Toil & Trouble

Elegant gift voucher with golden ribbon, inviting guests to buy now for a luxurious hotel experience.

Historic hotel facade lit warmly at night, welcoming ambience near city attractions.

Cosy, rustic interior of Kytelers Inn with historic decor, inviting atmosphere, and guests enjoying lively pub experience.

Ireland’s Home of Halloween

Ireland is widely recognised as the birthplace of Halloween, with its origins rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Traditionally marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, Samhain was a time when it was believed the boundary between the living and the spirit world became thinner, giving rise to many of the customs we now associate with Halloween. With its rich medieval history, folklore and legendary tales, Kilkenny is the perfect place to experience this magical time of year. From ancient castles and historic streets to stories of witches, myths and mysteries, the city embraces its connection to Ireland’s Halloween heritage, offering visitors a truly atmospheric and unforgettable experience.

Halloween-themed scarecrow with carved pumpkin head amidst autumn trees at outdoor hotel garden.

Kilkenny’s Halloween Festival

Step back in time and uncover Ireland’s newest cultural Halloween festival, Toil & Trouble, set in historic Kilkenny. Inspired by the infamous Kilkenny Witch Trials of 1324, this unique festival brings the city’s medieval past to life through captivating storytelling, immersive experiences, family-friendly activities, workshops and heritage events. Discover the dramatic tales of Alice Kyteler and Petronella de Meath while exploring the myths, mysteries and folklore that have shaped Kilkenny’s story for centuries. Taking place during the Halloween season, Toil & Trouble offers a spellbinding experience for visitors of all ages, combining history, culture and a touch of magic in the heart of the Marble City.

festival programme

The Toil & Trouble Festival brings the spirit of Halloween to life with an exciting programme of events taking place across some of Kilkenny’s most iconic venues. From captivating storytelling and atmospheric readings to live music performances and hands-on workshops, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Festival events will be hosted in celebrated locations including Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Watergate Theatre, and Canal Square, each providing a unique backdrop for a celebration of Ireland’s rich folklore, mythology, and Halloween traditions. Whether you’re exploring spine-tingling tales, enjoying live entertainment, or taking part in interactive workshops, the festival promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ireland’s Medieval City.

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Night fire show at historic hotel courtyard with gothic tower, providing entertainment and cultural experience.

Guests in Halloween costumes around hay bales at Jurassic-themed park entrance with pumpkins and vibrant signage.

Jurassic Newpark’s Halloween Experience

Jurassic Haunt

24th October to 1st November

Get ready for a roarsome Halloween adventure with Jurassic Haunt, Jurassic Newpark’s 2026 Halloween Experience in Kilkenny! This spooky season, the park transforms into a magical world of dinosaurs, witches, wizards, wicked surprises and family-friendly frights, with an incredible line-up of activities included in your ticket. Little witches and wizards can take part in the Jurassic Sorting Ceremony and hands-on Wizard Class, decorate delicious chocolate apples, tackle magical games and pose for themed photos before braving The Wicked Walk, Haunted Cabin, Haunted Jurassic Castle and creepy-crawly Spider Tunnel. Families can also enjoy the Dino Dance Show, complete a scavenger hunt to win a prize, hop aboard the Jurassic Halloween Express Train, enjoy face painting and much more, plus complimentary parking. With the perfect mix of Halloween magic, gentle scares, dinosaurs and hands-on family fun, Jurassic Haunt is a brilliant Halloween day out where there’s something around every corner for kids and grown-ups to discover together.

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Jurassic Newpark’s Afterdark Halloween Experience

The Witching Hour

30th and 31st of October 2026

When darkness falls, the dinosaurs come alive… The Witching Hour is Jurassic Newpark’s brand-new After Dark Halloween Experience for Kids, taking place for two nights only! Step through the gates during the eerie witching hours and discover Jurassic Newpark as you’ve never seen it before, transformed into a spectacular nighttime world of dinosaurs, Halloween magic, spooky surprises and family-friendly thrills. Brave the Scare Room, creep through the Jurassic Graveyard and giant Spider Tunnel, explore the chilling Jurassic Castle and take on Pterosaur Mountain and the Lost Valley Cyclone under the cover of darkness before climbing aboard the Jurassic Express for a haunting journey through the park. Gather in the Dino Den Theatre to hear the fascinating 700-year-old legend of Alice Kyteler, Kilkenny’s most famous witch. With roaming characters, eerie Halloween displays, prehistoric creatures, thrilling rides and frightfully good photo opportunities throughout the park, The Witching Hour promises a Halloween night the whole family won’t forget. Come dressed in your favourite Halloween costume and prepare to experience Jurassic Newpark after dark… if you’re brave enough!

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