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.
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Learn About Samhain
Discover the authentic origins of the Celtic festival of Samhain. -
Short Guided Foraging
Learn traditional foraging and bushcraft skills guided by our expert by lantern light. -
Campfire Setting
Relax around the campfire in a magical woodland setting. -
Free cancellation up to 48hrs beforehand
We allow standard free cancellation up to 48hrs before.
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
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.
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.
Suitability
- Ideal for adult individuals, groups or couples
- Perfect for those wishing to sample foraging
- Unique way to celebrate Halloween
- Great way to learn about traditions & folklore
Restrictions
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- May not be suitable if you have nut allergies
- May not be suitable for reduced mobility
- Not suitable for those afraid of the dark or scary stories
More experiences
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Samhain: An Evening of Fire, Foraging & Folklore
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Children’s Meditation & Mindfulness Classes NI
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Breathwork Classes for Adults NI
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Adults Only Luxury Lodges Northern Ireland
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Alpaca Trekking
Alpaca Trekking Near Me
Your mini adventure commences as you arrive at our meticulously landscaped car park, boasting a variety of amenities including toilet facilities, catering to the needs of all visitors, including those with reduced mobility and families with babies. Warmly greeted by our friendly alpaca trekking guides, you will be introduced to your very own alpaca companion. Under the guidance of your expert handler, embark on our distinctive trail, which typically spans around 30 to 40 minutes. Towards the end of the trail, your guide will ensure the alpacas are securely tied up, while you venture forth to the island oasis housing the coffee trailer and inviting picnic tables, offering an array of refreshments and snacks for purchase. For a truly indulgent experience during lunchtime slots, you have the option to pre-purchase a luxury picnic with alpacas. This exquisite hamper can be enjoyed at one of our picturesque picnic tables reserved for our luxury picnic experience. Please note that each time slot is strictly limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or 2 hours if you opt for the gourmet picnic hampers. It is imperative to arrive at least 10 minutes before your designated slot time to ensure a seamless experience, as the group will proceed without any latecomers. Join us on this extraordinary alpaca walking experience and let the tranquillity of nature and the companionship of these gentle creatures create memories that will stay with you forever.- Easy
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Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking
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Weekly Yoga & Meditation Classes
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Foraging Walk & Bushcraft Cookery Course
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Group Days Out
- 🦙 Alpaca Trekking: Traverse scenic trails with our gentle alpacas.
- 🌲 Bushcraft Basics: Learn essential survival skills in the heart of nature.
- 🧘 Outdoor Yoga and Meditation: Find peace and serenity amidst natural beauty.
- 🥁 Drumming and Circus Skills: Channel your inner rhythm with tribal drumming and master basic circus tricks like juggling and plate spinning.
- 🌿 Foraging and Bushcraft Cookery: Discover wild edibles and cook up a delicious feast over an open fire.
- 🍽️ Optional Luxury Picnics: Indulge in a gourmet picnic amidst stunning surroundings.
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Little Explorers Fairy Door Trail
Welcome to our beautiful 1.4km scenic nature trail, a relaxing outdoor experience for parents and their babies to enjoy together. The trail winds through picturesque farmland and woodland, across wooden bridges and around tranquil ponds, offering a peaceful space to slow down and connect with nature.
Along the way, keep an eye out for over 20 magical fairy doors hidden throughout the trail, adding a sense of wonder for little explorers while you enjoy the surrounding countryside.
You’ll also have the chance to meet our friendly alpacas along the trail, and visitors can feed them using our alpaca feed vending machine. Simply bring a £1 coin if you’d like to give them a treat!
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Beginners Gardening Classes
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Eco-Friendly Christmas Wreath Making Experience
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