Ireland brews an irresistible mix of mystery and celebration during Halloween—and for good reason. This beloved holiday traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a grand gathering that signaled the end of the harvest season and the onset of dark winter days.
The Celts held a profound belief in the interplay between the living world and the realm of the dead, where spirits could freely cross boundaries. To ward off mischievous entities that might drag them prematurely to the afterlife, they donned disguises and costumes to evade and frighten wandering ghosts.
These customs endure today in our Halloween traditions of dressing up and lighting bonfires, which originated in Ireland's hillsides as clans kindled massive ceremonial Samhain fires. As the true home of Halloween, Ireland embraces the spooky season with unmatched fervor through festivals large and small. Here's what's lined up for 2020:
Púca Festival
Counties Meath and Louth, once ruled by Ireland's High Kings, remain epicenters of Halloween heritage. Púca events typically feature symbolic Samhain fire lightings, live music, performances, and dazzling light shows honoring Ireland as Halloween's origin. In 2020, celebrations shift online—except for Samhain fires on October 31—with stories of Irish and Celtic Halloween origins shared via Púca's social media.
Click here for video about the Púca Festival:
Bram Stoker Festival
Dublin's Bram Stoker Festival honors the Dracula author's legacy with thrilling Halloween weekend adventures. Amid Covid-19 restrictions, 2020 emphasizes interactive virtual experiences for all ages, highlighting Dublin's ties to Stoker, the supernatural, and Irish traditions. Expect tricks, treats, and vampire-friendly fun from home. Full program details coming soon—follow the festival website and social channels.
Click here for a video about the Bram Stoker festival:
Derry Halloween
From a humble pub party in the walled city of Derry~Londonderry, this event has evolved into Europe's top Halloween spectacle and the world's premier destination. It draws global crowds for a fusion of ancient myths and modern culture.
Despite 2020 Covid-19 limits curbing in-person events, expect giant inflatable monsters, banshee bike rides, and multi-site fireworks. Online offerings include tutorials on costumes, masks, brooms, pumpkin carving, face painting, SFX makeup, recipes, and cocktails. Dive into virtual storytelling, theater, ghost tales for adults, and Samhain Sessions live music.
Click here for the Derry Halloween video
