Secret Ireland Tours is delighted to team up with Austin Ghost Tours from Texas to offer you "Ghostly Encounters of Halloween in Ireland"

Castles, Fairies, History, Ghosts, Investigations, and Storytelling. 

During this tour, you will explore spooky places like Leap Castle, Malahide Castle.  You will also visit a remarkable farm that boasts Standing Stones, a Fertility stone, a Cairn, a Fairy Fort, and a portal to the other world. Although strange things happen on this farm, the owner Pat Noone is a natural healer who will share with you the history of the farm and what takes place there. 

You will stay in comfortable three- or four-star hotels throughout the tour. Stay in an authentic 17th-century castle the night before you leave to return home. 

You get to take some workshops from a special expert called Rachel Scoazec Brennan about the traditions, customs, and healings of Halloween or Samhain as it is known in the Irish Language, at her healing center in the beautiful Co Kerry in the South West of Ireland.

You will experience breathtaking scenery throughout your journey and meet some of the locals too. So, check out the itinerary and book your place today because we have limited places available and first come first served.

Austin Ghost Tours:

Austin Ghost Tours and Haunted Texas have been researching and sharing all aspects of unexplainable phenomena taking place everywhere for 30 years. This journey to Ireland during Samhain is our first trip to that sacred part of the world when the veil is at its thinnest. this will be an annual life-changing trip.

1  The company requires non-refundable deposits to be paid as per tour in a timely manner. By paying a deposit you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Company.

2  Our tours are all based on double occupancy. There will be an additional supplement for single travelers which will depend on tour taken. 

3  Payment for deposit will hold your place, final balance payment will be 45 days before the start of your choice of  tour. If you are paying by credit card you will have bank charges.

4  Installment plans are available for anyone who would like to avail of them.

5  Travel insurance is something that the company strongly suggests all clients purchase to protect their travel investment.

6  Due to the limited capacity of coaches, there is a limit of one suitcase per passenger. This tour is based on 25 participants booking.

7  Participants are responsible for all their property, luggage, backpacks, phone's, laptops etc. 

8  The company tour guide will give all participants phone no's of tour guides and driver at the start of the trip or in an email before the start of the trip, it is vital that you keep these in a safe place.

9  At the start of each day your tour guide will tell you what time you should be ready, or to be on the bus for the next day's journey, it is up to you to contact your guide if you missed announcements on times. 

10 There is a cancellation fee for participants who cancel within 90 days of the start of trip. Please see contract. If you cancel 30 days before the tour, you do not get a refund on money paid.

11  Some of our trips require walking over stony roads and pathways, it is advised to always bring strong waterproof walking shoes, and waterproof/windproof outer coats/jackets also.

12 We also advise all participants to let us know of food allergies they have.

13 Each participant is responsible for their baggage being brought from the Coach to their accommodation except in the case where the company have booked porterage. The group will be advised where porterage will take place.

14 Conditions, availability, or contractual obligations may warrant for dates, venues, lodging, talent/celebrity headliners/hosts/guests. Ambassadors, tour guides or transportation modes to be changed or cancelled. It is our intent and obligation, within the best of our ability, to substitute and /or accommodate equal or enhanced alternatives. We will not refund any deposits or payments towards the tour due to these conditions.

15  The company reserves the right to remove any persons from the tour if they are disrupting the tour or fellow travelers. 

16 Secret Ireland Tours operates on an 8 to 9 hour day policy. When we depart early, usually around 9 AM, we generally return to our accommodations between 6 PM and 7 PM. If we have evening excursions, we leave later in the day to comply with legal driving time regulations for our driver.

17 We do not hire additional drivers to extend the length of our tours. While some people may prefer tours lasting 10 to 12 hours, the majority do not.

18 We reserve the right to refuse service.

Malahide Castle:

King Henry II gifted Richard Talbot the lands and harbor of Malahide for his services to the crown in 1185. From that point on, the Talbot family became intertwined with Malahide’s history and development.

A magnificent fortress with a long and dramatic history, and a few resident ghosts, Malahide also has gardens that you can roam through, It has a walled garden and a Butterfly house but its ghosts are active here all the time:

Reports of spooky sightings go back as long as the castle’s 800-year history; hardly surprising when you consider the tales of battles, bloodshed and broken hearts surrounding this medieval building.

Some of these ghosts are connected to real historical figures that lived here while others are of more mysterious origin. One of the most famous ghostly residents is court jester Puck. Unlucky in love, Puck continues to nurse a broken heart in the turret where he used to live. You may also have heard of the lady in white; a female apparition who wanders the rooms and corridors of the castle.

Plenty of visitors have reported encounters with these specters – will you be next?!

You can also visit the Butterfly garden while there, and there is also a Fairy garden for you to stroll through. 

