Thousands of people are expected to brave one of Ireland’s scariest homes this Halloween – created by a man who has always been afraid of the dark.
isitors to Ken Carraher’s garden will test their nerves to the limit when they come face-to-face with a terrifying host of zombies, ghouls, a ghastly cemetery and an 8ft fire-breathing dragon.
But the transformation of his house on Killiney Hill Road in south Dublin into an animated house of horrors is all for a frightfully good cause.
The electrician has been turning his garden into a spookfest for 23 years – 13 of those to raise money for charity Debra Ireland – and he hopes to hit a €10,000 target this weekend.
The organisation supports 300 people in Ireland with EB (epidermolysis bullosa), a rare and extremely painful genetic condition which causes the skin to blister and wound at the slightest touch.
“We are expecting 4,000-5,000 people to visit over the weekend, we have a marquee in the garden and attractions out the front of the house as well,” said ESB worker Ken.
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Bobby Harrington, 10, and Dax Long, 11, at Ken Carraher’s Halloween house in Killiney. Picture: Collins
Bobby Harrington, 10, and Dax Long, 11, at Ken Carraher’s Halloween house in Killiney. Picture: Collins
“A few years ago, I asked my daughter Aoife and her friends to pick out a charity and they came across children with the ‘Butterfly Skin’ condition, so since then we’ve raised around €50,000 for Debra Ireland.
“It is a fantastic charity. When I began to learn more and meet the patients who have this truly awful condition, I wanted to do something to help.
“The Halloween garden is about community and a bit of craic and it is good that we are doing it during EB Awareness Week this week.”
While there is no charge, everyone is encouraged to make a donation to Debra in collection boxes – or, if they prefer, a donation coffin.
Over the years, friends and neighbours have dug deep to help out – donating boxes of sweets and decorations, welcoming visitors and even directing traffic to deal with the army of curious thrillseekers.
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Ken Carraher turns his garden in Dublin’s Killiney into a huge Halloween experience every year to raise money for DEBRA Ireland. Picture: Collins
Ken Carraher turns his garden in Dublin’s Killiney into a huge Halloween experience every year to raise money for DEBRA Ireland. Picture: Collins
Starting with just two mannequins 23 years ago, Ken has since invested thousands of euro in props, lighting and treats – a Halloween scare-fest he says his wife Gail has grown to accept.
“She’s not normally fond of it but she’s mellowing! On the other hand, I am petrified of the dark, scary movies and ghost stories,” Ken says.
“We live right beside the beach and any time I’m out walking at night, I bring two torches.”
Ken’s Halloween House is Number 5 Bayview Court, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Dublin. Public opening hours: 4-8pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 4-9pm Monday (Halloween night).