Eerie October Travel Destinations in Dublin, Ireland

International Halloween travel destinations are easy to come by. Yet Ireland adds a level of eeriness that other locales are simply not able to keep up with. Where should All Souls Eve and Samhain aficionados go?

Travel in the Steps of the Hellfire Club

It was supposed to be a venue of debauchery and upper crust fun. At some point, or so the legends assert, the pastime of the rich and idle turned paranormal and satanic. Pay 23 Euros and prepare to be shocked, educated and a little grossed out. A professional story teller narrates the dark turns that events took at the 1725 hunting lodge; due to the adult and graphic nature of the events, this is an adults-only tour.

Say Your Prayers at St. Michan's Church

Dublin's St. Michan is an active church, which limits visiting hours just a bit. In addition to the organ made by John Baptiste Cuvillie -- Georg Friedrich Handel is rumored to have practiced for his inaugural 'Messiah' performance here -- there are open burial vaults. Descend to the underbelly of St. Michan and come face to face with the open caskets of a crusader, a nun and the executed Sheares brothers. It is a somber atmosphere, which, church officials point out, was also experienced by Bram Stoker, who came to tour the vaults with his family.

Tour the Otherworld at the Leprechaun Museum

Leprechauns sound like a child-friendly opportunity to wile away the time, but the October 28 Hallowe'en Tour of the Si is a 16-and-over event only. Twenty Euros admit the adult into the darker regions of Irish folklore. There are banshees, headless coachmen and changelings; and that's just the beginning. Lasting about one hour, this tour is more authentic than most youngsters can handle.

Watch the "Bride of Frankenstein" with a live Orchestra

James Whale directed the 1935 horror classic starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester. Sure, you might have watched the movie at home during late night reruns, but imagine watching it on a huge screen with the concert orchestra offering a live performance of Franz Waxman's score. As movie buffs will know, Waxman was Alfred Hitchcock's composer of choice in four of his movies. The effect of expertly performed live music and the film's sobering theme is eerie indeed.

Keep in mind that pubs, eateries and clubs will do their best to offer spooky backdrops during the month of October as well. How much, or how little, of this type of fare you want to enjoy is up to you. That said, Dublin is truly one of the few venues where the international tourist can spend an entire month in the footsteps of historical spooks.

Establishment Information

Hidden Dublin Walks Ltd

St. Audeon's Church on Cook Street in Dublin 8 (Ireland)

Tours leave October 24 to 28 and 31 at 7 p.m.; on October 29 and 30 they depart at 6 p.m.

+353 (0) 8 5102 3646

St. Michan's Church

Church Street in Dublin 7 (Ireland)

Spring through fall, hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

+353 (0) 1 872 4154

Leprechaun Museum

Jervis Street in Dublin 1 (Ireland)

Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

+353 (1) 873 3899

The National Concert Hall

Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin 2 (Ireland)

October 31 at 3 p.m. or 8 p.m.

+353 (0) 1 417 0000