If you're looking for a big free Halloween event near Dublin this year, Fingal Festival of Fire should definitely be on the list.

Taking place on Saturday 31 October 2026, the festival brings music, spooky entertainment and large fireworks displays to three locations across Fingal:

• Bremore Castle in Balbriggan
• Swords Town Park
• Millennium Park in Blanchardstown

All three events are completely free to attend. Music and Halloween entertainment begin from 6:30pm, with the main fireworks displays scheduled for 7:30pm.

For families looking for an easy Halloween night out without another expensive ticket, this is one of the best options around Dublin.

When and Where

Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: Approximately 6:30pm–8:00pm
Fireworks: 7:30pm
Price: Free — no booking required

Bremore Castle, Balbriggan

Entertainment starts with a Scary Disco from 6:30pm, followed by fireworks at 7:30pm. Bremore Castle provides probably the most atmospheric backdrop of the three — watching fireworks explode above a historic castle on Halloween night is about as seasonally appropriate as it gets.

One important thing to know: there is no parking available at Bremore Castle for the event. Visitors are being encouraged to walk or cycle where possible.

Swords Town Park

The Swords event takes place in Swords Town Park, behind Swords Castle. Live Halloween music begins at 6:30pm before the fireworks display at 7:30pm. Because Swords is one of Fingal's largest towns, expect this to be one of the busiest locations — arriving early is a good idea.

Millennium Park, Blanchardstown

West Dublin families can head to Millennium Park in Blanchardstown. A Scary Disco kicks off the celebrations from 6:30pm before another large fireworks display at 7:30pm. This is the most convenient location for families in Dublin 15, Castleknock and surrounding areas.

Part of Fingal's Huge Halloween Programme

Festival of Fire isn't the only Halloween event happening across Fingal in 2026. Fingal County Council's wider Ireland Home of Halloween programme includes more than 100 events across over 20 venues — including Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House, Halloween events at Ardgillan Castle, Samhain events at Howth Castle, storytelling, folklore, workshops and family activities.

One strong option is to combine Festival of Fire with Pumpkins After Dark at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate — a roughly 1km illuminated trail with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins running throughout October. Visit Pumpkins After Dark earlier in Halloween week and finish the celebrations with Festival of Fire on 31 October.

Practical Tips

Arrive by 6:15pm — that gives you time to find your viewing spot, get children settled, enjoy the music and avoid arriving just as thousands of people are doing the same thing.

Dress warmly. This is an outdoor event at the end of October. Bring a waterproof coat, warm layers, hat, gloves, comfortable shoes and a torch. Children will probably insist their Halloween costume provides adequate insulation — it almost certainly does not. Put warm clothes underneath.

Younger children and fireworks: the displays are naturally loud. If your child is sensitive to loud noises, consider ear defenders, standing further from the main display and preparing them beforehand. Families with sensory-sensitive children may want to watch from a greater distance.

Getting there: Bremore Castle has no event parking — walk or cycle if possible. For Swords, public transport or walking from central Swords may be easier than parking close to the event. For Blanchardstown, allow extra travel time as Halloween traffic and event crowds may be heavier than normal.

Is It Worth Going?

For a free event, absolutely. You're getting live entertainment, Halloween atmosphere, family-friendly fun and a large fireworks display — without paying admission. And two of the locations have historic castles as part of the backdrop.

The biggest consideration is simply crowds. These events are popular, so expect busy areas around the main viewing points.

Halloween night doesn't need to involve spending a fortune. Fingal Festival of Fire brings three large community celebrations to north and west Dublin on 31 October 2026, and every one of them is free. Get the costumes ready, put some warm clothes underneath them, and head out for one final Halloween celebration.

Because if you're going to finish October with a bang, you may as well make it a fairly large one.