More than 20 venues in Explore Fingal’s exciting Ireland Home of Halloween Programme

Explore Fingal launched an impressive programme of events for Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 with more than 100 events in over 20 venues. The launch took place at one of those venues, Howth Castle, which is hosting several different events during October.

Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween is a collaborative 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. Fingal is one of the seven counties chosen as Ireland Home of Halloween hubs.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said, “Home of Halloween celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Samhain and our 2026 events promote our very special connection to Halloween through performance, storytelling, spectacle and spooky experiences. There are events suited to all ages and stages of life whether you’re a foodie, a history fiend or seeking family fun. With vintage cinema screenings in Balbriggan, writer’s workshops in Howth, Harvest food and fine dining in Naul, ghost stories in Blanchardstown and Goddesses in Skerries, there truly is a unique experience for every person to enjoy.”

Celebrations of Halloween start as the evenings draw in from the beginning of October when Fingal will come alive with myths and legend, herbs and hexes, goddesses and ghost stories. Many events are free of charge, welcoming everyone and they range from fun family-friendly affairs to an exploration of the darker side of Samhain. Every venue, from the libraries and art centres to Fingal’s historic castles, is bringing ancient traditions to life by merging them with modern-day celebrations that are fun, vibrant and truly unique. 

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, commented, “Following a successful programme of events in 2025, I am pleased to introduce an exciting event programme for Fingal’s second year as part of the Home of Halloween. Irish people are very lucky to be part of a culture with fascinating Samhain traditions, and we are delighted to celebrate them in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Home of Halloween is a great reason to visit Fingal, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from home and abroad to enjoy local food and tourism experiences during the spooky season.”

Paul Mockler, newly appointed Head of Business, Festivals & Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland said, "We're pleased to support Fingal as part of Ireland Home of Halloween. The success of the programme in 2025 demonstrated the strong appeal of authentic Halloween experiences rooted in Ireland's traditions and folklore. This year, visitors from home and overseas will have even more reasons to explore destinations across the island during the autumn season. By working in partnership with local authorities and communities, we're showcasing the very best of our cultural heritage, creating distinctive visitor experiences that will encourage travel beyond the traditional peak season, generate economic benefits for local areas and support sustainable tourism growth.''

Highlights and key events for 2026 include:

Pumpkins After Dark
A spellbinding open air event running from 2nd to 31st October, Newbridge House and Farm on the dauntingly named Hearse Road in Donabate is transformed into a magical Samhain wonderland. Step into a breathtaking 1km long illuminated farm and walled garden walk where over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins glow scarily in the darkness. 

Festival of Fire
On Halloween night 31st October, the Festival of Fire takes place in three locations around Fingal –Bremore Castle, Swords Town Park and Millennium Park Blanchardstown. It kicks off at 7pm with a Scary DJ, an electrifying musical prelude setting the mood for an unforgettable night. Then fireworks displays will light up the night sky with explosions of colour and awe-inspiring light. It's free and fun, the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.

The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt
Ardgillan Castle taps into its own shadowy history from 22nd October to 1st November for this atmospheric Halloween tour. During Samhain, when the veil between the living and the dead grows thin, the Taylor family return to Ardgillan Castle, Fingal, the home they once knew. Costumes encouraged!

Feast of Samhain 
This Halloween, iconic Howth Castle will come alive with a full programme of events including shadowy Samhain tours with the Castle Historian with chilling tales of ghostly encounters and Castle folklore, a Foraging & Sorcery Workshop, a Feast of Samhain Candlelit Supper Club and a choice of seasonally appetising cookery classes in Howth Castle Cookery School. The successful Hooks and Reels writing workshop takes place over Halloween week. 

A Traitorous Tale: A Ghoulish Feast
Malahide Castle’s hosts a one-of-a-kind immersive dining and interactive event including an after dark tour behind the velvet ropes. Guests are invited to sip deadly cocktails, indulge in an autumnal feast, and interrogate suspicious historical guests to unravel a centuries-old betrayal. Based on the Castle’s own history and hauntings.

See https://explorefingal.ie/homeofhalloween/  for further information.