Spooky Season comes alive across Fermanagh and Omagh

Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a packed programme of Halloween events across Fermanagh and Omagh District this October, with a variety of family-friendly activities, creative workshops, spooky storytelling and town centre celebrations taking place throughout the season.

Organised across Council venues, visitor attractions, leisure facilities and town centres, the programme offers something for everyone, from haunted tales and local folklore to arts and crafts, theatre performances and spectacular Halloween festivities.

Town centre celebrations

The Council is supporting two key Halloween events that will bring family-friendly entertainment, activities and spectacular fireworks displays to Enniskillen and Omagh.

Halloween Unleashed will take place in Enniskillen on 30 October, featuring entertainment, activities and a spectacular fireworks display. Delivered by Enniskillen BID, the event forms part of a week-long series of activities taking place across the town as part of its Halloween programme.

Meanwhile, Hocus FOCUS Halloween will take place in Omagh on 31 October. Delivered by FOCUS Omagh, the event will bring family entertainment, arts and crafts, Halloween-themed activities and a fireworks display to Omagh Town Centre.

Family fun at Strule Arts Centre

Strule Arts Centre will host a range of Halloween-themed activities for younger audiences. Children can get creative during the Kids Halloween Lantern Making Workshop on 30 October, creating their own paper-mâché lanterns to take home.

On 31 October, families can enjoy two magical theatre productions. Teddy on a Broomstick promises plenty of fun for younger children through puppetry, music and audience participation, while The Princess & The Goblin offers an interactive adventure filled with music, magic and a touch of Halloween mischief.

Also forming part of the Strule Arts Centre Halloween programme is a talk, Burke & Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen, on 28 October. Join dark historian Andrew Johnston as he explores the chilling true story of Ulster-born serial killers William Burke of County Tyrone and William Hare of County Armagh, whose notorious crimes shocked Edinburgh in 1828.

Meanwhile, Ghosts, Graves & Gruesome Tales on 22 October will transport visitors into a world of haunted graveyards, ghostly apparitions and chilling local legends.

Halloween at Ardhowen Theatre

On Saturday 17 October at 2pm, families can enjoy Hay!, a fun and accessible show for children aged three and over. Follow Hay, a scarecrow brought to life, as he discovers the wonders of the natural world through puppetry, music, song, dance and clowning. A charming story about growing up, following your dreams and spreading your wings.

Eerieland: Ghost Stories of the North of Ireland comes to the Ardhowen Theatre on 17 October, bringing audiences an atmospheric evening of ghost stories and dark folklore from across Northern Ireland and the border counties.

Spooky tales at Enniskillen Castle

For adults seeking a darker Halloween experience, Tales from the Vaults: Gallow’s Green to Bishop’s End at Enniskillen Castle on 29 October will reveal some of the district’s most gruesome stories and historic mysteries.

Halloween adventure at Marble Arch Caves

Halloween activities at Council leisure facilities

Council leisure facilities will once again provide plenty of opportunities for children to stay active over the Halloween break.

Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea, will host Family Fun Days from 26 to 30 October, offering a range of activities for primary-school-aged children and families.

At the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, popular Bouncy Sessions will take place on 25 October and 1 November, providing Halloween fun for younger children.

At Omagh Leisure Complex, a Halloween Camp will take place on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October from 9am to 3pm daily. Tickets will be going on sale later this week.

Spooky Swap Shop and Crafty Workshop

Families are invited to attend the free Spooky Swap Shop & Crafty Workshop at Omagh Library on Thursday 8 October, from 2pm to 4pm. Swap your child’s pre-loved costume for something new-to-them and help give costumes another lease of life. Please ensure all costumes have a CE mark on the label.

Speaking on the upcoming Halloween events, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: “Halloween is a much-anticipated time of year across our district and we are delighted to offer a diverse programme of events and activities that will appeal to residents and visitors of all ages.

“From family adventures and creative workshops to storytelling events, theatre performances and town centre celebrations, this year’s programme showcases the fantastic range of experiences available across our Council venues and attractions.

“We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to enjoy all that Fermanagh and Omagh has to offer this Halloween season.”

The events featured are Council-sponsored or delivered at Council venues. For more Halloween activities across the district, keep an eye on the events section of the Council website. For full event details and booking information, visit www.fermanaghomagh.com/events.

The Council is encouraging residents to stay safe this Halloween and firework season. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, dressing up, or lighting fireworks at home, make safety part of the celebration. For more information, visit: Halloween – Fermanagh & Omagh District Council