Ireland, Home of Halloween

Púca Festival, Co. Meath

Did you know Halloween began in Ireland? 👻

Long before costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain – a festival marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter. Celebrated over 2,000 years ago, Samhain was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living world and the spirit world grew thin.

People gathered around fires, shared food, told stories, and honoured those who came before them. Many of the traditions we now associate with Halloween have their roots right here in Ireland.

Ireland’s autumn landscape adds to the magic – misty evenings, ancient stone sites, and centuries-old castles feel especially atmospheric at this time of year.

Today, Halloween is celebrated around the world, but its origins are unmistakably Irish. This season, we’re celebrating Ireland’s role as the true home of Halloween – where history, legend, and landscape come together.

At Grand Irish Tours, every journey tells a story – and few are as fascinating as this one 🎃 🇮🇪

Image courtesy of Failte Ireland