Spooky excitement in Pig Market Lane

Samhain: Fire, Folklore and Feasting in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

There was spooky excitement in Longford’s Pig Market Land on Monday last for the launch of Longford and Westmeath’s ‘Ireland: Home of Halloween’ initiative, which will take place in venues in both counties over the Halloween season, including the historic Hill of Uisneach.

For the first time, the two counties unite to create a seasonal programme celebrating Samhain at its source – here in the ancient landscapes of bogs and waterways in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where tracks and trails lead to the most sacred of locations.

Three flagship festivals form the heart of the 2025 programme: Samhain on Uisneach; the Dead of Night Festival throughout County Longford, and Féile na Samhna at Corlea Trackway. Each is unique in style, but together they weave a story of fire, folklore, and community that is deeply rooted in place.

The festivals are the flagship features in a diverse programme of 30-plus events in total across Longford and Westmeath. From storytelling to craft workshops 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 to establish this new shoulder season through the Ireland: Home of Halloween campaign, attracting overseas visitors to better understand the origins of Samhain.

“We’re delighted to be partnered with Longford County Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland, to become an international celebration of Ireland as the authentic home of Halloween,” said Cllr Aoife Davitt, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council at the launch.

“By working with our partners in Longford, we hope to build a distinctive programme of festivals and cultural events celebrating our local heritage and communities while supporting our artists too.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to showcase valued tourism attractions such as the ancient ceremonial site at Uisneach, Belvedere House, Gardens and Park and Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, among others, with immersive storytelling, spectacles and displays that will captivate audiences of all ages.”

With Longford and Westmeath leading the way, over time, the ambition is to create a Samhain Trail in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands that will link the archaeological and heritage sites within the region to include legendary sites like Uisneach, Granard Motte, Lough Ree, Athlone Castle and most notably to link in with the ancient capital of Connacht Cruchan Aí or Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, where ‘Oweynagat’ (Cave of the Cats) is described by Christian scribes as Ireland’s Gate to Hell and entrance to the Otherworld.

Visitors will be invited to walk ancient trackways, explore boglands and waterways, and connect with Ireland’s mythical landscape during the season where the veil between worlds grows thin.

By joining forces, Longford and Westmeath are building a distinctive new cultural tourism offering for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands: one that celebrates heritage, supports local communities, and invites visitors to stay longer, explore deeper, and discover the hidden in the heart of Ireland.

“Together with our partners in Longford, Westmeath County Council is proud to announce a programme of compelling events, as part of the ‘Home of Halloween’ initiative, which will showcase our region on an international stage,” said Barry Kehoe, chief executive of Westmeath County Council.

“This represents an exciting opportunity to preserve and promote our rich heritage, while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the true birthplace of Halloween traditions.

“The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain has deep roots in Westmeath, and this year we will promote this rich heritage at the historic Hill of Uisneach, known as the sacred centre of Ireland, along with Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park and other sites throughout the county.

“Working closely with Fáilte Ireland, we aim to expand these cultural celebrations in the years ahead, highlighting our authentic connection to Halloween’s origins while creating substantial economic benefits for local tourism businesses and communities.”

The programme features firelit processions, ghostly storytelling, traditional music, seasonal food, contemporary art, and interactive performances that bring Ireland’s Halloween heritage to life throughout both counties.

Samhain on Uisneach brings the celebrations to the ceremonial heart of ancient Ireland. The Hill of Uisneach, once considered the spiritual centre of the island, hosts events that mirror the great gatherings of the past – though with contemporary creativity woven through traditional practice.

For full information and schedule, see Westmeath Festivals and Events – Visit Westmeath or follow Longford Tourism or Longford County Council on social media.