- Longford and Westmeath launched the Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 programme.
- The programme features around 50 events across both counties.
- Highlights include a Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner and a Samhain Procession.
- The initiative supported 830 events in 2025, generating €43m.
- Minister Peter Burke officiated at the launch.
Longford and Westmeath County Councils hosted the all-island launch of the 2026 Ireland Home of Halloween programme at the Hill of Uisneach, officiated by Minister Peter Burke. The collaborative initiative is led by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, celebrating Ireland’s role as the birthplace of Halloween through festivals inspired by ancient Samhain traditions. Building on the success of 2025, when more than 22,000 people attended events across the Hub, this year’s programme features around 50 events.
New programme highlights include a Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner with Lough Ree Distillery, Skellys Bar and Droimeann Beef; the Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí; a new immersive masquerade event called “The Last Wake at Doory Hall”; the launch of a new Samhain Map; and a Samhain Procession in Athlone. The Longford and Westmeath Hub is one of seven designated Ireland Home of Halloween destinations.
The Ireland Home of Halloween initiative supported more than 830 events across Ireland in 2025, attracting over 322,000 visitors and generating more than €43m in economic impact. Minister Peter Burke stated the programme supports the ambitions of Government tourism policy by driving sustainable growth across regions and extending the tourism season.
Minister Peter Burke shared, “Ireland 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.”
