Ghost stories, gruesome crimes and poxy plagues – Coleraine’s horrid history comes to life this Halloween
Saturday 10 October 2026
From gruesome crimes and ghostly encounters to deadly plagues and dreadful school days, some of Coleraine’s darkest stories are set to be uncovered in a new exhibition opening just in time for Halloween.
Coleraine Museum is inviting families and history enthusiasts to discover the town’s more sinister past through ‘Coleraine’s Horrid History’, opening at Coleraine Town Hall on Friday 30 October.
The exhibition will explore centuries of unusual and unsettling local history, accompanied by a programme of free events including a Halloween Fun Day, guided walking tours and an adults-only true crime evening.
Plagues, workhouses and ghostly tales
Visitors will be able to delve into the less pleasant chapters of Coleraine’s history, from the harsh realities of workhouse life and outbreaks of disease to local ghost stories, notorious crimes and the sometimes miserable experiences of schoolchildren in earlier generations.
The display aims to bring the town’s darker heritage to life, revealing fascinating and occasionally disturbing stories from its long history.
The exhibition is suitable for families with supervision, although some material may be inappropriate for younger children. Potentially unsuitable content will be clearly signposted.
It will run from Friday 30 October until Saturday 27 February 2027, opening Tuesdays to Saturdays, excluding bank holidays, from 11am to 4pm.
Free Halloween Fun Day
The exhibition's opening weekend will feature a free Halloween Fun Day at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 31 October, organised by Coleraine Museum in partnership with Coleraine Connect.
Running from 1pm to 3pm, the afternoon will offer a mixture of spooky entertainment and creative activities for families.
Attractions will include:
• Facepainting and doodle art
• Spooky arts and crafts
• Encounters with horrid characters
• Terrifying tales and storytelling
• Fire eaters
• Music and other Halloween entertainment
Explore Coleraine’s horrible heritage on foot
Those keen to discover the darker stories behind familiar town centre streets can join a one-hour Horrid History Walking Tour.
The guided walks will explore Coleraine’s gruesome heritage and some of the ghastly goings-on that have shaped its past.
Two tours are scheduled:
• Friday 30 October at 4pm
• Thursday 5 November at 4pm
Both tours will depart from Coleraine History Hub at the Diamond Centre.
The walking tours are free, but advance booking is essential.
True crime evening for adults
For visitors with an interest in real-life mysteries and disturbing historical events, Coleraine Museum will host ‘Murder Most Foul – A True Crime Evening’ on Thursday 26 November.
The event will explore some of the more unsavoury stories from the town’s past, examining its darker history through a true crime lens.
It will be hosted by dark historian and content creator Robert J. Simpson, who will be joined by special guests.
The evening begins at 7.30pm at Coleraine Town Hall and is restricted to those aged 18 and over.
Admission is free, but booking is essential.
School visits and educational workshops
Alongside the public exhibition and events, Coleraine Museum is offering opportunities for local schools to explore the town’s history through educational visits.
Preschool, primary and secondary schools are invited to enquire about tailored workshops and guided tours, providing opportunities to discover local heritage in an age-appropriate setting.
Opening times and booking information
• Exhibition: Friday 30 October 2026 to Saturday 27 February 2027
• Venue: Coleraine Town Hall
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–4pm, excluding bank holidays
• Halloween Fun Day: Saturday 31 October, 1pm–3pm
• Horrid History Walking Tours: Friday 30 October and Thursday 5 November, 4pm, departing from Coleraine History Hub at the Diamond Centre
• Murder Most Foul: Thursday 26 November, 7.30pm, ages 18 and over
• Admission: Free exhibition and accompanying events
• Booking: Essential for walking tours and the true crime evening
For further information, event bookings or school visit enquiries, contact Coleraine Museum by emailing museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or telephoning 028 2766 0230.
With family-friendly Halloween entertainment, guided explorations of familiar streets and an opportunity to uncover lesser-known stories, the programme offers residents and visitors a different way to discover Coleraine’s past – including the parts of its history that are rarely celebrated.
