- Explore Fingal launches Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 programme
- More than 100 events in over 20 venues
- Programme celebrates island’s role as birthplace of Halloween
- Pumpkins After Dark runs from 2 to 31 October
- Festival of Fire takes place on Halloween night in three locations
Explore Fingal has launched its programme of events for Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 with more than 100 events in over 20 venues. The launch took place at 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 TourismNI 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.
Celebrations 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 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.
Highlights include Pumpkins After Dark running from 2 to 31 October at Newbridge House and Farm where over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins glow in darkness. The Festival of Fire takes place on Halloween night in three locations around Fingal including Bremore Castle, Swords Town Park and Millennium Park Blanchardstown. Ardgillan Castle hosts The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt from 22 October to 1 November. Howth Castle hosts a full programme including shadowy Samhain tours, a Foraging and Sorcery Workshop and a Feast of Samhain Candlelit Supper Club. Malahide Castle hosts A Traitorous Tale: A Ghoulish Feast including an after dark tour behind the velvet ropes.
Mayor of Fingal Tony Murphy shared: “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.”
