Ireland Gets Spooky
Did you know that Halloween began in Ireland? The annual tradition originated centuries ago, when Ireland’s ancient Celts celebrated October 31 as Samhain, when spirits could visit the real world. The tradition eventually turned into Halloween, which is now celebrated throughout Europe and North America.
DERRY HALLOWEEN
October 28-31
Derry Halloween is a dazzling street celebration of all things spooky in the historic city of Derry. Revelers will enjoy four nights of fireworks, street performers, live music, parades, walking tours, great food and more. Hailed as the biggest Halloween festival in all of Europe, Derry Halloween was voted by USA Today readers as the top Halloween destination in the world.
THE PÚCA FESTIVAL
October 30-November 2
Centuries ago, Ireland’s ancient Celts celebrated Samhain each October 31, when spirits were said to visit the real world. It is a tradition we today call Halloween!
The Púca Festival town of Athboy in Co. Meath is a recognized hub of Halloween tradition in Ireland, along with other nearby historic places, including Hill of Ward, Drogheda, Slane and the town of Trim.
The Annual Púca Festival blends together folklore, fire, music and mischief to create a fantastical schedule of traditional ceremonies, fiery processions and seasonal feasts, plus live music, comedy and storytelling.
The Harvest Market showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople, and visitors can enjoy traditional games and explore activities inspired by Irish heritage and folklore.
Púca Festival is committed to Fáilte Ireland’s Sustainable Festival Guidelines. It provides free shuttle buses between towns and events and bans single-us plastics at bars and restaurants, offering instead reusable drink containers.
For more information, visit ireland.com.
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