We know summer’s not quite over, but it’s never too early to plan a fun, Halloween-themed getaway abroad with Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland. Ireland’s a natural for this spooky holiday, with the origin of grinning Jack-o-lanterns tracing to the Irish custom of placing candles in hollowed-out turnips to banish evil spirits. Immigrants to North America kept this tradition alive, substituting local pumpkins for turnips.

This October, the Macnas Halloween Parade takes place Oct. 28, with storytellers and “Mummers,” masked actor-mimes. From Oct. 26–Nov. 3, the Derry Halloween festival transforms Derry/Londonderry into a haunted harvest market and fair. In Dublin, the Bram Stoker Festival unfolds Oct. 26–29, with events tied to Bram Stoker’s classic, Dracula. And, on Oct. 31, Belfast hosts the Halloween Monster Mash and fireworks display.

Enjoy these events and learn about Irish Halloween traditions, including the Druid tie to costumes, how the embers of a bonfire lead to dreams of a loved one, and savor slices of Barnbrack Cake — a fruity cake with a hidden message said to foretell events in the coming year. Themed tours with spooky tales, castles and ghosts include the six-day Ancient Ireland Tour and eight-day Wild Irish Rover Tour.