Christchurch Cathedral:

Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin is a stunning blend of history, architecture, and spirituality, standing as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks for nearly 1,000 years. Originally founded around 1030 by Norse King Sitric Silkenbeard, the cathedral is a magnificent example of medieval and Gothic architecture. Inside, soaring stone arches and intricate stained glass windows create a serene, awe-inspiring atmosphere. Beneath the cathedral lies one of the largest crypts in Ireland and the UK, dating back to the 12th century, which houses fascinating historical artifacts—including a mummified cat and rat famously nicknamed "Tom & Jerry." Christ Church is not only a place of worship but also a portal into Dublin's layered past, where ancient relics, royal connections, and mysterious legends still echo through its hallowed halls.

Fiona Dalton's Magical Halloween Walk:

Fiona has a magical way of introducing Dublin's iconic spots to all who walk with her. She talks about the history, hauntings and she sometimes give you a bar or two of a song associated with the venues that you are visiting. We think you will enjoy you walk with her.

Activity level: Moderate/high

The itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather, and other conditions out of our control.

Hill of Tara:

The Hill of Tara, located in County Meath, is one of Ireland’s most sacred and spiritually significant sites. Once the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, this mystical hilltop is steeped in legend and mythology. It is believed to be a powerful energy center, aligned with the stars and imbued with the spiritual presence of Ireland’s ancient gods and goddesses. The Lia Fáil, or Stone of Destiny, stands at the summit and was said to roar with approval when the rightful king touched it. Tara is not just a historical monument—it is a place of deep spiritual resonance, where the veil between worlds feels thin, and visitors often report a profound sense of peace and connection. Many come to meditate, perform rituals, or simply walk the land to absorb its ancient, mystical energy.

Belvedere House:

Belvedere House is a Georgian villa on the shores of Lough Ennell near Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Open to the public, the estate features several striking follies, including the so-called “Jealous Wall,” which bears testimony to one of the most sordid family squabbles in Irish history.

It all started in 1936, when an ambitious aristocrat, Robert Rochfort, (later the 1st Earl of Belvedere) decided he wanted to marry a popular young woman in Dublin artistic circles, the 16-year-old Mary Molesworth. She evidently sensed he wasn’t quite the catch he appeared, as she resisted his initial advances, but her family, seduced by his power and great name, arranged the match. For a few years, the relationship worked, and the couple had two children. 

Robert lost interest in her. There are suggestions that his mistress poisoned his mind against his wife, and other suggestions that it was his brother, George. 

He locked her away in her bedroom for 30 years until he died. During this time she never saw her 4 children.

After being murdered at his home, Lieutenant Commander Robert Rochfort took to haunting the roads around his former home. A priest by the name of Father Timothy Shanley encountered the ghost, and after a brief but fierce battle that included holy water and brimstone, but be careful, you never know if you will see him around the Estate.

Galway city:

Upon arriving in Galway in the afternoon, you can take some time to explore the city before settling into your hotel. You'll find a plethora of great little shops, museums, restaurants, shopping centers, galleries, and usually music in the streets and pubs for you to enjoy.

Activity Level: Low/moderate

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather, and other conditions out of our control.

Pat Noone's Fairy Farm:

Fairies, she-wolves, and fertility stones: Strange tales from a hidden Ireland,

Pat Noone will welcome you to his farm with a warm Irish welcome, he will bring you on that hallowed ground past the standing stone, the fertility stone down the path to the cairn, and then you walk into the fairy field. You will stand at the portal between the hawthorn trees which is where the Fairies come and go. It truly is a magical place and we know you will enjoy it and the stories Pat has to tell.

Pat is also an amazing healer. 

Leap Castle:

One of the longest continually inhabited Castles in Ireland, Leap Castle has a rich and fascinating history.  Leap Castle is thought to have been built in the early 1500s by the O’Bannon clan.   The O’Bannon clan were the secondary chieftains under the ruling of the O'Carroll  clan.  the site was used by Druids for initiation ceremonies.   The castle has been home to much bloodshed and violence over the centuries.

 The Elemental is one of the most interesting spirits that reside at Leap Castle.  It is an entity that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.  The first encounter, origin, and exact nature of the Elemental are unknown but many theories have circulated over the years. 

Two young girls have also been seen at Leap Castle. Emily & Charlotte. Emily is thought to be aged around 11 or 12 and Charlotte around 6 or 7. They are mainly seen playing in the main hall and running up the stairwell. They are believed to have lived at the castle during the 1600’s and are thought to be the last of the O’Carrolls or the first of the Darbys. These are just two examples of spirits in this place, Sean Ryan will tell you all the stories and his experiences, and he might just play a few tunes for you too.

Activity Level: Low

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather, and other conditions out of our control.

Kylemore Abbey:

Located just over one hour from Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Henry created an estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the modern age’. An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate of the Irish people, Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence here since 1920.

