7 alternative ways to celebrate this Halloween

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Halloween is finally upon us.

And we couldn't be more excited. We're already getting into the festive swing of things here at Her.ie. But instead of doing the same boring things each year we decided to take a look at some of the more unusual ways we can celebrate. So if you're in the mood for something a little different this Halloween here are our picks of the best alternative things you can do. You'll still want to dress up of course! Learn about Samhain Samhain makes the end of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark half. According to legend, on Samhain the division between our world and the other world is at its weakest, meaning sometimes ghosts and spirits can pass through. People used to wear costumes and light bonfires in an attempt to scare off the spirits which explains how many of our Halloween traditions came about. Light sky lanterns Fireworks are great and all but only if you're going to watch a professional display. Every year fire brigades all around the country are called out to accidents caused by fireworks. Save yourself the hassle and let off some sky lanterns instead. They're really pretty and don't harm the environment either so it's a win-win. You can get them here. Check out a festival Just because summer is over doesn't mean the festivals are finished. There are lots of Halloween festivals all around Ireland. From the Kildare-Athy Halloween festival to the Derry Halloween Carnival which is billed as Europe's biggest Halloween celebration, we're basically spoilt for choice. Ditch the pumpkin Pumpkins are a thing of the past. Okay, that might have been a sweeping statement but the big craze this year is pineapple carving. Yes, pineapple carving. When you think about it, they do taste a lot better so there is no waste and they also have the perfect creepy hairdo. Watch a documentary Scary movies are great but there is nothing more terrifying than a true story. Watch a few real life crime/mystery documentaries this year to really give you the creeps. Netflix has plenty. Throw a party with a twist Try something a little bit different this year and throw a party with a set theme. Try something like Rocky Horror, Peaky Blinders or Great Gatsby. Having a theme will make choosing the perfect outfit a lot easier, plus you'll have great craic once you're all together. Go to a real-life haunted house If you're brave enough. There are lots of real-life haunted houses around the country from Malahide Castle to Ardgillan Castle. Many of them open their doors for a few nights each Halloween to let some rather brave visitors see if they can handle it.  This article is brought to you by TheCostumeShop.ie.