Discover our month-long programme of family-friendly events, live performances and night-time spectacles from 17th of October to 9th November. The festivities incorporate our long-standing Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, Kilkenny’s Toil and Trouble festival, and includes flagship family friendly activities throughout the county such as the “Witches and Wizards” Festival at Castlecomer Discovery Park, and Halloween fun at Nore Valley Park and Pumpkin Patch.
The programme also brings a mix of family activities, community events, traditional Samhain-inspired celebration, live music, theatrics, late-night fancy dress and guided tours across the city, celebrating Kilkenny’s heritage, creativity and community spirit in a safe, inclusive festival atmosphere.
“Home of Halloween 2025 celebrates Kilkenny’s creative spirit and community networks,” said tourism officer at Kilkenny County Council and coordinator of Kilkenny Home of Halloween, Martina Comerford. “This year’s programme has been developed with our local tourism and hospitality sector, local heritage attractions and artists and community groups to make the programme welcoming, comprehensive and memorable for everyone.”
“The programme is a wonderful opportunity to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy Kilkenny’s medieval streets, food and culture,” said the Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. John Coonan. “We’re proud to support all events that champions our local businesses, artists and heritage whilst also welcoming visitors to Kilkenny. It is also a huge opportunity for us to support and further extend Kilkenny’s Night-Time Economy in the city.”
Tickets, bookings and information:
– Many headline events require advance booking; free community events will take place across the city and county. Early booking is recommended for workshops and live performances.
– Ticket prices, family passes, concessions and accessibility bookings will be available via the individual event organiser sites.
– Visit the official programme of events at Home of Halloween Kilkenny | Visit Kilkenny Events and social channels for the full programme, event times and ticket links (see contact details below).
Accessibility, safety and inclusion:
The festival organisers are committed to accessibility and safety:-
– Wheelchair access is available at most venues; specific accessibility information will be listed per event.
– A code of conduct and safety guidance will be in place across all events; attendees are asked to follow venue guidance.
Home of Halloween 2025 is presented in partnership with local community groups, arts organisations and Kilkenny-based businesses. All activity aims to support local artists and traders and to channel visitor interest into Kilkenny’s hospitality and cultural sectors. The Home of Halloween festivities are funded by our national partners Fáilte Ireland, who are aiming to reclaim the Halloween Season internationally and position Ireland as the authentic Home of Halloween.
