Ireland's Halloween Origin Story

by Traveling Well
Last updated:: 9:00 PM ET, Tue September 12, 2023

It's always fun to plan a trip to a destination during a time of celebration, and heading to Ireland during the fall is just such a time. 

The country, which has been shaped by Celtic culture, breathtaking landscapes and lively cities, holds a certain haunting beauty. Halloween, heralded by pumpkins, candy and costumes in the United States, has an origin story in Ireland. 

Celtic tradition dictates that during the transition from summer to winter leads to a thinning in the veil between the living world and the not-so-living, creating an opening when mysterious beings normally unseen may become visible. Celtic people, afraid that they would be seen by ghosts, fairies, or hobgoblins, dressed in costumes to confuse or scare away the evil spirits. This is a traditional festival known as Samhain, which takes place at the end of the harvest season.

Samhain transformed to Halloween as Christianity spread through Ireland, giving it a date, October 31, All Hallows Eve— or Halloween. 

In modern times, travelers can visit Ireland during this festive season that is now honored with grander-than-ever traditions and celebrations.

There is the Púca Festival, in County Meath, which takes place over several days at the end of October. Derry Halloween takes place in Londonderry. It is known as Europe’s largest Halloween festival and features everything from fireworks to performances. 

Ready to plan a visit? Collette offers several ways to travel through Ireland throughout the year, including small group vacations and classic guided vacations throughout the year, including during Halloween. 

Get to know all there is about celebrating Halloween with Collete here. 

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