Emerald Park After Dark Is Back and Mid-Term Just Got a Lot More Exciting
Halloween mid-term is coming, the kids are vibrating with anticipation, and you’re desperately trying to find something that will genuinely delight them without requiring you to stand in a field in the rain holding a glow stick. Enter Emerald Park.
Ireland’s favourite theme park is bringing back its hugely popular Emerald Park After Dark event for 2026, and this year it’s bigger than ever, with 13 attractions running under the night sky across seven dates in October. If your lot have ever wondered what it feels like to ride a rollercoaster in the dark — well, they’re about to find out.
Thrills after sunset
After Dark takes place on 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 30th October, running from 6:30pm to 10pm (last admission 8pm). It’s a no-scare event, which is worth noting if you have a child who loves the idea of Halloween but would absolutely lose the plot at anything genuinely frightening. All the drama, none of the nightmares.
The big new addition for 2026 is Swingosaurus, making its After Dark debut. Located in Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs — Emerald Park’s prehistoric-themed adventure land that opened earlier this year — Swingosaurus sits 12 metres up and sends riders soaring, swinging and gliding through the air in full dinosaur-themed glory. It sounds like exactly the kind of thing that will have your kids begging to go again immediately.
Thrilling rides light up the night at a theme park.
Beyond Swingosaurus, the After Dark line-up includes Cú Chulainn Coaster (Europe’s largest inverted wooden rollercoaster, no less), Endeavour, The Rotator, Power Surge, Air Race, Dino Dash, Flight School and 5D Cinema. The Viking Voyage water ride also returns for its second year on the After Dark programme, because apparently going down a flume in the dark is exactly the chaos people want and we respect that. Guests can also explore the immersive world of Tír na nÓg, with Na Fianna Force, The Quest and The Celtic Dreamer all part of the evening line-up.
Food is sorted too. Between rides there’ll be hot meals from The Argentinian Grill, Warrior Kitchen and Base Camp Pizza Co., plus sweet treats and drinks from Boost, Coffee Dock, Yummy Creations and Tower Café. Because nothing pairs better with a spin on a rollercoaster than a hot meal and something sugary.
Something for the younger ones too
If your children are on the smaller side — or if the idea of After Dark feels a little too full-on — Emerald Park has also announced a brand-new daytime event called Mega Monster Halloween, specifically designed for families with younger kids. Recommended for ages 3 to 12, it’s included with standard park admission at no extra cost, which is always welcome news.
Mega Monster Halloween runs on 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st October, and 1st November, from 11am to 4pm. The park will be transformed with Halloween decorations, live performances, friendly character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Little ones can take part in the brand-new Pumpkin Quest, helping a character called Patch the Pumpkin Master track down his lost pumpkins throughout the park. There’s also a brand-new Halloween-themed live panto packed with songs, laughs and lovable characters — the kind of thing that genuinely keeps kids entertained while you get five minutes to breathe.
The whole thing is designed to be spooky fun without actual frights, so even the most easily startled three-year-old should make it through in one piece.
How to book
Tickets for Emerald Park After Dark are available now, and Mega Monster Halloween is included with a standard park entry ticket. Emerald Park is located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath — an easy enough spin from Dublin and beyond. Full details and booking at EmeraldPark.ie.
Mid-term sorted. You’re welcome.