At the end of October, Ireland is the perfect destination for Halloween enthusiasts! The celebration began here around 2,000 years ago with the Celtic tradition of ‘Samhain’, which was meant to ward off evil spirits. Nowadays, you can experience Halloween in all shapes and sizes. From the Púca Festival in County Meath, where mythical stories come to life, to Derry Halloween in Northern Ireland with four days of parades, ghost tours, and fireworks. And of course, you can’t miss Dracula during the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin, inspired by the Irish author Bram Stoker.
Bram Stoker Festival © Failte Ireland.
A celebration of ancient traditions, mystical stories, and exuberant festivals
Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter for the Celts in Ireland. They believed that on this day, the dead would return to their homes, so they designed eerie masks and costumes to scare away evil spirits. Bonfires and turnip lanterns kept the darkness at bay. These ancient traditions form the basis of modern Halloween. At the end of October, all of Ireland is in the Halloween spirit, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience this Celtic culture up close.
Derry Halloween © Tourism Ireland
Discover mystical figures and festivals
The ancient Samhain comes to life during the Púca Festival from October 31 to November 3, 2024, in Trim and Athboy, located in eastern Ireland. This vibrant festival takes place at historic sites and immerses visitors in folklore, music, dance, fire, mystical stories, and delicious food and drink. A magical way to celebrate Halloween in Ireland!
From October 25 to 28, 2024, Dublin will host the Bram Stoker Festival. This weekend revolves around the legacy of the famous Irish author and his iconic creation, Dracula. Fans can enjoy storytelling, theater performances, open-air screenings, and thrilling night parties. The festival offers the perfect mix of culture, spookiness, and fun for everyone who loves Halloween and wants to celebrate the literary world of Bram Stoker in the city where it all began.
From October 28 to 31, 2024, Derry Halloween will be celebrated, one of the best Halloween festivals in the world. For four days, the city transforms into a magical center full of parades, fireworks, and exciting activities, such as haunted walks along the 400-year-old city walls and the show Awakening The Walls. The whole city gets involved, from pubs with live music to costumed spectators and parade participants. It’s a unique experience that Halloween lovers should not miss!
Culinary traditions during Halloween
During Halloween, special culinary traditions are also observed! Think of barmbrack, a fruitcake in which objects such as a ring or coin are hidden to predict the future. If you find a ring, you might get married within a year, while a coin symbolizes wealth. Another typical dish is colcannon, a hearty cabbage and potato mash with plenty of butter. These traditional dishes add a tasty and symbolic aspect to the Halloween celebration in Ireland!
Discover the versatility of the Irish autumn
The Irish autumn has much to offer besides Halloween. It’s the perfect time to experience the warmth of Irish pubs with fireplaces and live music. Nature comes alive with stunning autumn colors, like in Wicklow Mountains National Park or along the Wild Atlantic Way. Music lovers can enjoy candlelit concerts, while surfers brave the Atlantic waves. Hikers can explore scenic routes, and from November, the cozy Christmas markets begin, such as the Belfast Christmas Market.
Derry Halloween Fireworks © Tourism Ireland
Púca Festival
