Are you seeking a few fantastic ways to enjoy Halloween in Galway? We have lots of reasons to experience the ghoulish side of our city. A stay at Residence Hotel will put you right in the heart of old Galway, where history and famous haunts are never far away. So, whether you’re devouring intriguing stories, sinking your teeth into medieval folklore, or enjoying the modern-day aesthetic of this one-of-a-kind festival, you’re sure to have a great time during your October stay.
Macnas Halloween Parade
No visit to Galway during Halloween would be complete without taking in some live street theatre – and there are few better ways to do so than the Macnas Halloween Parade. Set to take place on Sunday, October 29, this is a carnival of colour, tales untold, and striking artwork that combine to create one of the most vivid and memorable Halloween events you’ll find anywhere. After all, Halloween originated in Ireland so it’s only fitting that it continues to be reinvented here by the talented and creative folks at the mighty Macnas.
Shop for Chilling Costumes
After you’ve absorbed all the inspiration you possibly can from the Macnas Halloween Parade, it’s time to grab your own spooky costume. Maybe you and your pals are planning a themed pub crawl and you’d like to look the part (1520 is a great place to start before you discover the rest of Quay Street’s many brilliant bars)? There are lots of great places around the city to find the perfect costume, effects makeup, and more. Alternatively, you can get extra creative and make yourself up in a totally unique alter ego for the night. You’ll have fun doing it!
Enjoy Frighteningly Good Cocktails
There are so many bars around Galway City for you to explore during the Halloween bank holiday weekend – and lots of them serve scarily good cocktails. Plus, you’re sure to find a whole host of Halloween-themed libations to really put you in the festive spirit. One of these unique drinks is sure to set you up for a fantastic night, whether you’re venturing to a house party or wining and dining the weekend away in full spooky regalia.
Explore the Shadows of Galway’s Past
Halloween in Galway is magic – and it’s the perfect excuse to grab that pumpkin spice latté and go for a stroll among the amber leaves. But it’s also a more-than-worthy time to seek out the shadows of the city’s past, from the fascinating to the frightening. Why not book a spooky walking tour – like the Galway Dark Tour – as an expert brings the city’s incredible history to life? Alternatively, go on a fact-finding mission for yourself and discover the story behind King Carles I’s executioner who once drank in the pubs of Galway; experience Kirwan’s Lane which, for a time, was a secret smuggling route in medieval days; and discover the city’s other haunting tales that have long since been forgotten. You’ll need a stiff drink afterwards, but luckily there are plenty of options!