There's no better place to be as Samhain draws in than an ancient castle. With the harvest gathered and the evenings turning dark, Howth Castle and Howth Castle Cookery School open the doors for Halloween 2026 with a full week of hands-on classes, feasting and folklore, all rooted in the ancient Irish festival that gave the world Halloween.
The 2026 Halloween programme runs from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November. Forage for native plants and remedies with Wild Food Mary, pull up a chair at a candlelit murder mystery supper club, bring the young cooks along to a spooky class in the castle kitchen, or round off the weekend with a warming harvest brunch cookery class. Whether you're a keen home cook, a family after a memorable Halloween, or you're simply after an atmospheric autumn evening in one of Howth's most storied settings, there's something on the menu for you.
In the castle itself, you'll find more besides: join one of the candlelit historian-led tours, the four-morning writing workshop, and a Halloween night of story, song and fire.
Places are limited across every event, so early booking is advised. Explore the full programme below.
Join a hands-on, chef-led, autumn cookery class with local ingredients, followed by a seated feast in the castle.
€95 pp or €105 with castle tour.
Guided foraging walk with Wild Food Mary, native plant remedies and a little Celtic witchery.
Fun family cooking session for young chefs and an accompanying adult in the Georgian kitchen.
€150 per adult-and-child booking.
Our exclusive Feast of Samhain Supper Club invites you to an exquisite multi-course dining experience where murder, mystery, and indulgence await behind the castle gates.
Prices start at €115 pp
Hands-on harvest brunch in the historic kitchen to round off the weekend; adults only. €105 (€120 with castle tour).
Candlelit historian-led tour through the castle's halls with ghostly tales and folklore.
Adult €15, Child €7, Concession €12, Family (2+2) €33.
A morning creative writing workshop, running over 4 days, with Lara O'Brien on Samhain and cultural heritage. €400 pp
To book: Email laraobrienbooks@gmail.com
An evening of story, song and fire-breathers with guest author Clare McKenna, MC'd by Dearbhail McDonald and with musical guests Martello & Friends, €22.42 per person
All events must be booked in advance using the links above. Thank you.
For private and corporate events, please contact: Howth Castle at info@howthcastle.ie and Howth Castle Cookery School at info@howthcastlecookeryschool.ie
Posted on 2 Oct 2026.
