Witches, Spirits & Castles: An Irish Halloween Tour Like No Other
Block your calendars from October 27th to November 4th, 2025, for a tour of Ireland that will immerse you in its gorgeous green beauty, rich storytelling, and remarkable (albeit at times harrowing) history. Why explore Ireland at Halloween? It's where the holiday was born. We've partnered with CIE to create a land tour like no other. A few highlights include a ghost tour of Dublin, spending Halloween in Derry, voted the top Halloween destination in the world, and touring Belfast (some of it haunted) with a local guide.
Mon, Oct-27
DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Tue, Oct-28
DUBLIN ARRIVAL
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the
coach. Transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You might like to relax or freshen up before this evening’s welcome festivities.
Head to Nancy Hands Restaurant tonight to enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your group.
After, set off on a private guided ghost tour of Dublin. Learn about Dublin’s dark history and discover many of the city’s haunted sites, such as Trinity College and St. Audeon’s Church.
OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Wed, Oct-29
KILMAINHAM GAOL
This morning, visit Kilmainham Gaol (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure) to see what punishment was like during its years of operation from 1796 to 1924. Learn about political prisoners, especially from the 1916 Rising, detained here because of their efforts to shape Ireland’s history.
Then, visit the nearby St. Michan’s Church, built on an early Danish chapel site. The underground burial vault is a unique (and, let it be noted, most macabre) feature of this church. Because of the dry atmosphere, bodies have lain for centuries without showing signs of decomposition. The most famous of these mummies is what may have been a Norman man from the 13th century, who was given the nickname “Crusader” by locals. While visiting the tombs, perhaps you will hear the whispers of silent screams of “Crusader” or one of his fellow mummies, who are forever trapped in their mummified states.
Afterward, head to Gallagher’s Boxty House to enjoy a late lunch and storytelling with your group. Return to your hotel for a free evening.
OVERNIGHT: CAMDEN COURT HOTEL, DUBLIN
Thu, Oct-30
DERRY SIGHTSEEING
Leaving Dublin, travel into Derry and join a local guide for a spooky walking tour to see Guildhall, St. Columb's Cathedral, the Diamond, and the 17th-century walls, as well as other ghostly sites around the historic city. Motor a short distance to your hotel, check in, and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. You might like to experience the Awakening the Walled City, where Halloween is brought to life through illumination, performances, and music throughout Derry.
Tonight, you are free to dine locally on your own.
OVERNIGHT: EVERGLADES HOTEL, DERRY
Fri, Oct-31
HALLOWEEN IN DERRY
Spend the day at leisure participating in Halloween activities in Derry, voted the world's top Halloween destination. You may like to take part in haunted ghost tours, spooky thrills, and dazzling Halloween parades scattered around the city. In the evening, you may like to grab an independent bite to eat at one of the restaurants or pubs in the area.
OVERNIGHT: EVERGLADES HOTEL, DERRY
Sat, Nov-01
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
Leaving Derry, travel north to visit the Giant’s Causeway, a foreboding area formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava, which has given rise to many legends. One such legend says that Finn MacCool, an Irish giant, built the walkway to battle a Scottish Giant by the name of Benandonner. Being MacCool's home turf, it was almost destiny that he won.
Next, drive into Bushmills to visit the Bushmills Distillery, which is Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery. See how whiskey is distilled and try a sample at the end of your tour.
Transfer to your hotel in Belfast, check-in, and settle into your room. This evening, you may like to dine in one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues located within the city.
OVERNIGHT: GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, BELFAST
Sun, Nov-02
BELFAST SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial, the Opera House, and the Crown Liquor Saloon. Stop to visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her ill-fated end in 1912. While ghosts may not frequent the museum, the connection with the tragic tale of the Titanic is ghastly enough.
Next, visit Crumlin Road Gaol to explore over 150 years of Northern Ireland's dark history, from political prisoners to everyday citizens locked up during "the Troubles." You won’t have to journey far down the eerie, empty corridors to feel the haunted presence of those who perished in the gaol. The most common sounds heard are screams of agony from the execution chambers and weeping in now-vacant cells. Head back to your hotel, where you might like to freshen up before this evening’s festivities.
Tonight, journey to Grace Neill’s, built in 1611 and named after Neill, who was given the bar by her father as a wedding present. While here, enjoy a traditional Irish dinner with your fellow travelers.
OVERNIGHT: GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, BELFAST
Monday, Nov 3
LOUGHCREW CAIRNS
Today, visit the megalithic burial grounds at Loughcrew Cairns, which also consist of intricate passages and chambers constructed roughly 5,000 years ago. If you are lucky, one of the ancient ghosts may linger at their final resting place.
Continue your drive into Malahide to visit Malahide Castle, a visually remarkable ancient castle set outside the beautiful town of Malahide. While there, you might encounter one of its resident ghosts: court jester Puck, Miles Corbett, the White Lady, Lord Galtrim, or Galtrim’s bride-to-be Maud Plunkett.
After a tour of the castle, you might like to explore this quaint upscale town. Motor a short distance to your hotel, check in, and spend some time at leisure before meeting your group for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE JOHNSTOWN ESTATE HOTEL & SPA
Tue, Nov-04
RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags, and identifying strap
Full Breakfasts (7)
Lunches (1)
Dinners (3)
LAND CANCELLATION PENALTIES: All cancellations must be advised in writing. No refunds will be made for unused or pre-
purchased events.
99 – 66 days prior to departure *Forfeiture of deposit
65 - 16 days prior to departure 30% per person
15 - 8 days prior to departure 50% per person
7 - 1 days prior to departure 90% per person
Day of Departure 100% per person
Air Cancellation Penalty: Penalties will apply based on the airline booked.