Experience Traditional Celtic Elements of Halloween Northern Ireland

Adult Only Celtic Halloween Experience in Ballynahinch, County Down

10 people max – 2hr experience – £50 per person – Adults only

Winner Best Tourism Business 2025. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2026 plus hundreds of five-star reviews on Facebook, Google & TripAdvisor. See for yourself.

Long before Halloween existed, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain – the festival that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was a time when communities gathered around fire, shared stories, honoured nature and believed the boundary between worlds had grown thin.

Join us at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes for an immersive evening celebrating these ancient traditions in the heart of our beautiful woodland.

Your experience begins around a crackling campfire with a warm seasonal drink as your guide introduces the fascinating history and folklore of Samhain. As daylight fades, you’ll set off on a gentle lantern-lit walk through our woodland trails, discovering the plants, trees and natural features that held special significance in Celtic life.

Along the way, you’ll learn about traditional foraging, bushcraft skills and the myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. Returning to the fire, you’ll watch traditional fire-lighting demonstrations before enjoying a selection of seasonal food freshly prepared over the flames.

This is not a Halloween scare event. Instead, it offers a peaceful, authentic and atmospheric opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience ancient Celtic traditions and spend an unforgettable autumn evening surrounded by woodland, firelight and great company.

Highlights

  • Discover the authentic origins of the Celtic festival of Samhain

  • Guided lantern-lit woodland walk

  • Learn traditional foraging and bushcraft skills

  • Hear ancient folklore and seasonal stories

  • Watch traditional fire-lighting demonstrations

  • Enjoy delicious seasonal food cooked over the fire

  • Relax around the campfire in a magical woodland setting

Foraging Course Northern Ireland

Bushcraft Expert

Joan Noade

With over 40 years of experience, Joan combines traditional Celtic foraging knowledge with formal Forest School Leadership training. Passionate about bushcraft, wild food and the natural world, she loves helping guests discover nature’s hidden treasures.

When she’s not leading experiences at Ballyburren, Joan volunteers with an Irish Mountain Rescue Team, bringing a wealth of practical outdoor expertise to every session. Join her around the campfire to learn, forage and enjoy delicious wild cooking in the heart of the woodland.

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Our location in County Down, Northern Ireland

About the area

Nestled in the stunning countryside of Northern Ireland, Ballyburren is an idyllic location offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Located just 25 minutes from Belfast and 15 minutes from the iconic Mourne Mountains, the area is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Explore scenic trails, charming villages, and local attractions like Castlewellan Forest Park, Tollymore Forest Park, and Silent Valley Reservoir. The nearby coast offers stunning beaches and picturesque seaside towns such as Newcastle, while Belfast provides vibrant city life, rich history, and cultural landmarks. Whether seeking peace or excitement, Ballyburren’s surroundings cater to every desire.

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