 Experience woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland’s largest Walled Garden. Enjoy wholesome food and delicious home-baking in our Café or Garden Tea House.e times a day in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden take place throughout the summer. Browse our Craft and Design Shop for unique gifts including Kylemore Abbey Pottery and award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns. Discover the beauty, history, and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

Museum of Country Life:

Nestled just outside Castlebar in County Mayo, the Museum of Country Life offers a fascinating journey into Ireland’s rural past. Set within the picturesque grounds of Turlough Park House, this award-winning museum brings to life the traditions, crafts, and daily experiences of Irish people from the 1850s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore captivating exhibits showcasing everything from farming tools and fishing gear to clothing, furniture, and folklore. The beautifully restored Victorian house, serene gardens, and scenic lakeside walks make it a perfect day out for history lovers and families alike. Step back in time and discover how Ireland’s countryside shaped its people and culture at this hidden gem in the heart of Mayo.

Activity Level: Low/Moderate

The itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather, and other conditions out of our control.

Healing workshop/Celtic Card reading:

We are giving you a few hours to relax and do your own thing but if you are interested, we have booked a very special psychic medium to come for a few hours in the morning to give readings and a healing workshop.

Halloween Bonfire: (Dependent on weather)

Long before Halloween became a night of costumes and candy, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), a powerful festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark half of the year. 

Saying goodbye to the Celtic old year and welcoming in the new Celtic year.

Held on the night of October 31st, Samhain was seen as a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world grew thin, allowing ancestors—and otherworldly beings—to cross over. Bonfires blazed on hilltops across Ireland to light the way for friendly spirits and to ward off malevolent ones. 

Communities gathered around these fires for feasting, storytelling, and rituals of protection. People wore disguises to confuse wandering spirits, and carved turnips with grim faces to keep evil at bay—a tradition that evolved into today’s jack-o’-lanterns. Samhain was not just a time of fear, but one of connection, reverence, and renewal, deeply woven into the rhythm of the Celtic year and the spiritual landscape of ancient Ireland.

Activity Level: Low

Please note that the itinerary is subject to slight changes due to weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Parke's Castle:

Parke’s Castle overlooks Lough Gill, a lake hardwired into Irish mythology. Legends include the Hag of Lough Gill—a shape-shifting guardian of hidden lake treasures—and ties to the ancient myth of the Children of Lir, who were transformed into swans roaming these very waters.

 Wandering Spirit of a Woman
Local lore holds that the ghost of a sorrowful woman drifts through the castle grounds at dusk. She’s variously linked to an Irish servant, a tenant under the harsh plantation regime, or even to the tragic O’Rourke family who once held the land. Visitors and staff say she appears as whispers, cold chills, or shadowy figures in the courtyard and Great Hall.

Banshee & Warning Wails
Another age-old legend speaks of a banshee near the castle, whose eerie wails are believed to signal impending death, echoing through the still night air. 

Ghostly Myles O’Reilly
Sightings of a male specter, thought to be Myles O’Reilly, a former occupant or local figure, have been reported roaming the corridors before suddenly vanishing into thin air.

Boat Ride:

You will leave the castle and walk down to the shore of Lough Gill, step onto a beautiful cruise boat and take a trip out on the Lake. You will hear the history and stories about the lake and you might be able to have a cup of tea or even a Guinness.

Sligo Town

You are taken to the quaint town of Sligo to explore on your own for a while

Activity Level: Low

Itinerary subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions out of our control.

Sliabh Liag:

When people come to Ireland they often express a wish to see the Cliffs of Moher, and rightfully so because it is indeed a sight to behold, but Sliabh Liag is on a par if now more beautiful because they are the highest cliffs in Europe. The stunning view will take your breath away. You can stand on the viewing platform or can take a walk up the steps to get to the very top and see out onto the ocean and the vast beautiful landscape all around you. This is one of the places that you are not likely to forget.

Donegal Town:

We stop into Donegal town to give you a break and give you a chance to have lunch and check out some of the shops there too. There is also a castle that you could visit if you wish and the ruins of an Abbey. 

Mullaghmore Coastal Drive:

On our way back to the hotel we will take a drive around this stunning coastal drive. This part of Sligo is world-renowned by surfers who come here to catch the 40' waves that can be seen regularly.

It is also known for it's rugged beauty. You can see Classiebawn Castle where Lord Mountbatten who was the first cousin to Queen Elizabeth of England would spend his holidays there. 

Great place to take out the camera and take some great photo's.

Activity Level: Moderate

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Return to Dublin:

We take the long journey back to Dublin today with a stop on the way to get a snack and take a break. You can decide if you want to explore the city or if you just want to go to the Castle where you are staying for the last night of your trip and enjoy it.

We will leave you into the city center and pick you up at an agreed place and time if you want to do that or we can bring you to your Castle. 

You can enjoy the pool, gym, sauna or take a walk down the road and find Bono's house. 

Fitzpatrick's Castle:

The last night of your tour you have the opportunity to stay in an authentic, unique 17th century Irish castle. You will enjoy all the modern conveniences of a modern hotel with indoor swimming, gym, spa treatment rooms, beautiful bedrooms, two bars and two restaurants. 

It is indeed a fitting way to end your trip to Ireland, enjoying castle life for 1 night.

Activity Level: Low

Itinerary is subject to slight change depending on the weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Slán abhaile we say to you today, but we wish you a safe flight and we hope you come back again soon to us and with us to Ireland!