Make a deadly date with the Halloween bank holiday weekend in locations across Ireland

In the former category are The Haunting of Gusty Nook stage show (8-12 years) at Axis Ballymun, pyrotechnics at Dublin Castle, Spooky Stories at Marsh's Library, DJ Donal Dineen's daytime disco at The Ark, and and Stokerland fun fair in St Patrick's Park.

For grown-ups are talks and walks from Three Castles Burning's Donal Fallon, literary events, film screenings and Dracula: Lucy's Passion at the Abbey. Some events are sold out (waiting list only); many are free, but booking essential. October 25-28; bramstokerfestival.com.

​Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy, Co Meath has become a major arts festival, gigantic big top and all, with live acts this year including Leftfield (DJ set), Ireland's own decks jockey Jenny Greene, Gavin James, Kingfishr, Bell X1, The High Kings, Dermot Whelan, Panti Bliss, Mary Coughlan, Deirdre O'Kane, Neil Delamere, The Dirt Birds and many more.

And it's not only music, comedy, circus shows and harvest markets, with the true spirt of Samhain smouldering in The Púca Procession in Trim, the Lighting of the Fire ceremony in Athboy, plus storytelling and guided walks. October 31 until November 3; pucafestival.com.

​'Big house' estates are big on atmosphere, which makes Malahide Castle and Gardens in Dublin and Palmerstown House in Kildare evocative settings for the inaugural Haunted Trails by Follow Fox Events. These immersive walks are aimed at younger children – more spooky than scary – along which is a resident witch, a Mad Hatter preparing for his Tea Party, a Monster Mash Party and a pumpkin patch of gourds. Dressing-up encouraged. October 26-27; thehauntedtrail.ie.

​Another handsome historic estate – Killruddery, Co Wicklow – is hosting devilish capers at Alive Outside's Halloween Kids Camp, devised by Hell and Back Junior, for children aged 7-13. It's all about outdoor play, with activities and challenges including archery, bushcraft, pumpkin carving and scarecrow making. There's also a Hell and Back Junior preview edition on October 19 (ages 8-12) whose obstacle courses have featured on TV's Ireland's Fittest Family. October 29 until November 1, start times vary, with prices per child from €122-€142; aliveoutside.ie.