5 Fhéile Oíche Shamhna a Thugann Beatha do Shamhain

Halloween traces its roots back over 2,000 years to Ireland’s ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Marking the end of harvest and the arrival of winter, it was a time when fires blazed, shadows danced, and the veil between this world and the next grew thin. Spirits were believed to roam freely, and rituals of light, feasting, and storytelling gave birth to the traditions we now know as Halloween.

Derry Halloween is Europe’s biggest Halloween festival and one of the world’s most dazzling celebrations of Samhain. Each October, the historic Walled City transforms into a stage, alive with light shows, eerie installations, street performers, and a spectacular carnival parade.

it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that fuses ancient Celtic tradition with contemporary creativity. No wonder travellers from across the globe make the trip over to witness the event first hand. 

The Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin celebrates the city’s most famous Gothic son with four thrilling days of adventure. Expect spine-tingling theatre, contemporary art installations, and after-dark workshops inspired by Dracula himself.

From atmospheric walking tours to quirky family days out, the festival transforms Dublin into a playground of the uncanny—showing just how deeply Ireland’s capital embraces its darkly imaginative spirit.

Set against the historic backdrops of Trim and Athboy, the festival brims with fire ceremonies, folklore, and spectacular processions that honour the mischievous spirit of the Púca.

Visitors can feast at banquets, dance to live music, and lose themselves in stories that echo down through the ages. It’s an unmissable blend of myth and magic set in the heart of ancient Ireland. 

The Macnas Parade is Galway’s legendary contribution to Halloween where towering puppets, otherworldly creatures, and wild performers spill through the city’s medieval streets. 

Known for its bold artistry and surreal storytelling, the parade captivates crowds of all ages with music, movement, and larger-than-life characters born straight from myth and imagination.

Fire & Shadows Procession brings the spellbinding spirit of Samhain to the streets of Waterford through powerful, twilight-lit performances. Beginning in the Viking Triangle it winds through the city towards a dramatic and memorable finale on 25 October. 

In Limerick the event highlights the mythical river spirits and the haunting legend of the Bishop’s Lady come to life along the Shannon’s banks on 26 October. 

Meanwhile, Longford hosts its own version as part of the Dead of Night Festival where visitors are invited to step into a world where myth meets modern performance on 28 October. 

We recommend booking your tickets early to avoid disappointment, arriving in plenty of time for the best views, and planning your visit so you can experience even more of Ireland’s gems!