Welcome to Europe’s LARGEST Halloween festival, Derry Halloween! With four days and nights of festivities to enjoy, we promise this will be an unforgettable experience – filled with ghosts and ghouls, Halloween in the Walled City is like no other. To give you some inspiration for your trip with the family this year, we’ve pulled together a four-day itinerary to help plan your spooky fun in the Halloween Capital!
DAY 1 – Monday 28th October
Getting Here:
There’s plenty of ways to get to the historic Walled City of Derry. Fly direct to the city from London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and Birmingham into the City of Derry Airport. Or travel into Belfast International or Dublin Airport. Check out the Aircoach for transport from both airports, which will take you directly into the city centre. Travelling within Northern Ireland? Hop on the train and take in the scenic views along the way. For more information on getting to the city, click here.
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Photo courtesy of Patryk Sadowski
Once you arrive in the city, check into your accommodation. With a range of family-friendly hotels, self-catering, guest houses and B&B accommodation in the city and region, you’ll experience a legenderry welcome! Explore accommodation options here.
5pm Dinner at Castle Street Social
Set against the stunning backdrop of our city’s 400-year-old walls, Castle Street Social is the perfect dining option to experience a taste of LegenDerry before an evening of spooktacular fun. Expect a fun and casual atmosphere with a menu of locally produced food made for sharing.
6pm - 9pm Awakening the Walled City Trail
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From Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October, those who dare can embark on a journey along the Awakening the Walled City Trail, where rich folklore, history, and heritage come to life in a truly unique experience. Be sure to experience breathtaking street celebrations of all things eerie, right in the capital of Halloween. From a bit of Derry craic at the Witchy Wonderland on the city’s historic walls to the haunting cries of The Sisters of Mercy on Pump St, you’ll find a bit of Halloween on every corner along the Walled City Trail. Below are just some of the highlights of the trail! Check the official programme of events for all performances.
Hocus Pocus in the City of Bones | Waterloo Place
Experience the City of Bones and encounter some of the weird and wonderful characters who bring Halloween to life. This year, the Sanderson Sisters are back! The black flamed candle will be lit, when you will witness the accidental rebirth of the mischievous sisters after 300 years in our city’s own Salem Garden. Their witchcraft and magic will bring chaos to our city unless our towns folk can stop them! Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 6pm – 9pm
Spark! | City Centre
This act certainly steal the show every year – Spark! return to Derry Halloween for another of spellbinding performances. Prepare to be mesmerised by the captivating spectacle of Spark! Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of live music, graceful movement, and dazzling light.
Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 6pm – 9pm, Thursday 31st October 3:45pm
The Flying Time Travelers | Cathedral Quarter
Follow the Flying Travelers on a magical journey around the city’s charming Cathedral Quarter. These fantastic beings come from the time of romantic steam engines, gearwheels and clockwork, and will transform into places where magic comes to life and childhood dreams come true.
Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 6pm – 9pm, Thursday 31st October
Walter on the Dancefloor | City Centre
A Halloween flash mob? Yes please! Watch Walter and his phantom performers pirouette from the shadows and give a ghostly yet energetic performance through the streets of the Walled City.
Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 6pm – 9pm
The Spirits of Derry’s Past | The Diamond
Once a busy department store in the heart of Derry~Londonderry, the now vacant haunted halls of Austin’s has a story to tell. During Samhain, historic figures now roam the empty store and reflect on their past lives, telling tales of Derry’s rich history through captivating installations. Be sure to dander along Bishop Street to the Courthouse where prisoners of the past break free in The Mythical Escape and infuse the city with a touch the otherworldly.
Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 6pm – 9pm
DAY 2 – Tuesday 29th October
9am Breakfast at The Scullery Cafe
Enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant coffee shop in Derry City centre catering for needs of visitors and locals alike, specializing in breakfast and lunch – the kids will love the pancakes!
10am Discover the Walled City
Before the Halloween festivities begin for the day, why not take the time to explore more of the city. Dander across the Peace Bridge and take an autumnal stroll through St. Columb’s Park – it’s truly beautiful at this time of year.
Want to learn more about our historic city? Discover the story of Derry at the award-winning Tower Museum. From prehistory to present, including the Armada Shipwreck Exhibition, the entire family will be enthralled by our colourful history. During Samhain, Walter and Amelia Scareheart will be awakened with colour, animations and art activities in Spooktacular Awakenings.
Are you a house of Derry Girls fans? Be sure to check out The Derry Girls Experience, where you can see original memorabilia from the hit show like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes!
Heart of Samhain
During Halloween, Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will come alive with all manner of creepy ghouls, feasting on the sights, sounds and tastes of Derry Halloween. From 12pm – 9pm on 28th – 31st October, you can discover a taste of LegenDerry at the Haunted Harvest Festival while taking in the melodies of talented local singers and bands on the Samhain Stage. Below are some of the highlights of what you can experience.
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12:15pm Granny D’s Halloween House Party | Waterloo Place
Up a tree in Rosemount you’ll find Granny D(oherty) with her granddaughter, Wee Girl. However, it isn’t just any tree, it’s a magical tree! Listen to the tales of their travels though stories, games and songs.
