October is one of the most atmospheric times of year to visit the Boyne Valley. As the days get shorter and autumn settles across Meath and Louth, the region comes alive with music, food, culture, family events and, of course, plenty of Halloween celebrations.
With the ancient traditions of Samhain deeply connected to the Boyne Valley, October is also a particularly special time to explore the region. From the Spirits of Meath Festival and Púca Festival to the spectacular Lú Festival of Light, there are events taking place throughout the month for all ages and interests.
If you’re planning a visit to the Boyne Valley this October, here are some of the events worth adding to your itinerary.
Christy Moore Live at Knightsbrook Hotel
1st October 2026 | Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Trim
October gets underway with a night of Irish music as legendary singer-songwriter Christy Moore takes to the stage at Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort on 1 October.
Christy Moore emerged in the late 1960s, combining traditional Irish folk sounds with the emerging influence of rock and roll. Over a career spanning decades, he has performed both as a solo artist and as a member of Planxty and Moving Hearts, becoming one of the most influential names in Irish music.
With songs that have become part of the fabric of Irish music, his live performances offer the opportunity to experience one of Ireland's best-known folk musicians in concert.
The show starts at 8pm, with tickets from €67.50 per person via Ticketmaster.
Find out more HERE!
Farmaphobia 2026
2nd – 31st October 2026 | C15 P83R
Part of the Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival.
If you're looking for something a little more terrifying this October, Farmaphobia is back for 2026.
Spread across 100 acres of fear, Farmaphobia features six terrifying haunts designed to deliver plenty of scares throughout the Halloween season. With Halloween taking centre stage across the Boyne Valley in October, this is one for those who enjoy their autumn adventures with a serious dose of fright.
Farmaphobia runs throughout October, making it easy to fit into a Halloween-themed trip to the region.
Think you're brave enough? Enter if you dare.
Find out more HERE!
Earthfall at Droichead Arts Centre
2nd October 2026 | Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Street, Drogheda
For something completely different, head to Drogheda for Earthfall, a high-energy theatre and dance production at Droichead Arts Centre.
Blending dance theatre, circus and cultural dances from Zimbabwe, Brazil and Ireland, the production follows four people trapped in a Kafkaesque world where rules, boundaries and schedules constantly shift.
As they attempt to find a way through this strange and restrictive environment, their connection to one another becomes a source of strength. The production brings together Irish and international contemporary and cultural dancers to explore themes of borders, connection and the human experience.
The performance takes place at 8pm on 2nd October, offering an opportunity to experience contemporary theatre and dance in the heart of Drogheda.
Find out more HERE!
Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival
2nd October – 8th November 2026 | Locations across County Meath
October is when the Boyne Valley's ancient connection with Halloween truly comes to life.
The Spirits of Meath Festival returns from 2 October to 8 November, bringing a season of Halloween events, experiences and entertainment to locations throughout County Meath.
The Boyne Valley has a particularly strong connection to the ancient festival of Samhain. At the Hill of Tlachtga, or Hill of Ward, near Athboy, fires were associated with ancient Samhain celebrations. Archaeological excavations have also provided evidence of feasting and ceremonial activity at the site dating from the Late Bronze Age through to the early medieval period.
Today, that ancient connection is celebrated through a packed programme of Halloween experiences across Meath.
From fun by day to fright by night, the Spirits of Meath Festival offers something for families, history enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience Halloween in the place where its ancient traditions have deep roots.
Find out more HERE!
Bingo Loco at the Newgrange Hotel
3rd October – 20th December 2026 | Newgrange Hotel
Bingo gets a serious makeover this autumn with Bingo Loco at the Newgrange Hotel.
Forget the traditional image of a quiet game of bingo. Bingo Loco promises outrageous games, hilarious hosts, confetti, big tunes and plenty of prizes, creating an evening of entertainment built around the familiar game with a very different atmosphere.
Running from October through to December, it is an option for groups of friends looking for a lively night out during an autumn visit to Navan and the Boyne Valley.
Find out more HERE!
INF Brass Band Navan Movie Concert
4th October 2026 | St Mary's Church of Ireland, Navan
Film and live music come together at the INF Brass Band Navan Movie Concert on Sunday 4th October.
Taking place from 6pm to 7pm at St Mary's Church of Ireland in Navan, the concert will see the INF Brass Band bring favourite movie tunes to life in a live performance.
It's an event that can appeal to both film fans and music lovers, and with free entry for children, it also provides a family-friendly option for an October evening in Navan.
Find out more HERE!
