October Mid-Term Break in Westport: A Family Guide

Destination Westport Planning Guide - Local inspiration, practical advice and unforgettable experiences to help you plan your perfect visit.

School is out, the evenings are drawing in and Halloween is on the way. For families, the October mid-term break in Westport might just be the best week of the autumn.

This year the break runs from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. That takes in the bank holiday Monday on 26 October and Halloween night itself, which falls on a Saturday.

From a Halloween camp in the trees to a lantern procession through town, here is how to plan it.

Westport Adventure is home to Ireland's largest Net Park, along with ziplines, climbing walls, a giant swing and an aerial trekking course. Over mid-term it runs a Halloween Kids Club from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October.

Camp starts at 8.45am and finishes at 1pm, with check-in at the Ticket Office from 8.30am. There are two groups:

• Little Adventurers (5 to 8 years): climbing, the Net Park, den building, nature bingo, clay faces and making bird feeders and bug hotels.
• Mighty Adventurers (9 to 12 years, minimum height 1.3m): an introduction to climbing, zip lines, aerial trekking, the giant swing, orienteering and bushcraft skills.

The four-day camp costs €125 per child and includes a certificate of achievement and a pizza party at Gracy's. Day tickets are €40 per child. Book early on the Westport Adventure Kids Club page.

On Tuesday 27, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October, Westport Adventure turns spooky for Magic & Mischief. Your ticket includes a Spooky Train ride, wand-making, face painting, Daniel the Magician's show and a Halloween-themed dinner at Gracy's Pizzeria, Bar & Bistro.

There are three sessions each day. The 2.30pm session is aimed at younger children, while 4pm and 5.30pm are a little spookier. Costumes are welcome, part of the event is outdoors so dress for the weather, and an adult needs a ticket to come along with the children. See prices and book on the Magic & Mischief page.

Westival, Westport's music and arts festival, takes over the town from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November. Alongside the gigs, theatre and exhibitions, there is plenty for younger festival-goers:

• Strix Nebulosa, fire performer. Friday 30 October, 7pm, at the Clock. Free and family-friendly. Watch for her roaming the streets beforehand as a playful circus creature.
• The Little Prince, family event. A creative workshop for children aged 6 to 10 at the Clew Bay Hotel, organised by Tertulia Bookshop and Creative Together. €10.
• Spooky Ukeday with Westelele. Saturday 31 October at Westport Town Hall Theatre. The beginners' ukulele workshop from 12pm to 1pm is open to all ages, and there is a flash mob at the Octagon at 3.30pm, weather permitting. €10.
• One World Drumming Circle. Saturday 31 October, 3pm to 5pm, at Westport Town Hall. A hands-on workshop for all ages, with every instrument supplied. €12.

You will find the full programme and tickets on the Westival website.

If you only do one thing this mid-term, make it this. Mórshiúl na Samhna, presented by LUXE as part of Westival, is a Halloween procession of lanterns, music, colour and masks that honours the ancestors.

It sets off from the town centre at 7pm on Saturday 31 October, winds its way round the Mall and finishes up at the Fairgreen. It is free and all ages are welcome. Wrap up warm, wear the costumes and come into town early for a good spot. There are more details on the Mórshiúl na Samhna page.

Between the big events, let them run. The Great Western Greenway is almost entirely traffic-free, which makes it ideal for small legs and stabilisers, and the listing has details of local bike hire. Westport Skatepark sits right beside it.

For a woodland adventure, the Brackloon Wood walk is a gentle 4km loop that takes about 45 minutes, or longer with small children. You will find more leaf-kicking ideas in our guide to autumn colours around Westport.

And for something they will talk about all week, Glen Keen Farm near Louisburgh runs sheep herding demonstrations with working border collies. Pre-booking is essential, so check dates before you travel.

It is the west of Ireland in October, so pack the waterproofs and have a plan B. Our guide to seven things to do on a rainy day in Westport is a good place to start, and the best things to do with the kids in Westport has ideas for every age.

Mid-term is a busy week, so book early. The Castlecourt Hotel is a four-star family hotel in the heart of town that runs a great Halloween activity programme. You will find every option, from hotels to self-catering and glamping, on our Where to Stay page.

At dinner time, the Coast Bar at the Quay serves great bar food every day, Coveys in The Plaza Hotel and Gracy's at Westport Estate does woodfired pizzas, just double check opening hours. Lots of great options in town and at The Quay to enjoy.

Book the camp and the shows first. Then plan the rest of the week around them.

Remember the bank holiday. Monday 26 October will be lively in town, so book dinner ahead.

Layers, always. Outdoor events go ahead in most weather, so dress for it and nobody minds.

Bring the costumes. They are welcome at Magic & Mischief and they make the procession.

Eat early on Halloween night. Then walk into town in good time for 7pm.

Book your break to Westport now

With a camp in the mornings, magic in the afternoons and a lantern procession to finish, the October mid-term break in Westport more or less plans itself.

All you have to do is book early, pack the wellies and decide who is wearing which costume.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend, a family holiday or a longer Wild Atlantic Way adventure, Destination Westport is here to help you make the most of every moment.

Discover more local guides, seasonal inspiration, family-friendly activities, hidden gems and itinerary ideas to help you plan your perfect Westport getaway.

Start exploring today and discover why so many visitors return to Westport year after year.