If you’re spending the spooky season in Dublin this year, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Not only is Dublin a great city for a night out, a weekend away, or a spot of live music, but it is also home to some haunted houses that are well worth a visit during the Halloween season.

Whether you’re a local, or a first-time visitor, here are the best haunted houses/attractions in Dublin to visit at Halloween in 2025.

Hellfire Club

Definitely one we would recommend taking the car for, this classic Irish haunted landmark is situated on Montpellier Hill in the Wicklow Mountains. 

It is only a 30 minute drive south from the city centre of Dublin, and was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1725 for William Connolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons.

The building fell into the hands of a notorious Dublin group, known as the Hellfire Club. 

An old tale was that the devil caused the original wooden roof to blow off in a storm. Another is that the area is said to be haunted by a black cat.

Now abandoned, the scenery around the Hellfire Club makes for a picturesque walk during the day, if you don’t feel like braving it at night.

Kilmainham Gaol

This museum was formerly a prison, and is significant for its ties with the struggle for Irish independence.

In 1924, the Gaol was abandoned as a prison, and it was left derelict for years. After talk of demolishing it, it was renovated into the museum that it is today and now serves as a place where exhibitions and guided tours are held, helping you learn more about the history of Ireland.

There are several spooky stories about Kilmainham Gaol. When the building was in its restoration stage in the 1960s, Governor Dan McGill claimed the lights kept switching back on after he turned them off.

Another man who worked in the dungeon as a painter reported being violently pushed across the room and pinned up against the wall by an invisible force. He fled and never came back, eerie huh?

Entry is €8.00 for adults, €4.00 for children between 12-17, and free for children under 12.

Malahide Castle

Like Hellfire Club, Malahide Castle is a haunted attraction that is a half hour drive away from Dublin’s city centre, but north rather than south.

Built long ago in the 12th century, it was granted to the Talbot family around 1185. The family lived there for nearly 800 years, and in that time the castle experienced invasions from Oliver Cromwell’s men.

Folklore says the castle is now home to several spirits, including Puck, a jester who originally served as a watchman before falling in love with a noblewoman prisoner and dying as a result of her rejection.

The Lady in White is another who is said to glide from room to room, while Miles Corbet, a Cromwellian soldier who briefly occupied the castle before being hung, drawn, and quartered, is said to have appeared in his armour.

Entry is €17.00 for adults and €9.00 for children aged 4-17.

Rathfarnham Castle

Rathfarnham Castle lies on the south side of the city and was built in the 16th century for Archbishop Adam Loftus.

A tale talks about a man and his retriever ice skating on the frozen pond before falling into the water and drowning; his Phantom Dog is said to haunt the castle.

Another urban legend talks about a woman who was locked in a cupboard by two suitors who were fighting to the death over her. In the end, both were mortally wounded and the woman was forgotten and perished. People have spoken about hearing cries for help and a coldness when passing the cupboard.

Entry to Rathfarnham Castle is €5.00 for adults and €3.00 for children.

Dust off the Cobwebs at Badbobs

After all the spookiness is complete, make sure to get yourself down to Badbobs to celebrate Halloween in style.

Whatever day in October (or throughout the year, for that matter) brings you to  Dublin, we will be here to welcome you in with open arms.

We have a great selection of food and alcoholic drinks, as well as rooftop and cocktail bars and live music every night. So whether you want to hire out a space for a big gathering, or just have a quiet meal, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Badbobs!