Destination Ireland Guide

  1. Halloween began over 2,000 years ago in Ireland  It may be celebrated all over the world, but Ireland is the true home of Halloween. Over 2,000 years ago the ancient Celts gathered each autumn for the festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in), one of the four great Celtic fire festivals, to mark the end of the harvest season. It was believed to...

    Ireland’s tales of the undead and Dublin’s Gothic architecture inspired the creation of the world’s most famous vampire.   There is one place in the world where Halloween isn’t just celebrated, it’s part of the heritage. Welcome to Ireland, the true home of Halloween, where ancient Celtic traditions and gothic legends collide in a celebration unlike anywhere else on Earth. Long before...

Myths, mischief and mighty celebrations all converge for one of the biggest festivals of the year in Ireland. But do you know where it all started?   When you think about Halloween, you probably think of carved pumpkins, ghoulish costumes and blazing bonfires, with mysterious scenes unfolding in the dimming light. But did you know that many of those traditions actually...

  Brack-obsessed baker Graham Herterich is putting the spotlight back on Ireland’s beloved fruit loaf, with tradition and innovation blending to create some fantastic new flavours. Now is the season to try it Of all the traditional Irish foods associated with Halloween, brack is one of the most beloved and enduring. It’s also hugely versatile, as professional baker, food writer and...

  Experience Halloween in Ireland, where it all began and where extended culturally rich festivals offer an immersive Celtic adventure.   Ireland is the Home of Halloween, so it’s no surprise that the island goes all out to celebrate the festival and its ancient Celtic roots. Across the country, 31 October is marked with all manner of spooky festivities but in seven...