FAMILY FRIGHT NIGHTS

As Hallowe'en break approaches, a number of new and returning events and experiences are aiming to get the hairs standing up on the back of your neck and your blood running cold, with plenty of jump scares and shrieks in between.

For younger children, there are plenty of scary walks, Halloween discos and fancy dress parties organised all over the county (check our local news pages for details).

Of course Farmaphobia is back at Causey Farm near Navan. It remains ever popular with teenagers from this region. With five terrifying haunts spread over 100 acres of fear, Farmaphobia is not for the faint hearted.

The team at Farmaphobia have also just launched another attraction, suitable for slightly younger children (minimum age of nine years recommended).

Ghosts of the Manor will take over Rockfield House in Kells, Co Meath.

This ancient mansion was home to many who have long since passed on … but as Halloween approaches, their peaceful rest is disturbed… Some of the former inhabitants can be seen wandering through the house, trying to put their affairs in order or even avoid their inevitable ends.

Meet these mysterious immortals as you are guided upstairs, downstairs and through the spooky basement and stables. What continues to trouble them long after their demise, will be revealed as you move through the faded grandeur of this important house. A crotchety crone, a long-dead stable boy and a garrulous Lord are among the eccentric spooks who will welcome you on your visit.

This eerie experience is full of sinister characters, startling stories and hysterical surprises… it will last for approximately 40 minutes with a chance to have coffee and treats in our harvest hall afterwards.

Will you summon the courage to face the creepy forces that lurk within these old walls?

Step into the Otherworld

This Hallowe'en Bank Holiday Weekend take a trip of a lifetime through the Samhain Veil and into The Otherworld, as part of the Spirits of Meath Hallowe'en Festival.

A soul guide will lead you through the labyrinthine at Loughcrew Estate Gardens between Oldcastle and Kells.

Set in the shadows of the Western Cairns where the Samhain alingment of the Cross quarter day was recorded over 5000 years ago, the Spook Walks are specially designed taking in the myth and magic of the Ancients in preparing the Realm of The Otherworld.

"The Loughcrew area is of unique importance in Ireland, it is where we all come from, with this amazing complex of megalithic structures steeped in the practices of the past, including Samhain, punctuating the sacred hillscapes. The Otherworld Spook Walks are one of our first Kingdom of Midhe Tourism Network events to reconnect the area and people with our fabulous heritage to remember the origin of the Harvest Festival rather than the Christian replacement of Hallowe’en,” said organiser and soul guide Bartle D’Arcy.

On the tours find out about the origins of the Otherworld and why time is of the essence as An Dearg Due will try to distract and lure you into the lair of An Fear Dubh, the Soul Collector... follow the Soul Guide... don’t stray from the path... avoid killing time and maybe just maybe you will make it back through the veil... and safety.

Suitable for over eights, bring a small torch and suitable clothing (fancy dress encouraged) and footwear for an outdoor walk. The Otherworld is part of the Spirits of Meath Hallowe’en Festival.

The Spook Walks will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 28-30, with four tours nightly at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.

Info and bookings www.loughcrew.com and on 089-4961617.