Hallow Lights Kilkeel

Kilkeel’s seafront gets a Halloween makeover for Hallow Lights on Friday, 30 October 2026, from 6pm to 8pm at the Bowling Pavilion on the Mourne Esplanade. The free, family-friendly event uses colourful light displays and gentle entertainment to give younger children a calmer alternative to a full trick-or-treat evening.

What to expect

Hallow Lights is pitched at families with younger children who want a Halloween outing without the noise or crowds of a bigger fireworks display: the Bowling Pavilion and surrounding esplanade are lit up with colourful displays, and the entertainment on offer is described as gentle rather than scary, making it suitable for toddlers and younger primary-age children. It runs for two hours in the early evening, timed to fit around dinner and bedtime for families with young kids. There is no charge to attend and no ticket required, and fancy dress is welcome, in keeping with the date. The event forms part of the wider October programme of family activities along the Mourne coast in the run-up to Halloween, and it is worth wrapping up warm given the seafront setting.

Getting there

The Bowling Pavilion sits on the Mourne Esplanade in Kilkeel, right along the seafront and close to the town’s harbour. Kilkeel is on the main coast road between Newcastle and Warrenpoint, with Ulsterbus services running through the town, and there is parking along the esplanade.

While you’re in Kilkeel

Kilkeel is Northern Ireland’s biggest fishing port, its harbour still busy with trawlers under the shadow of the Mourne Mountains. There is more to see in Kilkeel and across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Date: Friday, 30 October 2026, 6pm to 8pm
• Venue: Bowling Pavilion, Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel
• Free, family-friendly, no booking required
• Fancy dress welcome
• Dress for the seafront, evening can turn cool