Irlands Halloween-Hotspots

1. Derry~Londonderry

The scares don’t get any bigger than at Derry Halloween – Europe’s largest Halloween festival. Derry~Londonderry’s historic 400-year-old city walls – the most complete of their kind on the island of Ireland – are a fitting backdrop against which performers, dancers, festival-goers and creatures of the night enjoy a frightfully good time. Get spooked on the Awakening the Walled City Trail, party hard with good food and live music at the Heart of Samhain in Guildhall Square, then round things off with a spectacular Carnival Parade and Fireworks Finale above the River Foyle on Halloween night. Sounds scarily good, right?

2. Meath and Louth

The history-laden Boyne Valley wears its Halloween colours well, as counties Meath and Louth join forces for not one, but four major Samhain festivals. Chief among them is the Púca Festival, one of Ireland’s flagship Halloween events. Expect four days of music, comedy, fire displays and harvest banquets, all with a sinister but mischievous edge. Spirits of Meath features over 100 events across October, from the thrilling After Dark at Emerald Park to daytime fun on local farms and manors. Lú Festival of Light in Drogheda will see stories from Irish myth and legend projected onto striking local landmarks. And the Samhain Festival of Food & Culture celebrates the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the region with immersive tasting events, workshops, food markets and farm tours. All in all, there are tricks and treats aplenty in the valley this spooky season.

3. Fingal

The Fingal Festival of Fire & Light, held from late September to the end of October just north of Dublin city, is a Halloween celebration rooted in local culture. Think a Festival of Fire at the atmospheric Malahide Castle, an interactive light display (Lanterns) at the grand Georgian mansion of Newbridge House, and a Samhain-inspired Dining Club feast at Whitestown House Estate. All of this and more, right on Dublin city’s doorstep! Fingal and frights are a hellish match at this time of year.

4. Galway city

Spanning the month of October and early November, Gaillimh Ah-Boo will transform the colourful streets of Galway city into a devilish den of myth, mischief and magic. The festival name is a play on the Irish phrase “Gaillimh Abú!” which means “Up Galway!” and it’s this sense of pride and passion that locals are bringing to all things Halloween in the coastal city. Highlights range from the Macnas Parade by the internationally acclaimed theatre company and eight Samhain Supper Clubs in local restaurants, each one inspired by a figure from Irish folklore such as the Púca and the Banshee. Add to that, Dark History tours and many more after-dark happenings, and you won’t want to miss it.

5. Kerry

The timelessly beautiful and brooding terrain of County Kerry in the autumn sets the tone for Samhain Chiarraí: A Kerry Halloween. The name pays homage to the “Cailleach Chiarraí”, a mythical old hag from Irish folklore associated with winter, storms and the landscape. Traditional tourist favourites such as Dingle, Kenmare and Killarney will play a leading role, but don’t miss the Listowel Food Fair or the Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival. The former is one of Ireland’s premier foodie happenings, while the latter promises an eclectic mix of live performances. Is this the year you witness the homecoming of the “Cailleach Chiarraí” herself during the Samhain Parade?

6. Kilkenny

Deep in Ireland’s Ancient East, the medieval city of Kilkenny is preparing to showcase the best of Ireland in autumn and Halloween. With cobbled alleyways, stone archways and a Medieval Mile dotted with historic landmarks, walking these wonderful streets in autumn can feel like stepping into a gothic movie. Top of the bill here is Savour Kilkenny, a harvest food festival set against the dramatic backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. The 100-stall market is a feast for the senses, with everything from cookery demonstrations, artisan street food and top local tipples. At Kilkenny Toil & Trouble, uncover the bewitching (pun intended) story of the Kilkenny Witch Trials from 1324 and the chilling tale of Petronella de Meath, the first woman burned alive for witchcraft in Ireland.

7. Limerick

“Where Darkness Dances with Delight” is the tagline for County Limerick’s Halloween extravaganza. This county-wide celebration will see key towns and villages transformed into “Haunted Hamlets” bedecked with spooky trails and more. In Limerick city, the 800-year-old King John’s Castle will come alive with a haunted castle experience and historical horror tours. Look out for the banshee said to roam the castle grounds. Meanwhile, the Fire & Shadows Parade will make good on that festival tagline, with large-scale illuminated supernatural beings mingling with dancers and performers through city streets lined with Halloween revellers. It’s time to embrace the darkness…

8. Longford and Westmeath

A spine-chilling time awaits off the beaten track in counties Longford and Westmeath at Samhain: Fire, Folklore & Feasting. From a Halloween parade and harvest food festival in Longford town, to spook-tacular events at the lush Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, there’s something for everyone in this folklore-rich region of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The festival culminates with Samhain on Uisneach, the ancient spiritual and mythological centre of Ireland. Druids, traditional Irish seanchaí (storytellers) and musicians will gather fireside at this sacred place for a hair-raising night to remember.

Craving more chills?

Fire festivals, ancient Celtic traditions, the most haunted spots around the island... discover these and more at Halloween in Ireland.