Do you live for the spooky stuff?

If so, it’s the most wonderful time of the year here in Cork.

In fact, there’s never been more to do on Leeside during Halloween, with free activities, workshops, parades and parties designed to thrill grown-ups and adults alike scheduled right up until Halloween night and beyond.

Here are four cool Halloween events that have us just as excited as the kids… 

1. Hunt a dragon in Cork City 

Date: October 31st, 2022

The highlight of the Halloween festivities in Cork, once darkness falls on October 31st, the Dragon of Shandon will once again venture out of its lair and amble into town, accompanied by a merry band of creepy creatures.

The annual city street parade will be starting at 7pm on October 31st on Church Street with a finale on Cornmarket Street.

The Dragon of Shandon Parade will be starting at 7pm October 31st. Starting on Church St with a finale on Cornmarket St! pic.twitter.com/i8GrBeB7h5

— Cork Community Art Link (@corkartlink) October 18, 2022

2. Folklore and stories in Doneraile

Date: October 29th, 2022 (3.30pm to 5pm)

The first Doneraile Samhain Festival is packed full of fun workshops, dressing up, spooky stories, and a two-day market at Doneraile Court.

You can browse the ticketed events here but if you’re looking for some free entertainment for the fam, on October 29th you can bring along tiny trick-or-treaters to be mesmerised by Storytime with Aingeal and Mórrigan and enjoy short stories from Irish folklore as well as some Halloween tales.

Register for free here.

3. Glow along with a Lantern Parade in Killeagh

Date: Saturday, November 5th, 2022

Light the way into the darker half of the year at a Samhain Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 5th at Greywood Arts Centre in Killeagh.

Adults in the community are invited to help make giant lanterns on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday that week. Studio slots are 11am -1pm and 2pm -4pm on all three days. They are free to attend but should be booked in advance on Eventbrite.

4. Spooky happenings in Schull

If you find yourself down west at the end of the month, there’s a ton of family fun lurking over at the Schull Harbour Hotel on Monday, October 31st.

Schull & District Community Council is hosting a free fancy dress Halloween Family Disco from 6pm with live music and games for all to enjoy.