. After, they can showcase their best dance moves at the Halloween disco and even win a few prizes in the process. 

Alongside the adorable farm animals that call Nore Valley Park Pet Farm in Kilkenny home, visitors of all ages can gather in October for the Nore Valley Park Halloween Experience. Make your to the park's pumpkin patch for a day of pumpkin carving, fairground rides and a trip around the Maize Maze. 

For slightly older kids who want to test their nerve, take on the Fire Trail. Once the sun has set, explore the grounds on the Torchlight Treasure Hunt, or – if you're feeling brave – delve into their Scare Maze for a night of fright.

Make your way to Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny for the Witches and Wizards Pumpkin Festival. From funfair rides and pumpkin picking to a wizard show and a treasure hunt in the heart of the woods, it's the perfect way to get everyone into the Halloween spirit.

Wait for the sun to go down and head to Carlingford for the Adventure Lights at Skypark, Ireland's biggest adventure park. Follow the lit outdoor path and enjoy the spectacle of their illuminated 3D statues, fun activity zones and creative installations. You'll also have the chance to explore their latest addition, The Lost Kingdom, which includes illuminated figures from famous Irish mythology.

This Halloween, reach new heights with Whispers in the Woods at Beyond the Trees Avondale in Wicklow. Dress up in your best costume and book a slot into the Treetop Treasure Trail from October 24 to 31 to track down ten magical objects and win a special prize. Or hope aboard the Halloween Train Spooktacular for a ride around the grounds. Afterwards, take part in Halloween-themed craft workshops, cheerful sing-alongs and colouring competitions. 

The seasonal Killarney Pumpkin Farm is back this October for their fifth year in a row. From pumpkin picking and petting adorable alpacas to potion-making workshops and dancing at the Pixie Disco, the little ones will have plenty of spooktacular activities to choose from. 

The Milk Market in Limerick city is set to celebrate Samhain with its annual Limerick Harvest Festival on October 25. This vibrant, family-friendly festival will feature pumpkin picking and crafts, delicious local food and garden stalls. The festival's stage will also welcome storytelling from Irish author Eddie Lenihan, discussions with chef Keith Pigott and music by Irish and Latin American group, Los Paddys.

Hunker down beside a roaring fire and hear some spooky Samhain Tales at Friars' Gate Theatre in Limerick. Join talented storyteller and musician Daithí Collopy as he shares the legends and origins of Samhain, through stories, song and verse. 

Bring the little ones for a wholesome pumpkin-picking experience at Tonagh Pumpkin Hollow in Cavan. Meet resident donkeys Donald and Dolly and get a snap with the whole family on the farm before picking your own pumpkin to bring home.