There’s something strange happening at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway this Halloween. There’s ghosts on the platforms and ghouls on the train, it can only be the return of the Phantom Flyer for the railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains!

“Anyone who visits on Halloween weekend is in for a double treat,” says Railway spooksperson, Robert Gardiner.

He explains, “As well as travelling on a ghostly steam train, children who dare to alight at the Forbidden Platform, as well as any brave grown-ups, will be granted an audience with the Great Wizard in his own haunted Grotto train.

merlin

“If those who dare to enter Merlin’s domain pass his tests, then the children will receive a mystical gift.”

Mr. Gardiner adds, “And of course, why not try to turn the tables and scare Merlin by coming in ghostly fancy dress yourself?”

To add a really scary touch visitors could turn evil with some ghoulish facepainting as well.

So are you brave enough to visit a Viking Graveyard on Halloween night?  The train will be stopping at the grave of King Magnus Barefoot on its travels and be warned as ghoulish things rise out of the ground before your eyes!

The Phantom Flyer will be dearly departing on Halloween weekend – Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October at the Witching Hour from 4pm-7pm for all Three Knights (or nights). Refreshments will be served onboard a buffet carriage at the Loop Platform, and car parking is free.

spookyguard

On Halloween Night there will also be a fireworks display after the last train in Downpatrick Town Centre just down from the station.

Tickets are available on the day at Downpatrick Station only and cost £8.50 for Ghoulish Grownups and Little Monsters (children aged 4-15), £5.50 for Tiny Terrors (children aged 0-3) and Spooky Seniors (childrens’ ticket includes visit to Merlin, swag bag as well as train fare), .

Mr. Gardiner also reminds people about autumn weather, “Don’t forget that this is an outdoor event, so please remember to wrap up well.”

And also keep an eye out for Santa’s visit to the railway this December – tickets are available online now.