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22nd October 2025
03:31pm BST
Sarah McKenna
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.ie
When most people hear the word 'Halloween', they might picture elaborate costumes, haunted houses and trick or treat bags packed to the brim with sweets, but the holiday's origins are far more interesting.
Ireland is the Home of Halloween, or, to give it its proper title - Samhain, the Celtic New Year festival. The ancient Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was thinned, and the spirits walked among us.
Many of the facets of modern Halloween celebrations including bonfires, costumes, offerings and turnip lights can trace their origins back to Samhain.
This Samhain, Ireland is gearing up for a whole month of festivities that honour Halloween's deep-rooted heritage and bring it to life.
After all, Halloween is a season, not just a night. From immersive festivals to storytelling sessions, we've put together seven hubs across Ireland where you can celebrate Samhain's fascinating traditions.
The Boyne Valley is recognised as one of the spiritual homes of Samhain, so it's no surprise that the region is going all out with a five-week long celebration culminating in Púca Festival in the historic towns of Trim and Athboy.
Over four nights, visitors will experience music, fire and folklore with events that explore Samhain's heritage. This year, the theme is Connecting with Our Roots, and it all kicks off with the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy on 31st October.
Then, on 1st November, the Púca Procession will make its way through Trim in a wild celebration of Samhain lore. Guests can also expect plenty of musical and comedy guests throughout the festival, including The 2 Johnnies, The Dublin Gospel Choir, Block Rockin' Beats and Groove Armada DJ Set, Young Hot Guys, and the Blindboy Podcast.
For some Samhain inspired food, check out the Harvest Market in Trim or the Samhain Banquet and Craicly Stories for a lively dining experience.
Throughout October, the Spirits of Meath festival will invite revellers to a thrilling programme of over 100 events, including Pooka Spooka, Ghosts of the Manor and Farmaphobia at Causey Farm and After Dark at Emerald Park.
Between 6th to 9th November, the Samhain Festival of Food and Culture in Kells will be serving up the season's delicious bounty, so come hungry.
In Louth, Drogheda will be illuminated with dazzling projections as the award-winning Lú Festival of Light makes its glittering return.
This Samhain, Galway will be alive with festivities thanks to Gaillimh Ah-Boo, a vibrant city-wide celebration. On 26th October, the iconic Macnas Parade will return, bringing their trademark towering puppets and eerie night creatures to life in a theatrical display.
Lally Tours, meanwhile, will be inviting those brave enough to explore ghostly legends and frightening historical tales alike with their Experience Galway Dark Tourism Tours.
Féasta Fómhair: A Halloween Spectacle Dinner at St Nicholas’s Church, featuring renowned chef JP McMahon, promises the perfect Halloween night out for food lovers.
Seasonal, locally sourced produce will take centre stage at this event, which honours the Samhain tradition of harvest and feasting at some of the city's top restaurants.
Throughout Samhain, Longford and Westmeath will be paying tribute to the ancient Celtic highways through a month-long celebration. Highlights include the Dead of the Night Festival in Longford Town on the 25th - 31st October and the Fire & Shadows Procession which takes place in Longford Town on the evening of the 31st October.
On 8th and 9th November, one of Ireland's most sacred sites - the Hill of Uisneach - will be at the epicentre of the Celtic New Year, with fire ceremonies and storytelling aplenty.
The Kingdom will celebrate Halloween's ancient origins through Samhain Chiarraí, a four-week-long festival. Between 8th - 9th November, the town of Sneem will come alive with myth and magic thanks to the Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival.
Festivities at the Kenmare Halloween Howl, meanwhile will include haunted forest walks, storytelling, mask-making workshops and performances for the whole family. Acrobatics, fire and theatricality will collide in Tralee as the town gears up for the National Circus Festival, running from 6th - 9th November.
And, for a feast inspired by the flavours of Samhain, check out the Listowel Food Fair, which runs from 7th - 11th November.
Fingal's Festival of Fire & Light is an electrifying five-week celebration of all things Samhain with events taking place in Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown. Catch Pumpkins After Dark, an internationally renowned interactive lighting event as it comes to Newbridge House between 27th September and 4th November.
Ancient Samhain traditions and modern cuisine collide in Samhain Feast at the Dining Club in Whitestown House Estate, which will boast a seven course tasting menu on the 24th and 25th November.
Younger revellers, meanwhile, are invited to embrace their inner artist as the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre presents a week of Halloween Craft Workshops running from 25th - 31st October.
Over the course of six weeks, Limerick will be celebrating Samhain through the county's Home of Halloween Festival 2025. Expect magical pageantry as the Lumen Street Theatre's Fire and Shadows Parade weaves its way through the city streets on 26th October.
The historic King John's Castle will be brought to life with the arrival of the giant Con Mór this October. Elsewhere, Lough Gur will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, complete with bonfires, scavenger hunts and a fire show, set against the backdrop of the moody lake.
The medieval city of Kilkenny will play host to a dynamic programme of events for five mythical weeks. Kilkenny Toil & Trouble, running from 1st - 9th November, is an authentic Samhain experience that blends history, performance and storytelling as it explores the lore of Petronella, the first woman burned for witchcraft in Ireland.
Savour Kilkenny, meanwhile, is a vibrant festival that celebrates the very best of Irish produce and culinary talent and it is set to take place in Kilkenny Castle from 23rd - 27th October.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Samhain celebrations at DiscoverIreland.ie
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