Banshee: Halloween Story & Activities

A Hidden Story in Every Jar

BansheeThe Voice in the Moonlight

Settle beside Gran’s fire and discover the sorrowful figure behind a familiar Irish ghost story. Then keep the fun going with four Halloween activities.

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Let the Halloween fun continue

Choose a sheet below, or print this comic, all four activities and the games guide together.

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Spot the spooky differences

Find ten differences between the two Halloween scenes.

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The Midnight Maze

Follow the winding path through our Halloween maze.

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Halloween treasure hunt

Find twelve hidden objects in the cosy cottage.

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Halloween word search

Search for twelve spooky words hidden in the grid.

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Games to play together

Eight favourite ideas for Halloween night, from old favourites to party fun and quieter games.

Eight Halloween games: mystery bowls, apple bobbing, apple on a string, barmbrack fortunes, flour mountain, memory tray, freeze dance and a story game.

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1. Witch’s mystery bowls

Spooky guessing game
You need: Bowls, cloths, peeled grapes, cold cooked spaghetti and mashed banana.

Hide each food under a cloth. Tell players the grapes are witches’ eyes, spaghetti is worms and banana is monster brains! Feel without looking and guess the real food. Reveal at the end. Prefer to peek or use a spoon? That counts too. Touch only, no tasting.

2. Apple bobbing

Old favourite
You need: Apples, a basin, water and a towel.

Float washed apples in shallow water. Try to catch one with your teeth, hands behind your back. Give each player fresh water and their own apple. Or scoop with a spoon!

3. Apple on a string

Old favourite
You need: One apple per player and string.

A grown-up hangs each apple securely at mouth height. Try to take a bite without using your hands. Play one at a time, keep eyes open and hands free.

4. Barmbrack fortunes

Our family version
You need: Barmbrack and paper fortune cards.

A hidden ring traditionally foretold marriage. Keep objects out of the food. Enjoy a slice, then draw a card for friendship, adventure or good luck. Pretend predictions only!

5. Flour mountain

Our spoon version
You need: Flour, a plate, spoons and a grape.

Balance a grape on a flour mound. Take turns scooping flour from the side. If the grape falls on your turn, you lose the round. Rebuild and play again. No face-dipping.

6. Witch’s memory tray

Party game
You need: A tray, a cloth and eight objects.

Study the objects for 30 seconds. Cover the tray and name as many as you remember. Try again with one object missing. Can everyone spot what vanished?

7. Monster freeze dance

Party game
You need: Music and room to move.

Dance like a wobbly monster, a floating ghost or a sneaky cat. Freeze when the music stops! Seated monster moves count too. No one is out.

8. One-sentence spooky story

Quiet game
You need: Your imaginations!

Begin: ‘On Halloween night, something knocked at the door…’ Each person adds one sentence. Will your story be funny, mysterious or spooky? Anyone can pass. Finish together!

Grown-ups: supervise play, check food allergies and keep small items away from little children. Games can be adapted so everyone can join in.

The fortune games are make-believe. Our family versions adapt older customs for children today. Explore the background at the National Museum of Ireland and the Dúchas folklore collection.

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Read the story as text

The wind sighs outside Gran’s cottage. She reassures the children that it is only the wind, then tells them about the banshee. In Irish folklore, this woman belongs to the Otherworld, the magical world of spirits.

People told of her crying before a death in certain families. Her cry was a warning, not the cause. Gran explains that the banshee was a sorrowful figure, and that keening is a sound of deep sadness and mourning.

A branch taps the window. It is their apple tree! The children settle by the fire, thinking about a story that is sad as well as spooky.

An introduction to Irish folklore, including gentle discussion of death and mourning.

Real Reviews

What Customers Say

Real feedback from Slime Banshee families, party guests and slime customers.

Party Reviews

Such a great time today for double party for 2 besties with slime banshee. The kids absolutely loved it. Orla was fantastic and kept the group of kids entertained from start to finish. I Would highly recommend the slime banshee.

The Slime Banshee was the best party my daughter ever had. From my very first contact right to the end the experience and the service was 200%. My daughter and her friends had an absolute blast. Orla went above and beyond to ensure it was the best birthday yet. My daughter is so happy this evening after an unforgettable day. I really cannot recommend this company enough and I will recommend to all of my friends and family. The hassle of organizing and cleaning is taken away and you can enjoy the day. Thank you so much. The kindness and thought that went into everything was the best we have experienced. It will be a birthday my family will remember for years. Thank you so much

My daughter had a fantastic birthday party with Orla. Her friends had a ball also. Kids were entertained and were interested in the experience from start to finish. Would highly recceommend Slime Banshee.

Orla and Slime Banshee ran a seamless party for our ten year old daughter. She kept the children engaged throughout and everyone had a fantastic time! It meant we could relax and enjoy the party while the children were kept entertained.