Know before you go: A guide to Halloween in Westmeath and Longford and this October & November
· Samhain in the Heartlands continues across Longford and Westmeath until 8th November, with a packed programme of Halloween events and experiences.
· Upcoming highlights include Longford's Dead of Night Festival and Fire & Shadows Procession, Samhain at Belvedere, the Spooktacular Summoning and the Samhain Scavenger Hunt.
· Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check event details and book tickets where required at www.samhainheartlands.ie
With Halloween just around the corner, Longford and Westmeath are preparing for a spectacular celebration of Ireland's ancient traditions, as Samhain in the Heartlands continues across the region.
Part of Fáilte Ireland's Ireland, Home of Halloween initiative, the festival brings together around 50 events throughout October and into November, celebrating the folklore, mythology and landscapes that inspired Halloween as we know it today.
From family-friendly adventures and atmospheric ghost tours to spectacular processions, traditional storytelling and seasonal feasting, there's something for everyone to enjoy across Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.
Whether you're planning a family day out, a Halloween weekend away or an evening of spooky entertainment, here's your guide to some of the standout events still to come.
Five Halloween experiences not to miss
1. Dead of Night Festival | 23rd - 31st October | Longford
Longford's Dead of Night Festival returns from 23rd - 31st October, transforming the county into a vibrant celebration of Halloween with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, storytelling, creative workshops and spectacular street performances.
Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences across County Longford , from Halloween-themed activities and performances to atmospheric evening entertainment.
One of the highlights for families is Halloween HQ, returning to Pig Market Lane in Longford Town on 29th and 30th October from 11am to 4pm. This free, drop-in Halloween hub will feature arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, music and the popular Midlands Bug & Reptile Zoo.
Families can also take part in the Literary Family Scavenger Hunt, following clues around Longford Town and answering spooky literary-themed questions to claim a book prize.
Alongside its daytime activities, the festival builds towards its spectacular Halloween night finale, the Fire & Shadows Procession, which will bring fire, music, dance and dramatic performances to the streets of Longford Town.
With activities taking place throughout the town across nine days, Dead of Night offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the magic of Halloween, whether dropping in for a few hours or planning a full family day out.
2. Fire & Shadows Procession | 31st October | Longford Town
As darkness falls on Halloween night, Longford Town will come alive with fire, light, music and movement as the Fire & Shadows Procession makes its way through the town centre.
Inspired by the ancient traditions of Samhain, this free outdoor celebration brings together local artists, performers and community groups, with illuminated creations, striking visual performances, drumming and dance transforming the streets into an atmospheric Halloween spectacle.
One of the most anticipated events of the Dead of Night Festival, the procession promises a memorable evening of community celebration, with visitors encouraged to arrive early, find a suitable viewing point and plan their journey in advance.
The procession will begin at 7pm on Saturday, 31st October, departing from Connolly Barracks and making its way through Bridge Street, Main Street and Ballymahon Street before culminating in a fiery finale on Market Square.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive from approximately 6:30pm to secure a suitable viewing point along the route, with temporary road closures and traffic restrictions in place to facilitate the event. Further practical information is outlined below.
Temporary road closures and changes to local transport arrangements are expected to facilitate the procession, with visitors encouraged to check the latest updates from VisitLongford social media channels before travelling.
3. Samhain at Belvedere Samhain Spectacle After Dark| 24th - 25th October | Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Westmeath
Experience the ancient spirit of Samhain at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, where an atmospheric evening of storytelling, performances and fire will bring Ireland's Halloween traditions to life.
Visitors can journey through the woodland on a guided Samhain walking tour before gathering for a captivating evening spectacle featuring aerial artistry, acrobatics, music and theatrical storytelling.
The experience culminates in a dramatic Samhain fire performance by Pyro Collective, combining flame and drumming in a celebration of Ireland's ancient traditions.
Taking place on 24th and 25th October from 5:30pm until late, the event is suitable for all ages. Advance ticket booking is encouraged. A daily programme of events will also run from 9:30am to 3:30pm for younger children.
4. Samhain: The Spooktacular Summoning | 24th - 25th October | Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, Moate, Westmeath
Step into a world of ancient Irish folklore at Dún na Sí, where immersive performances and storytelling bring the traditions of Samhain to life.
Created and delivered by dedicated local volunteers, The Spooktacular Summoning is a community-led Halloween experience celebrating the myths, magic and mystery of Ireland's original Halloween.
