The Office of Public Works (OPW) has unveiled a nationwide programme of Halloween happenings across its Heritage portfolio, promising thrills for all ages.

From treasure trails and spooky workshops to hair-raising tours, sites from Cork to Sligo are serving up seasonal fun throughout October.

In Co. Cork, the White Lady of Charles Fort is throwing a 'Fearful Feast' for her friends—only they are lost within Charles Fort Military Fortress. Children are invited to help Lady White track down her eight hidden friends around the stronghold.

Ross Castle in Co. Kerry will become a haunted haven, featuring the 'Ghostbusters Halloween Hunt' to round up escaped Castle Ghosts, 'Tours for Trainee Ghouls and Goblins' exploring how Halloween was marked in years past, and 'If These Walls Could Scream', a special tour sharing tales of hauntings and murder from the last 600 years.

At the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, 'Samhain Embers' tours reawaken ancient folklore and traditions, delving into myths and the historic uses of plants linked to the season.

Creativity takes centre stage at Pearse Museum, St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, where a pumpkin painting competition offers prizes for winners and runners-up, with the decorated pumpkins going on display in the courtyard.

The Rock of Cashel invites visitors to an afternoon of stories and frights, with guides leading journeys through the buildings and graveyard to uncover the site's past—from ghosts and plague to grave-robbers and strange creatures. Step inside the ancient walls of Ennis Friary in Co. Clare to discover a new trail highlighting notable grave and memorial stones and centuries of social history. Visitors are encouraged to don their most frightening finery and capture a spine-chilling photo within the grounds for a chance to win a prize.

Sligo Abbey hosts an enchanting adult Halloween workshop to craft a spooky companion with 'Ghost in a Jar' and to 'Cast a Spell! Craft Your Own Broomstick'. Also on offer are a 'Traditional Halloween Turnips and Pumpkin' workshop, the 'Step into the Shadows: The Dracula Connection' gothic writing competition, a 'Halloween Colouring Competition', and a 'Fancy Dress & the Great Pumpkin Hunt' family event. 'Whispers from the Ruins' invites guests to an evening steeped in Irish myths, folklore and ghost stories—featuring the Bean Sídhe, the spectral hunts of the Dullahan, mischievous spirits, epic tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann and local hauntings.

At Corlea Trackway, Longford, the lively three-piece 'Fir Bolg' weaves the raw spirit of Irish trad with folk, bluegrass and blues. Budding archaeologists can get their hands dirty in the 'Creepy Curiosity Dig', while a Halloween art competition challenges local children to create the scariest scene in Kenagh.

Cahir Castle will host 'The Banshee in Irish Folklore', a lecture by historian Dr Gillian Kenny tracing the figure from medieval sources through to the twentieth century—examining why she was believed to follow certain Irish families, her frequent appearance combing her hair, and how her cry links to keening, the traditional Irish mourning lament.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, said: "It is great to see so many fun, family friendly events on offer at OPW locations across the country this Halloween. Families will be in for a fright with ghastly tours, creepy treasure hunts and frightful workshops on offer. Make sure to visit our participating OPW locations, there is something for everyone to enjoy both young and old."