Discover the magic as Halloween Hay Trail returns to the district

The much-loved Halloween Hay Trail is back for 2026, inviting families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts to embark on a frightfully fun adventure across Strabane and the wider district from October 16-31.

Now a firm fixture in the local Halloween calendar, the trail showcases the creativity, imagination and community spirit of local schools, community groups, businesses and volunteers who transform ordinary hay bales into extraordinary Halloween displays. Since its beginnings in 2017, the Hay Trail has grown into one of the most popular attractions of the Halloween season, drawing visitors from across the district and beyond.

This year's route features nine unique displays stretching across the district, taking visitors on a scenic journey through Bready, Strabane, Victoria Bridge, Castlederg and Newtownstewart. Stops include the Sollus Centre, Bready, New Horizons, North West Regional College, The Tinnies by Holy Cross College, Glebe Cross Community, Spout Farm, Strabane Young Farmers, Churchtown Community Association and Newtownstewart Centre 2000 and Newtownstewart Young Farmers.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, encouraged everyone to visit the trail and support the groups involved.

"The Halloween Hay Trail has become one of the highlights of our Halloween celebrations and a wonderful example of community creativity at its very best. Every year, local schools, community groups, farmers and businesses put an incredible amount of time and effort into creating these imaginative displays, and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to explore the trail and see their fantastic work for themselves.

"The trail offers a great chance to discover different parts of our district while enjoying some Halloween fun with family and friends. I would like to thank all those involved in creating this year's displays and helping to make the Hay Trail such a popular and much-loved attraction."

Whether you're hunting for witches, spotting spooky ghouls or searching out family-friendly Halloween characters, the Halloween Hay Trail offers a fun-filled way to explore the district and enjoy the festive spirit throughout October.

The Halloween Hay Trail forms part of the wider Strabane Halloween 2026 programme, which includes family events, pumpkin patches, live entertainment, workshops, Trick or Treat Trails and the spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza at Melvin Sports Complex Running Track on Saturday, October 31 at 7pm.

For full programme details and an event map, visit www.strabanehalloween.com.