Halloween in Ireland 2026: Derry, Púca Festival and Samhain

Halloween in Ireland, It's a return to its roots: the festival originated here over two thousand years ago, under the name Samhain. In 2026, three major events will take place at the end of October: the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin, the Púca Festival in County Meath, and Derry Halloween in Northern Ireland. Based in Edinburgh since 2012, we organize trips around these festivals every autumn. Here are the dates, traditions, and our tips.

Samhain, the Irish origin of Halloween

For the Celts, Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark season. On that night, it was believed that the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead thinned. Therefore, large bonfires were lit, and people dressed up in costumes to deceive the spirits.

Later, in the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought these customs to North America. Halloween then returned to Europe in its current form. Incidentally, the carved pumpkin tradition originates from an Irish custom: turnips were once carved, according to the legend of Jack-o'-Lantern.

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Halloween calendar in Ireland in 2026

Here are the main dates announced for 2026. However, please check the detailed program on each festival's website before booking.

• Dublin, Bram Stoker Festival: from Friday 23 to Monday 26 October 2026.
• Monday, October 26, 2026: Public holiday in the Republic of Ireland (October Bank Holiday).
• Derry, Derry Halloween: from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October 2026, for its 40th edition.
• Trim and Athboy, Púca Festival: from Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Derry Halloween, the biggest Halloween party in Europe

Derry, or Londonderry, has been celebrating Halloween for almost forty years. Every year, more than 100,000 visitors flock to its streets. Furthermore, the city has preserved its 17th-century city walls, the only ones still intact in Ireland. During the festival, an illuminated nighttime route winds its way along them, featuring street performances and light installations.

The highlight remains the grand costume parade on Saturday, October 31st. It concludes with a fireworks display, weather permitting. Many locals dress up in costume, and visitors are encouraged to do the same. The official program is available through [website/platform name]. Ireland.com, the website of the Irish tourism board.

Please note that Derry is located in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom: the currency there is pounds sterling. To explore the region, also consult our guide to...’Northern Ireland.

The Púca Festival, on the lands of Samhain

In County Meath, about an hour from Dublin, the Púca Festival celebrates Samhain where it is believed to have originated. According to tradition, the great Samhain bonfire was lit on Tlachtga Hill, near Athboy. The festival recreates a bonfire in Athboy, followed by a procession through the streets of Trim.

The púca, meanwhile, is a mischievous spirit from Irish folklore, capable of changing shape. The program includes concerts, storytelling, fire shows, and a Samhain banquet. Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland, serves as the backdrop for several evening events. We also offer a dedicated stay., Púca Festival and Samhain in Ireland.

Halloween in Dublin and the Bram Stoker Festival

Dublin kicks off the season with the Bram Stoker Festival, from October 23 to 26, 2026. The author of Dracula was born in Dublin in 1847. For four days, the city offers shows, nighttime tours, and family-friendly activities. Full details can be found in our guide to the Bram Stoker Festival.

Furthermore, Monday, October 26th is a public holiday in Ireland: the long weekend attracts large crowds. Take advantage of this to explore the city with our guide for Visit Dublin in 3 days. Finally, on the evening of October 31st, bonfires are lit in several neighborhoods, according to an old tradition.

Halloween traditions in Ireland

Beyond the festivals, Halloween remains a family celebration in Ireland. Here are the customs you'll encounter there.

• The barmbrack: a fruitcake in which a ring is hidden. Whoever finds it will get married within the year, it is said.
• Apple games: you catch apples floating in a basin of water with your teeth.
• Bonfires on October 31st, direct descendants of the Samhain fires.
• As for costumes, the children go from door to door, just like in the rest of the world.

Our eight-day Halloween itinerary in Ireland

In 2026, the dates are ideal for celebrating all three holidays consecutively. Here's our suggestion, from October 24th to 31st.

• Days 1 to 3: Dublin and the Bram Stoker Festival, during the long weekend.
• Day 4: the Boyne Valley and Newgrange, a passage grave over 5,000 years old.
• Days 5 and 6: Trim and Athboy for the Púca Festival.
• Days 7 and 8: Derry for the night walk, then the parade on October 31st.

To extend your trip, the Giant's Causeway is about an hour's drive from Derry. Still undecided about Scotland? Our guide to...’Halloween in Edinburgh presents the other major destination at the end of October.

Our tips for celebrating Halloween in Ireland

• Book your accommodation in Derry several months in advance, as the city is small.
• Plan to have a car for County Meath: Trim and Athboy are poorly served in the evening.
• Bring warm and waterproof clothing: at the end of October, it is around 10°C.
• Finally, plan a costume, even a simple one, for the Derry parade.

To choose the right time, also consult our guide to find out when to go to Ireland. And if you like thrills, read our selection of haunted castles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Halloween in Ireland

When does Halloween take place in Ireland in 2026?

Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. However, the festivities begin as early as October 23 in Dublin and last until November 1 in County Meath.

Where to celebrate Halloween in Ireland?

Derry hosts the biggest celebration, with its parade on October 31st. Then, Trim and Athboy offer a more traditional atmosphere around Samhain, and Dublin hosts the Bram Stoker Festival.

Why do people say that Halloween originated in Ireland?

Halloween comes from Samhain, a Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest. Irish immigrants then introduced it to North America in the 19th century.

Do you need to book in advance for Derry Halloween?

Street events are generally free and require no reservation. However, accommodations fill up very quickly, so book yours as soon as possible.

What to eat for Halloween in Ireland?

First and foremost, try the barmbrack, the Halloween fruit bread. Colcannon, a mashed potato and cabbage dish, is also served in many families.

Go to Ireland for Halloween with Brightside Travel

Our experts know each festival and how to combine them. Tell us your dates and preferences: we'll prepare a program for you. tailor-made trip to Ireland, including accommodation, car and our favorite places.

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