Emerald Park's Mega Monster Halloween is the ultimate Irish family day out this October
If you’re still scrambling for something to do with the kids this Halloween, Emerald Park in Ashbourne has you well and truly covered. The Co. Meath theme park has officially launched its Mega Monster Halloween extravaganza, and if last weekend’s star-studded opening is anything to go by, it’s going to be a very good season.
On Saturday 10th October, a host of well-known faces turned out for the official launch, getting an early look at everything the park has lined up for families this autumn. And honestly, even reading through the line-up is enough to make you want to book immediately.
What’s new for 2026?
This year Emerald Park has pulled out all the stops. Brand new for 2026 is Pumpkin Quest, a spooky trail where kids can help a character called Patch find his lost pumpkins while meeting a whole host of new Halloween characters along the way. It’s the kind of thing that sounds simple but will absolutely delight a five-year-old beyond all reason.
There’s also a brand-new Halloween-themed live panto, Goldilocks and the Three Scares, which guests at the launch got to see first. Live panto plus a theme park plus a trail? That’s a full day sorted before you’ve even thought about the rides.
The Junior Zone is well catered for too, with the four-piece Boo Crew bringing music, dancing and Halloween fun throughout the day. Character meet and greets with the likes of Frankenstein and the Mummy round things out nicely for younger visitors who want to get up close with their favourite spooky faces without being actually frightened.
And with 45 rides and attractions across the park, plus over 10 attractions in the Junior Zone and multiple playgrounds, there’s more than enough to fill a full day out even once the pumpkins have been tracked down.
A sensory-friendly option too
This is the bit that genuinely matters for a lot of families. On Sunday 18th October, Emerald Park will host Mega Monster Halloween: Spooky and Sensory, a specially adapted morning designed to give families the chance to experience everything in a more relaxed, sensory-friendly environment.
The session will include a specially adapted performance of the Halloween live panto as well as a sensory-friendly run of the Pumpkin Quest trail. Families will be able to arrive from 9:30am, a full half hour ahead of the park’s general opening at 10am, giving a bit of breathing room before the crowds arrive. Full details are available at emeraldpark.ie.
It’s a thoughtful addition and one that will mean a lot to parents who’ve spent years figuring out how to make seasonal events work for their children.
When can you go, and what will it cost?
Mega Monster Halloween runs on the following dates: 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st October, and 1st November. The event runs from 11am to 4pm each day and entry is included with your standard Emerald Park ticket, so there’s no separate charge for the Halloween experience itself.
Early Bird tickets booked online before midnight the night before your visit can save you up to 20% off, which is very much worth doing if you’re the organised type (and worth doing the night before if you’re not).
The event is suitable for children up to 12 years old, and if you’re travelling from Dublin, Bus Éireann Route 105 runs between Blanchardstown and Drogheda via Ashbourne, stopping close to the park entrance.
It’s shaping up to be one of the standout family days out of the season. Get the tickets booked before the whole of Meath beats you to it.