County-wide celebrations this Halloween blending folklore, fire spectacles, workshops and community creativity
This Halloween, Westmeath and Longford have created a diverse programme of more than 30 events, festivals and activities, and visitors are promised the opportunity to uncover the mischief, magic, and myth of Samhain.
From storytelling to spooky science and haunted town tours to pumpkin patches, there is something on offer for every age and ability.
This is the first year of a three-year initiative from Fáilte Ireland to establish Ireland as the Home of Halloween, with campaigns attracting overseas visitors to better understand the origins of Samhain. Longford and Westmeath have together been selected as one of seven dedicated Home of Halloween hubs, offering an authentic Samhain experience.
In Westmeath, the highlights include:
Halloween at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, October 25-27 and November 2
A four-day Halloween Celebration filled with spectacle, family fun and authentic Samhain tradition. Choose from an enchanting storytelling experience, followed by a spectacular fire show and live drumming at the Jealous Wall, discover an incredible world of wild, edible plants on a foraging tour around the extensive parkland or enjoy a whimsical outdoor trail, filled with entertaining Halloween characters and quests.
‘The Spooktacular Summoning’ at Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, October 25
An immersive Halloween experience that transports audiences deep into the heart of Irish myth, folklore, and Celtic ritual. Through storytelling and performance, the old beliefs of Ireland will be brought vividly to life, with the return of fairies, banshees, spirits, and shapeshifters.
Samhain at Uisneach, November 8-9
A two-day festival of storytelling, ritual, music and fire all set in the shadow of the sacred hill, where tradition is not only remembered, but reborn. As a celtic royal site and a ceremonial centre for the ancient provinces, Uisneach offers an unparalleled gateway to the origins of Halloween. Activities include a haunted tour, night skies astronomy and a captivating procession led by fire-dancers, horses, wolfhounds and mythological figures.
Murtagh’s Organic Farm, Ballynacargy, till October 31
Seasonal fun in the great outdoors, with forest trails, friendly farm animals, and the chance to choose your own pumpkin.
Andean Alpacas, Mullingar, October 25-31
A Pumpkin Carving and Haunted House Experience, which includes the chance to pick the perfect pumpkin to carve and explore a spooky haunted house and Halloween trail with friendly alpacas to meet and greet along the way.
Ruth Illingworth’s Ghost Tours of Old Mullingar, October 26-28
See the town in a different light as you hear tales of the Face at the Window, The Banshee of the Green Road, The Phantom Army and walk if you dare over the haunted bridge!
Festival of Samhain, Athlone, October 31
At he Athlone Regional Sports Centre Fitness Park. Experience a vibrant, spooky, and family-friendly celebration of Irish folklore and Halloween traditions. Activities include a family disco, puppet shows, spell casting workshops and a magic show.
Halloween Mask Making Workshops, Luan Gallery, Athlone, October 25
Mad Professor Science Shows, October 29
At Mullingar and Castlepollard Libraries with slime and goo, explosion and eruptions.
Spooktacular Paddle on the Royal Canal, Mullingar, October 31
A magical, moonlit evening full of fun, laughter, and a touch of fright awaits! With SUPwell Ireland.
Fore Spooky Fun and Spooktacular Walk, October 31 (more details here)
Úna Doris, tourism officer, Westmeath County Council, said: “We’re excited to present this year’s line-up of festivals and cultural events for Halloween. By working with our partners in Longford and with support from Fáilte Ireland, we hope to build a distinctive annual programme in the years ahead, celebrating our local heritage, environment and communities.
“Westmeath has a strong range of high-quality accommodation, food and visitor amenities and we hope that this initiative will help to sustain our industry and boost tourism activity at a time of year when it’s most needed.”
Ciara Sugrue, head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland, added: “We’re so pleased to support this fantastic programme of events in Westmeath and Longford through our Ireland, Home of Halloween Pilot Scheme. When we launched this scheme earlier this year, our ambition was to create a new season for Halloween festivals rooted in local culture, folklore, and community engagement, and what Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council have developed is a perfect example of that.
“The Ireland, Home of Halloween strategy outlines a strong vision for positioning Ireland as a ‘must-do’ cultural tourism experience. Fáilte Ireland’s investment is helping to bring Ireland’s Halloween story to life by creating authentic visitor experiences, generating economic benefits, sustaining communities, and supporting long-term employment.
“It also creates more opportunities to celebrate our culture, attract international and domestic visitors to explore new destinations, and grow tourism sustainably across the country during the shoulder season.”
Visitors are invited to stay, explore, and discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and to celebrate Halloween where it all began. For a full list of Longford and Westmeath Home of Halloween Events, please go to VisitWestmeath.ie.