Halloween in Ireland – October 2026
Did you know that Halloween began in Ireland, dating back some 2,000 years ago to the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain. Held each October 31, Samhain heralded the coming of winter, a time when light turned to darkness and spirits could visit the real world. The tradition eventually turned into Halloween, which is now celebrated throughout Europe and North America. Here are some Halloween events to scare the bejesus out of you!
BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL
October 23-26
Gothic literary fans- celebrate one of Ireland’s most beloved and legendary authors at the annual Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin. Born in Clontarf, Dublin, Stoker was an Irish writer best known for his Gothic classic tale Dracula, written in 1897 and a perennial favorite today. This year’s festival activities includes a parade by renowned theatre group Macnas on October 26, plus numerous events in local museums, libraries, pubs and cafes.
DERRY HALLOWEEN
October 28-November 1
Derry Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026 as one of the best Halloween anywhere! With the historic city of Derry as a backdrop, revelers 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 desnation in the world
And don’t miss the nearby Strabane Halloween Festival just3 minutes away in County Tyrone. Expect live music, costumed performers, light installations, and immersive experiences including that bring the ancient traditions of Samhain to life. And don’t miss the a Halloween Hay Sculpture Trail!
THE PÚCA FESTIVAL
October 29-November 1
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 on Ireland’s halloween traditions, visit ireland.com.
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