The event runs from 4:30pm to 8pm daily on 24th and 25th October. The experience includes flashing lights, sound effects and spooky scenes, with some elements potentially unsuitable for younger children or visitors with sensory sensitivities. Parental discretion is advised.
5. Samhain Scavenger Hunt | 26th - 30th October | Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre, Granard, Longford
For families looking for a Halloween adventure during the school midterm break, the Samhain Scavenger Hunt at Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre offers an exciting journey through myth, magic and mystery.
Young explorers can search for hidden treats, complete challenges and keep their eyes peeled for mischievous witches, fearsome werewolves and other mysterious creatures as they make their way through the heritage centre.
Running from 26th - 30th October, with sessions between 1:30pm and 4:30pm, the experience is suitable for all ages. Multiple sessions are available each day, with advance ticket booking encouraged.
Halloween fun for the whole family
With the school midterm break approaching, Samhain in the Heartlands offers plenty of opportunities for families to get involved, from free creative activities and scavenger hunts to farm adventures and heritage experiences.
Halloween Cruise - Lough Ree Access for All | 31st October | Lough Ree Access for All, Lanesborough/Ballyleague
A halloween themed boat cruise will set sail three times over Halloween, on board the Lough Ree Access for All boat . The 90 minute boat trip will provide customers with some spooky and mysterious tales of Lough Ree and "what lies beneath"
Literary Family Scavenger Hunt | 29th - 30th October | Longford Town, Longford
Families can put their detective skills to the test with a free literary-themed scavenger hunt taking participants around Longford Town.
Following a series of spooky clues and questions, children can explore the town and claim a book prize once they've completed the challenge.
Ballymahon Harvest Market | 30th October | Skelly's Bar, Ballymahon
Join us for a magical Outdoor Halloween Harvest Market at Skellys, Ballymahon – a glowing night-time celebration of autumn, food, and creativity.
Explore a vibrant mix of local food producers and handmade craft stalls, with seasonal treats like toffee apples and warm street food favourites. Enjoy music, fire breathers, atmospheric lighting, and cosy fire pits as the market comes alive after dark. A family-friendly evening full of atmosphere, community, and Halloween spirit – the perfect autumn night out for all ages.
Féile na Samhna at Corlea Trackway | 27th October – 1st November | Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Keenagh, Longford
Discover the ancient origins of Samhain at one of Ireland's most remarkable heritage sites. Set against the backdrop of Ireland's largest Iron Age bog road, Féile na Samhna offers family-friendly activities inspired by the music, traditions, stories and heritage of the season.
Running from 27th October to 1st November, the event is free to attend, with advance booking recommended to secure a place.
Samhain on the Land at Murtagh's Organic Farm | 24th - 31st October | Ballynacarrigy, Westmeath
Families can enjoy a magical autumn adventure at Murtagh's Organic Farm, where ten acres of countryside will be transformed into a celebration of Halloween, folklore and farming.
Visitors can explore the Miniature Pumpkin Forest, choose their perfect pumpkin and wander through the Forest Maze Walk, discovering fairy doors, mossy hideaways and folklore symbols along the way.
Children can also meet the farm's animals, enjoy spooky crafts and pumpkin carving under parental supervision, with seasonal storytelling on selected dates.
Running from 24th – 31st October, admission is €22 per child, including one pumpkin, and €8 per adult. Spaces are limited, and advance booking is essential.
More Halloween experiences to explore
Beyond the headline events, visitors can discover a wider programme of folklore, storytelling, heritage and seasonal experiences across Longford and Westmeath.
Haunted Ballymahon Walking Tour | 24th October | Ballymahon, Longford
Explore the darker side of Ballymahon's past on a guided evening walking tour with local folklorist and storyteller Seán Clancy. Beginning at 6pm at Bridgeways FRC, the tour uncovers local folklore, mysterious happenings and forgotten characters. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather.
Ruth Illingworth Ghost Tours of Old Mullingar | 25th - 27th October | Mullingar, Westmeath
Discover Mullingar's hidden history on an atmospheric walking tour with local historian Ruth Illingworth. Beginning at Market Square from 6pm, the tours explore ghostly encounters, local folklore and historic events. Suitable for adults and older children, with appropriate footwear and clothing recommended.
