Derry HalloweenDerry, Ireland

You might be familiar with Derry because of the popular TV sitcom Derry Girls. Yep, it’s the hometown of Erin and Co, but it’s also the Halloween capital of Ireland. Bet ya didn’t know that. And neither did we until we stumbled upon Derry Halloween.

Every October, this city transforms into a playground for the ghoulishly inclined, offering a (strong) cocktail of thrills, chills, and more spooks than your childhood self had nightmares after watching The Grudge for the first time. No? Just us?

There’s plenty to scare yourself with here: a front-row seat to the infamous Derry Halloween Carnival with its creepy clowns, haunting witches, and other not-meant-to-be-seen creatures is enough to have you passing on the pumpkin-spiced punch.

And that’s not all. Your eerie escapade continues with a selection of fiery performances, weird walking trails, and intricate lantern displays that’ll have you channelling Josh Lambert navigating The Further*.

Catch the Witchy Wonderland, dance with the Wailing Nuns, listen to Uncle Doom and his Organ of Gloom (no, we didn’t make that up) and improve your skills under the Zombie Circus’ big top.

But you won’t just have your friends to keep you company. The spirits of this city’s historical figures have been waiting all year for a good yap. They’ve escaped from their workhouses and slipped between the bars of their prison cells, ready to join in the horrifying Halloween festivities with a prime spot right by your side.

They’re terrifying enough, but the real spine-tingler is the atmosphere. As the sun sets, the walls of Derry whisper tales of centuries gone by, and the air thickens with anticipatory spooks and scares. Dare to join?

*Pretty niche reference to Insidious.

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