October is the month for spooky fun and games as Halloween comes around for another year. Ireland’s connections with all things scary goes back more than two thousand years when the Ancient East celebrated Samhain – a Celtic festival that heralded the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter.
People believed that Samhain coincided with the time of year when the barriers between our world and the underworld were at their weakest, allowing sprites and spirits to slip between the two.
Ireland has embraced the fearsome fun of Halloween ever since and has plenty to offer families and fun-seekers at this spooktacular time of year. Here are some ideas in parts of the country that are well served by Hidden Ireland accommodation.
Why not get away for a hauntingly good time this half term?
Púca Festival, County Meath
Halloween historians will revel in the chance to take part in the Púca Festival in Athboy, an agricultural town in County Meath. Taking inspiration from the legends of Samhain, the festival embraces music, dance, folklore and storytelling from 31 October until 3 November.
Various events take place across Athboy and the nearby town of Trim.
Enjoy top DJ sets, live performances, food and festivities at one of Ireland’s most authentic Halloween celebrations.
Dracula’s Dublin
Bram Stoker, creator of the world’s best known vampire, Dracula, was born in Dublin in in 1847.
He lived during the Great Famine, in which more than one million people died.
It was hardly surprising, therefore, that Stoker was inspired by tales of hardship and horror to create his terrifying tale.
Dublin holds a Bram Stoker Festival every year around Halloween (this year it runs from 25 to 28 October).
Events include films, theatre, music, comedy and tours, as well as plenty of opportunities to dress up and embrace your inner goth.
Derry Halloween
More frightening fun awaits visitors to Ireland this month at Derry Halloween – a lively carnival themed around Halloween and spooky goings-on.
Costumes are very much encouraged for your visit to ‘Europe’s biggest Halloween festival’, running from 28 to 31 October.
Watch street entertainment, follow the Halloween trail around the town and enjoy amazing food and drink. Then, after dark, stay and be amazed by the light displays and fireworks that will bring the night skies to life.
Other October reasons to visit
Even if you are not such a fan of Halloween and the spookier side of life, an October or November visit to Ireland is still something not to be missed.
Glorious autumn colours bring the trees to life across Ireland’s many countryside areas, parklands and ancient woodlands.
Autumn heathers cast a colourful purple glow across the bogs and heaths of Wicklow and Donegal. Glorious walks in mountainous areas such as Slieve Bloom in County Laois – one of the oldest regions of hills in Europe – are made even more magical with seasonal colours, crunchy leaves underfoot and the crisp, cool autumn air.
Finally, don’t forget to pick up a pumpkin or two to carve into a Jack o’ Lantern during your visit.
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