Rediscover the spirit of Samhain with these fascinating events

Ireland is the Home of Halloween, so it's only right that we do it justice.

October is here and so is the Halloween frenzy. We've been dreaming up costumes for months and planning get-togethers, and soon it will be time to enjoy a night of spooky fun.

It might be fun to get swept away in this version of Halloween, but we're also using this season as an opportunity to reconnect with Halloween's ancient origins, which are so much more than just one night of fun.

Halloween is a season, not a night, and here in Ireland, we're proud to call our nation the home of Halloween. Or, to give it its proper title, Samhain.

What is Samhain?

Samhain is an ancient festival that celebrated the new year according to the Celtic calendar. The season was thought to be a mystical time and that the souls of the departed walked among us. 

Timeless traditions

Some of the ways the ancient Irish celebrated Samhain remain popular today. While we carve pumpkins, the ancient Irish used to carve turnips into lanterns and the end result was far spookier than any modern jack-o-lantern. Bonfires were also typical of Samhain celebrations.

Celebrating Samhain in modern Ireland

Ready to reconnect with the spirit of Samhain? You're in luck. Across Ireland, you'll find a huge number of events that honour Samhain's heritage.

In the Boyne Valley, which is largely recognised as one of the spiritual homes of Samhain, the beloved Púca Festival will make its return, in a multi-day celebration, complete with music, comedy, fire and a show-stopping procession.

The Macnas Parade in Galway is another iconic event that pays tribute to Samhain's heritage. The parade will run as part of the city wide festival - Gaillimh Ah-Boo.

The Hill of Uisneach, meanwhile, in Co. Westmeath has long been regarded as an important site in Ireland's pagan history, which is why it will be at the epicentre of Samhain celebrations this year. Expect fire ceremonies and plenty of stories to capture the significance of Samhain.

In Dublin, Fingal finds itself at the centre of Samhain celebrations with its Festival of Fire & Light with events taking place across a number of locations, including Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Samhain celebrations today at DiscoverIreland.ie