Hair-raising Nightmare Realm the scariest yet

Scare season starts in Cork tonight as the doors of this year’s Nightmare Realm creak ominously open.

Ireland’s only professional scare house, the Realm seeks to truly terrify those brave enough to cross the threshold.

With the assistance of movie-quality props, a freakishly talented group of artists, and actors trained in psychology, even the most hardened of humans are in for some hair-raising moments.

Organisers say they have raised the bar this year with a whole new selection of ghouls and goblins, prompting people to face their darkest fears.

Ken Tobin, one of the co-owners of the Nightmare Realm, said the experience is a lot scarier than last October.

“After we finished the show last year we demolished the whole thing and started again from scratch,” said Mr Tobin. “We even managed to make the route longer this time. It’s a whole new experience.”

Mr Tobin also admitted that people regularly underestimate how terrifying it is and that “some just can’t handle it”.

To protect those of a delicate nature, ‘zombie insurance’ can be secured — a special wristband which lets the actors in the realm know you want a less traumatic experience.

Set in an old warehouse on Albert Quay, the setting is made up of an elaborate maze of murderous maniacs, creepy clowns, and devilish demons — danger lurking in every shadow.

The Nightmare Realm opened its doors in 2009 and has traumatised more than 80,000 victims to date, with a further 30,000 expected between now and Halloween.

This year, the theme ‘Fear is a Prison’ is darker and more unnerving than ever before.

The Nightmare Realm is strictly over-13s and runs from 7pm to 10:30pm every night between October 3 and November 2 (excluding October 6). Tickets are €13 for students, €15 for adults, €20 for a fast pass, and are available on www.thenightmarerealm.ie