Travel & Lore: 10 Spooky Irish Destinations to Celebrate Halloween

As the veil between the Otherworld and our own thins, we hope to inspire your journey to Ireland—the island where Halloween originated. For over 2000 years, Irish communities have gathered around large bonfires on Oct. 31 to usher in the Celtic New Year and celebrate a festival known as Samhain (pronounced Sow-Win).

Today, Samhain goes by many names: Oidhche nan Cleas (Night of Tricks), Devils Night, Oíche Shamhna (pronounced "Ee-heh How-na), Night of Mischief, All Hallow's Eve and, of course, Halloween. 

Each county has it's own lore, traditions, and unique festivals. We hope the celebrations below inspire you to stand near the flickering embers of Samhain bonfires and discover your own mysterious omens in the autumn wind.

1. Macnas Parade

Galway
October 26-27, 2024 (Rumored)
Price: Free

If your Halloween fantasies involve being spirited away to mystical lands or running away with a circus of curiosities, head straight to the Macnas Parade which is expected to occur over Ireland's Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend. Macnas, a group of world-renowned master storytellers known for their imagination and innovation, will take to Galway's streets to put on a Halloween spectacle like none you've seen before! The time, route and location are a secret, but we know it will be a "GIANT new show!" Rumors have it the event may take place October 27 at 5:30 PM in the center of Galway City.

2. Púca Halloween Festival

Trim / Athboy. County Meath
October 31 - November 3, 2024
Pricing: €6.98- €60.98

Each year, the Púca Festival celebrates the ancient traditions of Samhain with the energy and enthusiasm of our modern age. The festival is just a 45 minute drive from Dublin and is surrounded by historic spaces considered to be portals to the Otherworld. Some archaeologists believe these sites (at Tlachtga and Hill of Tara) are where the ancient Samhain fires were first lit. From markets to concerts to comedy and circus workshops, the event schedule has something for everyone. Organizers of this immersive festival invite you to discover a realm where folklore comes alive. Dance with otherworldly creatures, revel in the richness of Irish music and storytelling, feast as you encounter mischief and spectacle, and experience Halloween in its most authentic form.

3. Visit Newgrange, Tlachtga, Hill of Tara, and Trim Castle

Outside Dublin. County Meath
Daily
Pricing: $5 museum fee or guided from $73 to $627

If you're heading to Dublin or the Púca Festival, take a day trip out to Newgrange and Boyne Valley. Early Irish literature describes gatherings on Samhain when these ancient burial mounds were opened. The tombs are considered portals for supernaturals from the Otherworld. The concept of these supernaturals has evolved throughout Ireland's history. To some they are the aos sí (spirts or faerie folk). To others they are the ghosts of loved ones since passed.

Site Highlights: By the Iron Age the Hill of Tara had become a high seat for kings and later a site of prominence for Christianity—it was visited by St. Patrick in the 5th Century.  On October 31^st you can see the "Gathering of the Spirits" at the Trim Castle. As part of the Púca Festival they'll project a light show onto the stunning medieval walls of the castle. 

Note: When touring this impressive area be sure to wear comfortable shoes (you're sure to get your steps in!)

4. The Bram Stoker Festival

Dublin. County Meath
October 25-28, 2024
Pricing: Free to $28 per event

The Bram Stoker Festival is a glorious gothic experience which celebrates the life and work of Bram Stoker, a beloved Irish author. Prepare yourself for four days and nights of 'deadly adventure.' Events take place city-wide, creating a unique and festive blueprint for ethical roamers looking to wander the streets of Dublin. The event is hosted by the Dublin City Council which has ensured the festival has something for every age and macabre interest: family friendly arts and crafts, ghost tours, a film festival, spellbinding theater, in-depth talks, visual arts, and storytelling sessions at local libraries. Whether you're a curious wanderer, a creature of the night, or a seeker of thrills, the Bram Stoker Festival is guaranteed to satiate your appetite for Halloween.

5. Rathcroghan: The Birthplace of Samhain & Ireland's "Gate to Hell"

Carrowreagh, County Roscommon
Daily
Pricing: €7

Rathcroghan (pronounced Rath-craw-hin) is an ancient gathering site, generally regarded as the Irish Hell Caves where Halloween was born. Located inland between Galway and Dublin, the former Celtic capital is a fascinating place to stop if you are planning a roadtrip of the Irish countryside. According to Irish lore, the unassuming cave entrance to Oweynagatis and the resting place of Warrior Queen Medb, as well as the dwelling place of the Morrigan—goddess of battle. If you open your mind, you may even witness fearsome, otherworldly beasts emerging from the Cave of Oweynagat to ravage the landscape in preparation of Winter.

6. Leap Scarecrow Festival

Leap. County Cork, Ireland
October 12 - November 2, 2024
Pricing: Free, Donations welcomed at some events.

The Leap Scarecrow Festival is an annual celebration known for its vibrant events and, you guessed it, scarecrow competition. This humble, yet witty and artistic festival is a local treasure, bringing the community and visitors together to embrace the Halloween season. If you are looking for a creative event in a small village, this is it.

7. 'A Scare at Samhain' Storytelling Tour

Bláth na Gréine. County Cork, Ireland
October 12 to November 2, 2024
Pricing: $33

If you're heading to the Leap Scarecrow Festival, consider joining Gormú, an eco-adventures company based along the rugged West Cork coastline, for a unique ebike or walking tour. Gormú is known for their authentic folklore storytelling. Together with your Seán na gealaí guide, you will explore local stories and the places behind the bean sí (wailing banshee) and the púca (shapeshifting troublemakers from Irish mythology). This immersive adventure wraps up with hot chocolate and a slice of traditional báirín breac. 

8. Derry Halloween Festival

Derry. County Londonderry
October 23-31, 2024
Pricing: Free with some low cost ticketed events

Step through the Walled City of Derry's historic gates for the (self-proclaimed) LARGEST Halloween Festival in Europe. Start by following The Awakening the Walled City Trail to experience the story of Halloween—brought to life through illumination, aerial performance, pyrotechnics and music. Watch the Carnival Parade and top off your experience with Halloween fireworks (which, pending no rain, should take place at approximately 8.15pm). Note: Fireworks aren't particularly friendly to the environment, but we've included them because they hold an thrilling place in our founder's heart.

9. Titanic Trail Walking Tour

Cobh. County Cork
Monday through Thursday
Pricing: $42

The Titanic Trail walking tour, is a guided tour of Cobh which follows in the footsteps of passengers who boarded the Titanic there in 1912. As you stroll the darkened streets of this historic harbor town, you'll hear ghost stories associated with Cobh (formerly known as Queenstown) and its historical and sometimes 'creepy' buildings. At Fair Travel Co. we love walking tours because they are an intentional way to design tours with a lower carbon footprint. Add a dark, cloudy sky and you're sure to be in for a fright! If you're looking for a spooky, more modern Halloween experience, this is it.

10. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour

Dublin. County Meath
Daily
Pricing: $22

Follow Unearthed Tours' iconic purple umbrella through the darkened streets of Dublin and the winding corridors of Dublin Castle. If true crime is your jam, this walking tour is for you. Explore Dublin’s gruesome stories of murder, torture, cannibalism, grave robbers, unearthly worship and, of course, the infamous Hellfire Club. Plus, this wicked experience brings you beyond the city center to Dublin's lesser known neighborhoods. We think Unearthed Tours deserves a special shoutout because they practice Leave No Trace, make travel more accessible with their free city tours (daylight hours only) and share fascinating stories of some of Ireland's most fearsome women from history.

As always, we love a solid walking tour because, by nature, walking tours support a lower carbon footprint.