Best Halloween Events in Dublin

Dublin in October has a magic of its own. The air is crisp, the streets glow with lantern light and centuries of gothic stories come alive in the very heart of the city. This is the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula and every autumn, Dublin embraces its darker side with festivals, haunted tours and candlelit performances. 

If you’re searching for the best Halloween events in Dublin, you’ll find them all on your doorstep at The Chancery Hotel. From parades that spill through the streets, to ghost stories told in ancient libraries, to immersive theatre on wheels, the city transforms into a stage of shadows and light. And when the thrill is over, your refuge is just steps away a modern, quiet hotel in Dublin 2, where you can retreat into warmth and calm. 

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Bram Stoker Festival – Dracula Comes Home 

Every Halloween, Dublin honors one of its most famous sons: Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. The Bram Stoker Festival transforms the city into a gothic stage, with four days of theatre, parades, light installations, music and spine-tingling performances. Streets glow crimson, shadows stretch across Dublin Castle, and the atmosphere feels as if the city itself has stepped into the pages of a novel. 

Expect open-air spectacles, family-friendly workshops and late-night events for those who prefer their thrills after dark. It’s an experience that captures the essence of Dublin literary, creative and just the right amount of eerie. 

For guests of The Chancery Hotel, the festival is more than an outing; it’s part of your neighborhood. The parades and installations unfold only minutes from our doors. Step into the drama, soak in the atmosphere and when you’ve had your fill of gothic spectacle, retreat to the quiet comfort of your room an oasis of calm after the city’s performance. 

Dublin Castle – Ghosts Behind the Walls

Dublin Castle is magnificent by day, but at Halloween it reveals a different face. By candlelight and under the weight of centuries of history, the castle’s tours explore tales of intrigue, power and the whispers of ghosts said to haunt its chambers. From medieval dungeons to state rooms steeped in ceremony, every corridor seems to echo with the city’s darker stories. 

During the Halloween season, special night tours bring this history alive in a way that feels part theatre, part haunting. It’s not just about what you see it’s about the atmosphere you feel as the doors close behind you and the stories unfold. 

For guests of The Chancery Hotel, the castle is more than a landmark. It is part of your immediate surroundings, visible from the hotel and only a short stroll away. Explore Dublin’s gothic past, then return within minutes to modern comfort and quiet luxury. 

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Marsh’s Library – Ghosts Between the Shelves 

Step into Dublin’s oldest public library and you’ll feel it immediately the hush, the scent of centuries-old books, the sense that you’ve wandered into a place where time has slowed. Built in 1707, Marsh’s Library has survived revolutions, scholars and ghost stories that continue to ripple through its oak galleries. 

Legends speak of readers who never left and staff over the years have whispered of shadows that move where they shouldn’t. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s something undeniably atmospheric about standing among the chained volumes and carved bookcases as Halloween approaches. 

From The Chancery Hotel, Marsh’s Library is a short walk through Dublin’s historic streets. Visit during the day, soak in the gothic calm and let your imagination fill in the rest. Then return to the hotel for a drink at FAWN or a quiet moment in your room a contrast as striking as day and night. 

The Ghostbus – Dublin’s Darkest Ride 

Not every ghost story is told on foot. For something more theatrical, climb aboard  Dublin’s famous Ghostbus. Part sightseeing tour, part immersive performance, it takes you through the city’s haunted streets and forgotten corners with a guide who knows how to make the shadows come alive. 

Inside, the bus itself feels like part of the show velvet curtains, eerie lighting and the unsettling sense that you might not be the only passengers onboard. From body snatchers to haunted houses, the tales are delivered with a mix of drama, humor and just the right level of fright. 

The Ghostbus departs from Dublin city centre, making it an easy evening adventure for our guests. Step out from The Chancery, board your ride into the supernatural and when the stories are done, walk back to the calm of your room a reminder that sometimes the scariest thing is how close the past still feels in Dublin. 

Your Base for Halloween Events Dublin 

When the city turns gothic, you’ll want a base that’s both central and serene. At The Chancery Hotel, you’re in the heart of Dublin 2 minutes from Bram Stoker Festival parades, Dublin Castle tours, and the city’s most atmospheric Halloween events. Step out into the thrill and step back into calm. Our rooms are designed with quiet luxury in mind, offering a retreat from the crowds without losing the sense of place. After a night of ghost stories or festival lights, unwind in our wellness suite, enjoy a crafted cocktail at FAWN, or simply close the door on the outside world. 

Booking direct unlocks exclusive offers and flexibility, making it easy to plan your October stay. Whether you’re here for gothic tales, family midterm fun, or simply to soak in the season’s atmosphere, The Chancery places you exactly where you need to be at the centre of Dublin’s Halloween story. 

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