Vampires, Monsters and… A Graveyard Park?

We haven’t seen Explorer Beastie in a while, have we? Well, this might explain why… With Hallowe’en looming, he has been watching A LOT of horror films. He especially likes any that feature vampires, and his absolute favourite is…
Vampires Rule! CrawCrafts BeastiesSo when I suggested we take a trip to Dublin’s spookiest park, he was more than willing to tag along.

St Kevin’s Park is right in the city centre… But since it’s smaller than other nearby parks like St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, it tends to attract fewer visitors, most of them locals. Why is it spooky? Because it was originally a church and graveyard!
St Kevin's Park, Dublin - CrawCrafts BeastiesThe ivy-covered shell of the church stands in the centre of the park, while the gravestones of the old churchyard are propped against the boundary walls. The park officially opened in 1971, and in preparation for this change of use, all the graves were catalogued and the headstones (but not the graves!) relocated. So it’s hardly surprising that stories abound of the place being haunted!

Perfect for a pre-Hallowe’en wander, I’m sure you’ll agree.

“And we’ll definitely see a vampire!”

Right, Explorer Beastie. We definitely will.

But first, lunch!

“It’s nice here…”
Lunchtime! CrawCrafts Beasties“… Disappointing lack of vampires though.”

No Vampires at Lunch - CrawCrafts Beasties

Explorer Beastie also failed to see any vampires as he looked at the old headstones…
No Vampires near the Gravestones - CrawCrafts Beasties… Studied the fallen leaves…
No Vampires in the Leaves - CrawCrafts Beasties… Walked on the lawns…
No Vampires on the Lawns - CrawCrafts Beasties… Or enjoyed the abundant Autumn colours.
Autumn Colours - CrawCrafts Beasties

“Hmmm, I wonder how the renovations are coming along?”
Renovations at St Kevin's Church Park - CrawCrafts BeastiesJust then, I heard another small, possibly Beastie-like voice.

“Um, excuse me?”
Beastie Meets Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesThen…
Dracula Beastie says hello - CrawCrafts BeastiesRun Away! CrawCrafts Beasties“He’s a bit skittish, isn’t he? I only wanted to ask if he had a spare sandwich. I’m STARVING!”

Sorry, Dracula Beastie, he’s just seen too many movies. Finally, with much coaxing, we were able to convince Explorer Beastie to come back. And as it happens…
Sharing Sandwiches - CrawCrafts Beasties… He did have a spare sandwich.

“Here you go!”
“Yum, thanks!”
Vampires eat Sandwiches, who knew? CrawCrafts BeastiesThen there was just time to take a quick photo for the Beastie family album before we headed for home.
Dracula Beastie and Explorer Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesAll in all, a spooktacular day out!
Beasties in the Park - CrawCrafts BeastiesSo, what are you up to for Hallowe’en? Be sure to scare us silly with your plans by telling us about them in the comments!

A Bevy of Hallowe'en Beasties, by CrawCrafts Beasties

Happy Hallowe’en!

Woooooooooooo!

We couldn’t resist popping in an extra post to celebrate the Beasties’ favourite holiday!

Beasties at Hallowe'en - CrawCrafts Beasties

Soooo…

Have a spooktacular Hallowe’en!

And here are some seasonal monsters to get your own festivities started!
Dracula Beastie's Library - CrawCrafts BeastiesFirst of all, we’ve got Dracula Beastie stopping in for a bite!

Then Ghostie Beastie’s going to drift through later on.
Same Beastie, Different Background! CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd who knows… If the party starts to quieten down, Frankenstein’s Monster Beastie might well be on hand to bring it back to life!

Who sewed this guy together? CrawCrafts BeastiesWell, as long as nobody lets this guy in.
Grim Reaper Beastie, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Have a monster time… And don’t forget to tell us all about your own Hallowe’en plans in the comments!

It's Dracula Beastie! CrawCrafts Beasties

Beasties That Go Bump in the Night…

Who's That Beastie? CrawCrafts BeastiesWooooooo! Hallowe’en weekend is finally here, and there are spooky Beasties about! Welcome to a special late-night edition of the BeastieBlog… Now, who’s that shadowy caped figure lurking up there?
Dracula Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesIt’s Dracula Beastie! And he’s really dressed to kill, in full evening dress and a red satin-lined cape…
Dracula Beastie's Outfit, by CrawCrafts BeastiesBut don’t worry, he doesn’t bite. In fact, why don’t we join him in the library? It might be late, but he’s expecting friends…
Dracula Beastie's Library - CrawCrafts BeastiesOh look, here they are!
Dracula Beastie and Friends - CrawCrafts BeastiesHey there, Jack O’Lantern Beastie and Skull Beastie!
Skull Beastie and Jack O'Lantern Beastie, by CrawCrafts BeastiesAnd now they’re ready to head out trick-or-treating! Hopefully they’ll be back in time to join me at my next market… If you happen to find yourself in Dublin this Sunday, be sure to join us at the Smithfield Market Fair from 12-7pm! It’s going to be spooktacular!

What are you all up to for Hallowe’en? And what will you be dressing up as? Let us know in the comments!