Complete Sell Out 2009 - check back soon for 2010.
Fancy something a bit different this Halloween? Then check out this one-off variation of our Northern Rocker trip!
Over the past twenty years the Banks of the river Foyle have come alive at Halloween, as it has been the meeting place for thousands of visitors to the city. This unique carnival will engulf your spirit and leave you speechless. From Smurfs to Shreks, Witches to Warlocks, the colour and costume of this event is second to none, capturing the hearts and imaginations of everyone who visits the city over the carnival.
HISTORY:
Halloween is one of the oldest holidays with origins going back thousands of years. The holiday we know as Halloween has had many influences from many cultures over the centuries. Hundreds of years ago the Celts celebrated their New Year on November 1st. It marked the end of the "season of the sun" and the beginning of "the season of darkness and cold."
On October 31st after the crops were all harvested and stored for the long winter the Druids, the Celtic priests would light fires and offer sacrifices of crops and animals. As they danced around the fires, the season of the sun passed and the season of darkness would begin.
DID YOU KNOW?
> Witches and Warlocks have had a long history with Halloween. Legends tell of witches gathering twice a year when the seasons changed, on April 30 - the eve of May Day and the other was on the eve of October 31 - All Hallow's Eve. The witches would gather on these nights, arriving on broomsticks, to celebrate a party hosted by the devil. Superstitions told of witches casting spells on unsuspecting people, transform themselves into different forms and causing other magical mischief.
> The black cat has long been associated with witches. Many superstitions have evolved about cats. It was believed that witches could change into cats. Some people also believed that cats were the spirits of the dead.
So make this Halloween one to remember and celebrate it properly Irish style!
What’s included? An unforgettable adventure with like-minded travellers, transport, including all ferries and a legendary tour guide!
What’s not included? Meals and entrance fees are not included allowing you to keep your options open. We book accommodation for you in hostel dorms and all you have to do is pay for this when you arrive at the hostel. This usually costs between €17-€21 per person per night.
For information on getting to Dublin click here
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Day 1: Dublin - Derry
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s historic past at the impressive Trim Castle - a 12th century Anglo Norman fortress which some would say was where the Troubles all began .... back then. Up next are the awe-inspiring prehistoric tombs at Lough Crew – which are older than the pyramids of Giza! Then sure why not relax over a pint or take a stroll in picturesque Enniskillen - a pretty island town on Lough Erne infamous from the troubled 80s just over the Northern Border. Then it’s onto Derry City for the Halloween warm up! Don’t forget to get your costume ready for tomorrow night!
Day 2: Antirm Coast
A beautiful coastal drive takes us straight to Dunluce Castle, thought to be one of the most romantic and picturesque of Irish castles, which is also said to be haunted. Find your own space at the mysterious Giant’s Causeway. With its thousands of hexagonal columns it is a source of many a legend, and on a clear day you can see right across to Scotland! Not for the faint hearted, the next stop is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge* swaying 80ft above the ocean. Then it’s back to Derry for the Halloween Hooley, watch out for the witches!
*weather pemitting
Day 3: Derry - Dublin
This morning we head to Belfast. It’s a real eye opener - see the murals of the Falls and Shankill Road on the famous Black Cab tour of the city. Have lunch in the capital of Northern Ireland while checking out the shops. Enjoy the spectacular views en-route to Dublin where we say our final farewell and reminisce on the ghostly memories!