Enterprise Minister Launches Ireland Home Of Halloween 2026 Programme

The launch took place yesterday.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD officially launched the Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 programme at the Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath yesterday.

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.

The Ireland Home of Halloween initiative supported the delivery of over 830 events across the island of Ireland in 2025, attracting over 322,000 domestic and international visitors and generating over €43 million* in economic impact, supporting local communities and tourism businesses.

Building on this success, the 2026 programme will bring together a network of destinations across the island to deliver an expanded season of festivals, spectacles, trails, performances, food experiences and community celebrations inspired by the origins of Halloween.

In 2026, the programme will feature activity across seven Home of Halloween destinations:

• Fingal
• Galway
• Kerry
• Kilkenny
• Limerick
• Longford and Westmeath
• Meath and Louth

In partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, the programme will also incorporate the internationally renowned Derry Halloween Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, further strengthening the island-wide celebration of Samhain and Halloween.

The programme will be anchored by Púca Festival, the flagship festival of Ireland Home of Halloween alongside Derry Halloween. New elements added to the Ireland Home of Halloween Programme in 2026 include:

• Kilkenny Hub: New outdoor spectacle event, including The Cailleach by Macnas.
• Fingal Hub: An increased focus on heritage-led experiences and storytelling, expanding into Howth Castle for activations.
• Longford/Westmeath Hub: Introduction of the Spooktacular Summoning at Dúnna Sí, the launch of the new Samhain Trail and a new Procession in Athlone.
• Limerick Hub: A new Samhain Banquet celebrating local food, culture and seasonal traditions.
• Derry Halloween: Enhanced 40th Anniversary Programme celebrating four decades of Derry Halloween, alongside the launch of new year-round visitor experiences including the Derry Samhain Experience and a permanent Derry Halloween mural.

Launching the programme, Minister Peter Burke TD said:

"Ireland's Home of Halloween demonstrates how our unique culture and heritage can support the ambitions of Government tourism policy by driving sustainable growth across our regions and extending the tourism season.

The success of the programme to date shows the significant potential of this initiative to attract visitors during the shoulder season. In 2025, the initiative generated more than €43 million in economic impact delivering tangible benefits for local communities and tourism businesses across the island. By supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and encouraging visitors to explore destinations across the island, the programme continues to deliver lasting benefits while showcasing Ireland as the authentic home of Halloween."