Midterm Moments: The best scares, shares and fares this Halloween

Esther N McCarthy rounds up the best scares, shares and fares.

The Scare

Fota Island Resort is transforming into Spooky Town until October 31, get ready for lots of games and laughter where children will want to play with the monster under the bed.

Be prepared to meet magical creatures who might be getting spooky tricks played on them – and they can’t figure out what is going on. Enter the smart kids of Cork and beyond to solve the big mystery with clues along the way. It’s a real family affair and suitable for all ages – our favourites are Wendy the Witch, Mumford the Mummy and The Professor.

www.fotaisland.ie

The Share

This is a lovely event, happening at Cork International Hotel. What’s more fun than a spooky Halloween tea party for the little ones?

On Wednesday, October 30, from 2pm-4pm, there will be children’s entertainment, games and spot prizes. Don’t forget to come dressed for the occasion! Tickets for the kids are €15 and the event is in aid of their charity partner, The Rainbow Club - the Cork Centre for Autism.

Plus, there’ll be complimentary teas, coffees and snacks for adults.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The Fare

If you fancy a weekend trip away to celebrate the scariest day of the year, Hostelworld have found the spookiest hostels around the world for you to experience true, authentic horror for yourself. From Swedish prisons, an Australian hostel where you choose to be prisoner or guard, to Gothic castles in the English countryside, there’s something to satisfy your creepiest desires. Shudder.

www.hostelworld.com

.. And The Delicious!

Chocolate plus midterm plus Halloween equals Butlers Chocolate Experience in north County Dublin. Find out what really goes on behind the doors of a real working chocolate factory and discover lots of spooktacular facts along the way.

Visitors can learn all about where chocolate comes from and how it is made; with a few tricks and treats along the way. The interactive chocolate museum has optional worksheets and games for children of all ages, and a gallery walk-through of the chocolate factory. You’ll bring home your own creation as a spooky souvenir.

The tour lasts about an hour and a half and is in Clonshaugh Business Park. There’s free parking and the building is fully wheelchair accessible. www.butlerschocolates.com/