Brave dad turns his Dublin home into a haunted house in aid of Debra

This Halloween, a spooky house in south Dublin is set to be transformed into a thrilling attraction filled with ghosts, ghouls, and monsters. Ken Carraher’s home is home to a macabre marquee that has become a beloved tradition in Killiney, fostering a true sense of community spirit.

Unofficially known as the Marquee of Mr. Carraher, this display is a must-visit for any trick-or-treater. “Halloween night is absolute mayhem—there will probably be the best part of 2,000 people here on that night alone,” Ken shares. “We have all the local kids helping to scare people and adults joining in too, so it’s a whole community effort.”

An electrician by trade, Mr. Carraher has dedicated 25 years to this annual tradition, which involves hundreds of hours of meticulous work. Every penny raised goes directly to Debra and the EB community.

The preparations begin on the second last Friday of September, with Ken taking four weeks of annual leave leading up to Halloween. In the two weeks prior, he puts the final touches on the grotto, adorning it with a variety of scary characters and props, only to spend another two weeks dismantling it afterward.

Despite his fear of the dark and scary movies, Ken finds joy in creating this spectacular showcase. Now in its 15th year, the Halloween display raises essential funds for debra ireland, the national charity supporting those living with EB.

With an expected crowd of 6,000 over the four nights from October 28 to 31, Ken extends his gratitude to his partner Gail, his children, his friend John, and neighbour Ciara for their invaluable support. He also appreciates the local businesses that contribute by donating sweets for the event.