We’re so excited for Autumn. The colour of falling leaves, cosy evenings beside the fire and of course, one of the spookiest celebrations all year – Halloween. Did you know that Dublin has a very dark side, filled with body snatchers, banshees and vampires? Dublin’s spooky side is on show over the Halloween bank holiday weekend and it’s the perfect time to learn more about our beautiful city’s scary underbelly. There are plenty of things to do in Dublin in the run-up to Halloween, from family-friendly shows to truly haunting tours- just depends on how much of a scaredy cat you are!

1. TRICK OR TREAT

The origins of trick or treating can be traced back to ancient Celts, a people who lives over 2000 years ago in what we now know as Ireland. Halloween itself has its roots in the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on the night of October 31st. It’s said that dressing up was to confuse the spirits so they would consider you one of their own on a night when the lines were blurred between living and dead. Dublin is filled with costumes on Halloween night from children asking for candy to adults dressing up and going dancing. GO on, get involved!

2. BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL –28^TH – 31^ST OCTOBER

Did you know that the writer of the world-famous vampire novel Dracula was from Dublin? The Bram Stoker festival, now in its tenth year, is finally returning to venues across Dublin. Taking inspiration from Stoker, his life, his work and life in Dublin around that time, you can expect a packed schedule of events ranging from kid’s storytelling to debates and lectures on topics from the Gothic, the supernatural, the after-dark and all things Victorian. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with events for all ages across the city and an extra special ‘spectacular’ to finish it all off. You can enjoy a comedy tour, podcasts, theatre performances, art, workshops and so much more. Check out the official Bram Stoker Festival website to sink your teeth into this exciting festival.

3. DUBLIN GHOST BUS – EVERY EVENING

After a couple of years of quiet nights and regular public transport, we are delighted to welcome back the Dublin Ghost bus to our streets, just in time for Halloween. Easily one of the most entertaining and fascinating things to do in Dublin, the ghost bus is a fascinating tour of Dublin taken under the cover of darkness, and a double-decker bus! The guide, a professional actor is ready to spook you at every turn, and a creepy conductor (usually just a regular Dublin Bus driver) take you on a tour around the city, stopping off at the scariest spots in the city and telling you stories of grave robbers, witches, Victorian theatres, sinister surgeons and more. Be prepared to get scared on this two-hour trip of terror. It’s a great idea for an alternative first date, especially if you don’t mind holding clammy hands!

4. ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA – 29TH OCTOBER

It wouldn’t be Halloween without watching the famous Rocky Horror, would it? This year, one of our closest neighbours, theatre and performance space The Sugar Club is hosting the annual Halloween Extravaganza which includes a full cast performance of the all-singing all-dancing Rocky Horror Picture Show. Expect a night to remember as friends and acquaintances come together to celebrate their favourite time of the year complete with costumes, dancing, singalongs and more. With guest performances, prizes for best dressed, complimentary goodies and audience participation it’s set to be the Halloween party of the year so hold on to your fishnets! Tickets are just €25 each and the show starts at 8pm. Our accommodation on Leeson Street in Dublin is a literal stone’s throw from The Sugar Club so you won’t have far to shimmy home. Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for PREMIER SUITES PLUS Dublin Leeson, a luxury hotel alternative located in the centre of Georgian Dublin which houses lavish suites and refined penthouse apartments. This travel buff has got a lot to say about travel, dining, cultural enjoyment, and lifestyle.

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