Boyne Valley Flavours Dining Week
9th – 18th October 2026 | Across Meath and Louth
October isn't all about Halloween. It's also a fantastic time to explore the food and drink of the Boyne Valley.
Boyne Valley Flavours Dining Week takes place from 9th – 18th October, bringing together food producers, chefs, farmers, restaurants, cafés, hotels and pubs across Meath and Louth for ten days celebrating the region's local produce and food culture.
Visitors can expect special menus, signature dishes, local drinks pairings and creative dining experiences showcasing the ingredients and producers that make the Boyne Valley's food scene so distinctive.
There will be plenty happening throughout the week, including a special seven-course, Boyne Valley producer-led menu at Dundalk Gaol, hosted by Kitchenetta Catering on 15th October.
Other participating venues include The Black Bull Inn, with a special three-course menu featuring seasonal local produce from 9th – 18th October, Time Bar & Grill at Pillo Hotel Ashbourne, serving a three-course Boyne Valley Harvest Menu, and Square Restaurant, which will also offer a special set menu.
Whether you're planning a dedicated food trip or simply looking for somewhere special to eat during your Boyne Valley visit, Dining Week is a great opportunity to discover the region through its food.
Find out more HERE!
Tara Tours Halloween 2026
21st October – 1st November 2026 | Boyne Valley and beyond
For visitors who want to experience the ancient origins of Halloween as part of a guided trip, Tara Tours Ireland is offering its Halloween in Ireland tour from 21st October to 1st November.
The tour focuses on the ancient origins of Samhain in the Boyne Valley, combining the region's history and mythology with a wider journey through Ireland.
Tara Tours specialises in bespoke and small-group journeys, with expert local guides and carefully selected accommodation. For visitors coming to Ireland specifically to experience Halloween and its ancient traditions, the Boyne Valley provides an ideal setting.
Find out more HERE!
Blondie Raptured at The Ardboyne Hotel
23rd October 2026 | The Ardboyne Hotel, Navan
Fans of classic pop and rock can enjoy a night of nostalgia at The Ardboyne Hotel on Friday 23rd October.
Blondie Raptured brings the sound and style of Blondie and Debbie Harry to Navan, with a live tribute featuring some of the band's best-known hits.
Expect songs including Heart of Glass, Call Me, One Way or Another, Atomic, Dreaming, Maria and The Tide Is High, alongside plenty of live entertainment.
Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm.
Find out more HERE!
Lú Festival of Light
23rd – 26th October 2026 | Drogheda
As darkness falls across Drogheda, the city will once again be transformed by the Lú Festival of Light.
Running from 23rd – 26th October, this free, family-friendly festival will illuminate some of Drogheda's most iconic heritage buildings with spectacular animations inspired by ancient mythical gods, goddesses, creatures and legendary heroes.
Alongside the illuminated buildings, visitors can enjoy a street festival featuring fire performers, stilt walkers and colourful characters.
With ticketed events also forming part of the programme, Lú offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Drogheda after dark while experiencing its heritage in a completely different way.
Find out more HERE!
Púca Festival
29th October – 1st November 2026 | Trim and Athboy
Halloween weekend brings one of the biggest celebrations of the season to the Boyne Valley as Púca Festival returns to Trim and Athboy from 29th October to 1st November.
With the Boyne Valley recognised as the ancient home of Samhain, Púca embraces the region's mythology, folklore and Halloween heritage while creating a modern festival experience.
Trim and Athboy will once again become hubs for the festival, welcoming visitors for a weekend of events and experiences as Halloween approaches.
For anyone planning an autumn break in the Boyne Valley, the final weekend of October is an ideal time to experience the region at the height of its Halloween season.
Find out more HERE!
Highlanes Gallery: Highlanes 20 Young Creatives Art Competition
Until 31st October 2026 | Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda
If you're visiting Drogheda with an interest in art and creativity, there is still time to see the Highlanes 20: Young Creatives Art Competition at Highlanes Gallery.
Part of the gallery's 20th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition showcases work created by young artists aged 18 and under from across the island of Ireland.
The competition explores the themes of identity and the environment under the title Me, My Place, Our World, with categories ranging from under six years through to 15–18 years, as well as an additional needs section.
The exhibition is open to the public until 31st October, making it a great addition to an October visit to Drogheda.
Find out more HERE!
From ancient Halloween traditions and spectacular light festivals to live music, theatre, food and family entertainment, October is one of the most exciting times of year to experience the Boyne Valley.
And with the Boyne Valley's connection to Samhain at the heart of so many of the season's events, there is no better place to experience the atmosphere of Halloween in Ireland.
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