Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween is an all-island programme led by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland that celebrates the island's role as the birthplace of Halloween through festivals and visitor experiences inspired by Samhain traditions.

Derry Halloween (photo credit: Lorcan Doherty) 

The Ireland Home of Halloween initiative supported the delivery of over 830 events across the island of Ireland in 2025, attracting over 322,000 domestic and international visitors and generating over €43 million in economic impact, supporting local communities and tourism businesses.

Building on this success, the 2026 programme will bring together a network of destinations across the island to deliver an expanded season of festivals, spectacles, trails, performances, food experiences and community celebrations inspired by the origins of Halloween, the modern incarnation of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which has been celebrated on the island of Ireland for over 2,000 years. 

Púca Festival (photo credit: Fáilte Ireland)

In 2026, the programme will feature activity across seven Home of Halloween destinations: Fingal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Longford and Meath, and Meath and Louth. In partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, the programme will also incorporate the internationally renowned Derry Halloween Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, further strengthening the island-wide celebration of Samhain and Halloween.

Púca Festival, the flagship festival of Ireland Home of Halloween, takes place in County Meath from 30 October to 2 November and is named after the shape-shifting character from Celtic folklore. This year’s theme Connecting with Our Roots celebrates ancestral ties to the land and spirit of Samhain. Over four days, the festival will showcase the best in Irish music, spectacle, parades and performance inviting visitors to experience the deep connection between landscape, heritage and living tradition.

Derry Halloween (photo credit: Lorcan Doherty) 

In the historic walled city of Derry-Londonderry, Europe’s biggest Halloween party runs from 28 to 31 October, with fantastic street celebrations and over 120,000 festivalgoers, most of whom dress up to get into the ‘spirit‘ of things. Derry Halloween highlights include the Awakening the Walled City Trail which passes all manner of spooky sights and sounds and a multitude of immortal creatures roaming the streets. The festival culminates with the spectacular Carnival Parade – a huge procession of innovative floats, talented performers and crazy costumes. 

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “As the birthplace of Halloween, the island of Ireland offers our overseas visitors an authentic and original experience at that special time of year. Tourism Ireland will promote Halloween once again this year in our key overseas markets as an iconic reason to visit our island in the autumn.”

Púca Festival (photo courtesy Harris PR)

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “Ireland Home of Halloween is becoming an important part of the annual tourism offer on the island of Ireland. For anyone looking to discover the ancient roots of this globally popular festival or just looking to enjoy some spooky family-friendly fun, Ireland is the place to be at Halloween!”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made, Halloween-themed tour of Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today!