Footsteps & Folklore on the National Famine Way | 24th–26th October | Roscommon, Longford & Westmeath
Experience an immersive evening of storytelling, traditional music and folklore along the National Famine Way, exploring Samhain, remembrance and stories of departure.
Performances take place at 5:30pm on 24th October at Strokestown Park, Roscommon; 25th October at Mosstown Harbour, Longford; and 26th October at Coolnahay Harbour, Westmeath.
Each experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, with tickets priced at €5. Suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over, advance booking is essential and visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.
Halloween doesn't end on 31st October
The celebrations continue into November, with food, immersive experiences and ancient traditions offering visitors even more reasons to explore the Heartlands.
Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner | 4th November | Skelly's Bar, Ballymahon, Longford
Celebrate the season through local food and drink at an exclusive five-course tasting dinner hosted by Skelly's Bar in collaboration with Lough Ree Distillery.
Running from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, the evening will showcase locally produced food including Droimeann native Irish beef, selected Irish whiskeys and locally brewed beers, alongside music from local musicians.
Advance booking is essential, with guests asked to advise of any dietary requirements when booking.
The Last Wake at Doory Hall | 6th November | Doory Hall Demesne, Longford
Step beyond the veil for The Last Wake at Doory Hall, an immersive Halloween experience set within the atmospheric ruins of a historic estate.
Combining a candlelit banquet, live music, fire performances and immersive storytelling, the event invites visitors to experience a mysterious gathering inspired by the legends and history of Doory Hall.
The event takes place on Friday, 6th November, from 7pm, with the event poster advising a last entry time of 8pm. Advance booking is available.
An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach | 7th - 8th November | Hill of Uisneach, Westmeath
Samhain in the Heartlands reaches its spectacular finale at the Hill of Uisneach, Ireland's sacred ancient centre.
Across two days, visitors can experience live music, exhibitions, storytelling, performances and ancient traditions, culminating in a torchlit procession and the lighting of the sacred Samhain Fire.
Taking place on 7th and 8th November, with activities from 3pm, visitors are encouraged to book early.
Know Before You Go: Essential visitor information
With Halloween celebrations taking place across Longford and Westmeath, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest event information before travelling, particularly those attending the Fire & Shadows Procession in Longford Town on Saturday, 31st October.
Parking and road closures: Visitors attending the Fire & Shadows Procession are encouraged to use designated off-street car parks in Longford Town and arrive early, with on-street parking restrictions and temporary road closures in place to facilitate the event. Main Street and Bridge Street will be temporarily closed from approximately 6:30pm, while parts of Ballymahon Street and Market Square will be pedestrianised from approximately 6pm to 9pm. Access to certain town-centre car parks, including Market Square and Weaver's Hall, may be affected. Visitors should follow the directions of An Garda Síochána and event stewards at all times.
Accessible viewing: A designated accessible viewing area will be located in front of Supermac's/AIB on Main Street, with limited space available. The closest accessible car park is Longford Town Centre car park at Tesco.
Public transport: Those travelling by Irish Rail, Expressway or Local Link services are advised to check directly with their service providers ahead of travelling on Saturday evening, particularly between 6:30pm and 9pm, as temporary traffic arrangements may affect some services. The Market Square taxi rank will be temporarily relocated to the Longford Arms Hotel on Richmond Street for the duration of the road closure.
Sensory considerations: While the Fire & Shadows Procession is a family-friendly celebration, it is not a sensory-friendly event. Visitors should be aware that performances may include bright flashing lights, fire, loud music, drumming and rapid movement, which could be unsuitable for those with sensory sensitivities.
Dress for the weather: Many of the festival events take place outdoors, so visitors are encouraged to wrap up warm, bring waterproof clothing and wear comfortable footwear.
Stay safe: Visitors are encouraged to spread out along the procession route, respect the local environment and follow the directions of Gardaí and event stewards, who will be identifiable by high-visibility clothing.
Tickets and booking: Samhain in the Heartlands includes both free and ticketed experiences, with advance booking required or recommended for some events. Visitors should check individual event listings for the latest availability, admission prices and booking details.
Stay updated: Visitors attending the Fire & Shadows Procession are encouraged to follow VisitLongford on social media for the latest information on road closures, parking, accessible viewing arrangements and any changes to the event.
For the full Samhain in the Heartlands programme, including the latest event information, ticketing details and booking links, visit www.samhainheartlands.ie.