Come Home to Ireland’s True Halloween
This October, Ireland isn’t just celebrating Halloween – it’s reclaiming its roots as the Home of Halloween. Thanks to Tourism Ireland’s campaign, visitors are being invited to experience the magic, mythology, and creativity of Halloween where it all began.
At Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate, Fingal, we bring that invitation to life with two unforgettable Halloween experiences: Pumpkins After Dark, our glowing pumpkin light walk, and Samhain’s Haunting Histories, immersive candlelit house tours through the estate’s hidden legends.
Whether you’re drawn to dazzling displays or haunting stories, both events capture the true spirit of Halloween – rooted in Irish tradition, reimagined for today.
From Samhain to Modern Halloween
Long before pumpkins glowed and costumes filled shop windows, there was Samhain – the Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the start of winter. It was a time of storytelling, remembrance, and reverence for the unseen.
The Home of Halloween campaign reconnects us to those origins, inviting everyone to rediscover Ireland as the birthplace of the world’s most beloved autumn celebration.
At Newbridge House & Farm, we honour that heritage by blending old and new – light and lore, history and imagination – in two distinct experiences that celebrate both sides of Halloween.
A Historic Estate Alive with Autumn Magic
Built in the 1740s, Newbridge House is one of Ireland’s most complete Georgian mansions. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved rooms, the family’s Cabinet of Curiosities, and the working Newbridge Farm, where rare breeds and friendly animals still roam.
Surrounded by 370 acres of parkland, gardens, and woodlands, our estate transforms each October into a haven of colour, atmosphere, and creativity. Leaves blaze amber and gold, crisp air fills the gardens, and twilight brings the glow of lanterns and pumpkins.
This living landscape is the perfect setting for two very different – but equally magical – Halloween events.
Pumpkins After Dark: Light, Art, and Imagination
Pumpkins After Dark is Ireland’s largest outdoor Halloween light experience – a one-kilometre trail filled with art, sculpture, and thousands of glowing pumpkins.
What You’ll Experience
- Over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins lighting the paths, gardens, and courtyards of Newbridge Demesne.
- Live carving demonstrations from talented artists turning pumpkins into luminous works of art.
- Soundscapes and light installations that transform each scene into a story of its own.
- Food trucks and warm seasonal treats, perfect for cosy October evenings.
- Incredible photo opportunities – from glowing tunnels to whimsical pumpkin characters.
It’s not scary – it’s spectacular. Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants to experience the wonder of Halloween in a uniquely Irish way.
Book now at ireland.pumpkinsafterdark.com or learn more at newbridgehouseandfarm.com.
Samhain’s Haunting Histories: Stories from the Shadows
If you prefer your Halloween with a touch of mystery, step inside our candlelit Georgian mansion for Samhain’s Haunting Histories – guided tours filled with storytelling, folklore, and spine-tingling atmosphere.
Tour Highlights
- 11:00 AM – Family Tour: A lighter, fun-filled introduction to Halloween traditions for children and families. Discover playful legends, traditional games, and the ghostly cat that’s said to roam the halls of Newbridge.
- 5:00 PM – Evening Tour: A more atmospheric experience for older children and adults. Follow costumed guides through dimly lit rooms as they recount eerie tales – from the origins of Samhain to the mysterious Headless Horseman of Hearse Road.
These tours blend local folklore, Irish superstition, and centuries-old history into an immersive experience you won’t forget.
Running 25 – 31 October – tickets available via newbridgehouseandfarm.com/samhains-haunting-histories-halloween-tours.
Two Experiences, One Magical Night
Why choose between them? Many visitors pair the two experiences for a complete evening at Newbridge House & Farm:
- Begin your evening with the 5:00 PM Haunting Histories tour, exploring the mansion by candlelight.
- Then wander out under the night sky to follow the glowing Pumpkins After Dark trail through the estate gardens.
- Enjoy hot chocolate, seasonal snacks, and the crisp autumn air between both experiences.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy both sides of Halloween – the mysterious and the marvellous.
Halloween in Fingal: Explore More Nearby
While you’re in Fingal, the Halloween magic continues beyond our gates. Here’s what else is happening nearby:
- Scarecrows of Samhain at the Casino Model Railway Museum – A creative and family-friendly Halloween display that brings handcrafted scarecrows, model magic, and spooky fun to Malahide. A perfect daytime stop for younger visitors who love art, stories, and trains.
- Ardgillan Castle – Folklore evenings and light-filled garden walks overlooking the Irish Sea.
- Skerries Mills – Fire shows, craft markets, and seasonal entertainment by the coast.
- Fingal Festival of Fire – On Halloween night, enjoy fireworks, music, and community celebrations across Fingal.
Discover the full regional programme at eventsinfingal.ie/home-of-halloween.
Plan Your Visit
Location
Newbridge House & Farm, Hearse Road, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin.
Just 25 minutes from Dublin city by car or DART (Donabate Station).
Event Dates & Tickets
- Pumpkins After Dark: Nightly through October (timed entry).
- Samhain’s Haunting Histories: 25–31 October, at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Advance booking recommended via ireland.pumpkinsafterdark.com and newbridgehouseandfarm.com.
Parking & Accessibility
Pumpkins – Please note that ALL ON-SITE PARKING SLOTS (€5 per car) HAVE REACHED CAPACITY and are no longer available for booking.
DO NOT DRIVE TO THE EVENT WITHOUT A BOOKING.
YOU MUST BOOK THE PARK N RIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE
To ensure you can attend and enjoy the event, you must now pre-book a space on our convenient PARK N RIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE.
Please visit the booking page immediately to secure your Park N Ride ticket:https://bookings.newbridgehouseandfarm.com/Home
The pumpkin trail is mostly paved and suitable for buggies; some paths may require care for wheelchair users. The house tours include stairs and low lighting, so assistance is available if needed.
What to Bring
Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for crisp autumn air — and a little Irish drizzle.
Where to Stay
Stay locally in Donabate, Portmarnock or Swords, or in Dublin city for easy access to Fingal’s Halloween events. Find great options on discoverireland.ie or failteireland.ie.
The Spirit of Halloween Lives Here
At Newbridge House & Farm, Halloween isn’t just a date on the calendar – it’s a celebration of Ireland’s heritage, creativity, and imagination.
Through the glowing artistry of Pumpkins After Dark and the storytelling of Samhain’s Haunting Histories, we’re keeping the traditions of Samhain alive for a new generation – inviting families, friends, and visitors from near and far to experience Halloween where it truly belongs.
So come walk by candlelight, wander under glowing pumpkins, and discover Halloween’s heart – right here in Fingal, at Newbridge House & Farm.
Book your tickets now at newbridgehouseandfarm.com
Learn more about Pumpkins After Dark and Samhain’s Haunting Histories
Explore regional events at eventsinfingal.ie
Discover the national campaign at tourismireland.com
