Irish Ferries Has Some Seriously Spooky Mid-Term Plans for Families This Halloween

The mid-term break is almost upon us, and if you’re already dreading the “I’m bored” chorus before the week is even out, Irish Ferries might just have the answer. The ferry company has pulled together a genuinely impressive suite of Halloween packages for families sailing from Dublin or Rosslare to the UK — and with early bird prices starting from €632 return for a family of four, it’s worth a serious look before the deadline hits.

That early bird window closes on 7 October, so there’s no dawdling. Families who book before then will save €50 on theme-park break packages, with the standard return fare for two adults, two children and one car sitting at €682.

Pick your park — there’s something for every kind of thrill-seeker

This is where it gets fun. Irish Ferries has lined up packages with four of the UK’s biggest Halloween destinations, and the range covers everything from LEGO-obsessed toddlers to teenagers who think they’re too cool for everything (until they’re not).

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort — Brick or Treat celebrations, two nights at Novotel Reading Centre and one day at the park, from €632 for two adults and two children aged 14 or under (early bird price, reduced from €682).
Alton Towers Resort — Scarefest, for families with bigger thrill-seekers. Two nights at Courtyard by Marriott Keele and one day at the park, from €742 for two adults and two children aged 11 or under (reduced from €792).
Chessington World of Adventures Resort — Howl’o’ween, two nights at Novotel Reading Centre and one day at the park, from €632 for two adults and two children aged 14 or under (early bird, reduced from €682).
Thorpe Park — Fright Nights, two nights at Novotel Reading Centre and one day at the park, from €660 for two adults and two children aged 14 or under (early bird, reduced from €710).

Three children in Halloween costumes at Chessington World of Adventures Howloween event with pumpkins and hay bales.

The Halloween fun starts on the boat

Before you even arrive at your destination, Irish Ferries is getting in on the spooky spirit with its Spook’s Ahoy Sailings. On Saturday 24 October, the Ulysses departs Dublin at 7.30am. On Sunday 25 October, the James Joyce departs Dublin at 1.45pm. Both sailings will feature a Halloween-themed magic show, a trio of witches keeping the kids entertained with balloon modelling and a kids’ disco. That’s the commute sorted, honestly.

Halloween decorations and a themed colouring competition will also run across all ships throughout the mid-term period. If you’re just after a spooky day trip, foot-passenger sailings start from €12 per adult and €6 per child, with motorist day-trip fares also available.

Making the most of Wales this Halloween

If you’re crossing to Wales for the mid-term, there’s plenty to add to the itinerary beyond the theme parks. SpookWood at GreenWood Family Park in Gwynedd, North Wales runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, with a brand-new pumpkin trail, spooky woodland entertainment, Halloween theatre and rides — including, brilliantly, the chance to tackle the Green Dragon Roller Coaster blindfolded.

Closer to Holyhead, Hooton’s Homegrown on Anglesey offers pumpkin-picking throughout October with no admission charge and no booking required. It opens at weekends early in the season, with extended hours as Halloween draws closer — a lovely low-key stop if you’re not looking to queue for anything.

For something more atmospheric, Beaumaris Castle will host its Spooky Halloween extravaganza on 31 October 2026, with seasonal activities for younger visitors and a spine-tingling trail through the historic grounds. Heritage and horror in equal measure.

Families travelling through Pembroke can also head to Folly Farm, which runs its Halloween programme from 4 October to 2 November, combining family-friendly frights with animals, rides and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. And Bluestone National Park Resort, set across more than 500 acres, will host Halloween activities from 2 October to 1 November 2026, making it a brilliant base for a longer mid-term stay.

To book your mid-term sailing or browse packages, visit IrishFerries.com. Remember, the early bird offer closes on 7 October — so don’t sit on it too long.