Performances from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 12:15pm & 2:15pm
1:30pm Scientific Sue | Guildhall Main Hall
Channelling the unseen powers of gravity, magnetism and electricity, Scientific Sue illuminates the profound impact of science and engineering on our daily lives. Through captivating illusions and hair-rising magic tricks, Sue and her apprentice wizards conjure up a thrilling reenactment of Harry Potter’s Wingardium Leviosa Spell.
Showing from Monday 28th – Wednesday 30th October 11am (Quiet Session), 1:30pm, 4:40pm
Tickets £3.00 + booking fee from derrystrabane.com/tickets
2:30pm Dinoween Tour Experience | Richmond Centre
Calling all adventurers from aged 5 and beyond – join us in the Richmond Centre this Halloween for a thrilling 1-hour live interactive Dinosaur experience! Get up close with the baby dinosaurs after watching a dinosaur egg hatch! Little adventures will have the opportunity to meet and feed the babies, as will as conduct exciting live science experiments.
Showing Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th October 11am- 4:30pm
Tickets £6.00 from derrystrabane.com/tickets
4pm Uncle Doom & His Organ of Gloom | City Centre
Will you be lured by the eerie, bone-chilling tunes of Uncle Doom as he glides through the night on his Organ of Gloom? Those who dare to see along risk becoming part of his otherworldly orchestra.
Showing Monday 28th - 30th October 4pm & 6pm – 9pm, Thursday 31st October 4:15pm
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6pm Dinner at Fitzroys
Ready to refuel? Fitzroys, a bistro located in the city centre, is the ideal spot for family dinner after a day of fun! Expect delicious food and a cosy atmosphere.
DAY 3 – Wednesday 30th October
10am Hallowee’uns | The Jungle NI | Car required
Gather your little goblins and ghouls, and explore beyond the Walled City today! This October, The Jungle NI invite you to join them for pumpkin picking, ghostly tales and thrilling activities, all sure to create an unforgettable family experience.
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Want to embrace the outdoors for a little longer? Be sure to visit the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. Installed at three different locations all within the Sperrins region, The Giants of the Sperrins are born from the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins. They evoke the mystical, and celebrate the ancient, intriguing and atmospheric natural beauty and history of the region. A must visit!
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3pm Wizarding Afternoon Tea | Ebrington Hotel
Join the team at the Ebrington Hotel for an afternoon of spooktacular delights, including hot buffet, kids’ entertainment plus tricks and treats! Be sure to come in your best guise as there will be prizes for the best costumes.
5pm The Halloween Carnival | Ebrington – Visitor Car Park
Discover the spooky Halloween funfair with your favourite attractions for all the family. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Big Wheel and get into the Halloween spirit on the Ghost Train.
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7pm Elemental Garden & The Blue Guardian| Ebrington Square
Experience a magic elemental world of fire and light in Derry’s Star Fort, brought to you by LUXE. Children beware! The Blue Guardian from the old Glendermott Road workhouse has escaped and seeks the children she once cared for. As she reached Ebrington Square, these children will rise from the shadows, singing and dancing, blending with the living.
DAY 4 – Thursday 31st October
Today’s the day, it’s All Hallows’ Eve! Prepare for the final day of spooky festivities.
10am Breakfast at The Sandwich Co. | The Diamond
We recommend kickstarting the day with breakfast at The Sandwich Co. Whether you are in need of a healthy breakfast, an Ulster fry, vegan-friendly option, or one of their lunch offerings, followed by something sweet to satisfy that craving, The Sandwich Co. have a vast range of options to sit down to or take away.
12pm Strabane Halloween
A trip to Derry Halloween wouldn’t be complete without embracing the spooky shenanigans in our neighbouring town, Strabane. Here, you will discover some strange unwanted characters lurking that have got lost on their way. Stories and tall tales to be told! From Grumpy Dracula, Roarsome Large Dinosaurs to Street Performers, Story Tellers & Dance performances from Class Act & Much Ado & live music you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check out the Halloween Hay Sculpture Trail too! Find out more.
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3pm Nightmare on Orchard Street
Join us this Halloween at St Columb's Hall as we present a chilling selection of the scariest films at Nightmare on Orchard Street. The walls of the St Columb's Hall Cinema will come alive once again, with family friendly favourites
5pm City Hotel Family Spooktacular
Join the team at the City Hotel in the Corithian Ballroom for a Samhain party like no other. Enjoy a hot buffet, kids’ entertainment including Part Animals NI, a trick or treat sweetie corner and prizes for best costumes!
7pm Carnival Parade | City Centre
The Carnival of the Dead will take over the streets of the city, bringing the festival to a thrilling close. With its mesmerizing costumes, performances, and community involvement, the parade captures the city's spirit and provides an incredible experience for locals and visitors alike. It’s a must-see event for anyone visiting Derry during Halloween, offering a spectacular blend of art, culture, and eerie fun.
8:15pm Fireworks Finale
End your Derry Halloween celebrations with our iconic Fireworks Finale. Watch the Samhain skies come alive with colour as this decade old tradition returns with a bang!
View full programme here
