Irish Daily Star

Ten famous haunts from around the world

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competitio­n crowning the most extravagan­t party goer the ‘Queen of the Carnavale’. See

GHOST TOURS

Pioneer Square Ghost Tour — Seattle Discover Seattle’s spooky history after dark with paranormal investigat­ors who have gathered stories and evidence in Seattle for over 30 years, visitors will explore Seattle’s oldest neighbourh­ood and learn about its haunted history. See

Old Sacramento Living History’s Ghost Tours — Sacramento, California

With a theme of murders, mayhem and tragedies, the eerie Ghost Tours provide Old Sacramento Waterfront guests with the opportunit­y to relive 19th century lore.

This year, daring and inquisitiv­e guests will revisit stories of pestilence, mayhem, quacks and fraud through the darker side of Sacramento’s fascinatin­g history. Along the way, tour guests may encounter wayward miners, murder victims and other Gold Rush characters. See

FAMILY FUN

Halloween at Tremblant — Quebec

On October 30, Tremblant ski resort will transform its pedestrian village into a Halloween wonderland.

Little ones are encouraged to dress up in costumes and visit each of the activity stations, where there’ll be live music, sweets, face painting and more. The event is free for all ages to attend. See

Halloween Science Kids Cruise — Florida This family-friendly cruise and show will combine Halloween-themed science fun with scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

On October 22, Naples-based tour company Pure Florida is offering this unforgetta­ble experience for children to wear their scariest costumes and get involved with the show’s interactiv­e fun and science experiment­s.

Afterwards, enjoy a 90-minute open air boat ride around the coast and Marco Island. See

Halloween in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County — California

Halloween makes for the perfect time to visit Yosemite’s Tuolumne County, with the leaves turning red, gold and copper.

Kids will love the Halloween-themed train ride at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and ghost tours at Columbia State Historic Park, while adults can sample seasonal treats at Indigeny Reserve and Covers Apple Ranch. See

HAUNTED HOTELS AND PLACES

Hearst Castle — SLO CAL, California

One of California’s most spectacula­r properties, Hearst Castle is a real sight to be seen.

Designed and built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the meticulous­ly preserved hilltop estate was once an enchanted escape for the rich and famous.

Today, some would say the property is haunted, as estate caretakers claim to still hear footsteps, music and laughter.

This October, you can experience the historic property illuminate­d at night on a seasonal evening tour. See

Bodie Ghost Town — Mammoth Lakes, California

Bodie State Historic Park, located close to the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes, is a genuine California gold-mining ghost town and one of America’s most atmospheri­c.

People flocked to Bodie in 1875 and transforme­d it from a town of a few dozen to a lawless wild west, where brothels, shootouts and killings were rife. Now, interiors remain as they were left and stocked with goods.

People have even been known to experience a string of nightmare events after helping themselves to Bodie souvenirs! See

Maruoka Castle — Fukui, Japan

This ancient three-storey castle has a deeply dark history as the lord of Maruoka tried to build a new castle in the 16th century, yet it would collapse with every attempt.

Eventually, a widow was sacrificed and constructi­on went ahead but the lord did not keep his promise to the widow, and each April the castle moat flooding is said to be the widow’s tears.

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