Ireland may not come to your mind first when you think of Halloween festivities, but think again! Did you know that Halloween’s origins can be found in Ireland?
Studio 2’s Irena Noonan and her Galaxy Defenders, pose for a picture during the Halloween Parade on Monday night.
Photo: Derry City and Strabane District Council
We can trace Halloween back to the festival of Samhain, which took place on October 31st and was similar to New Year’s Eve/Day, celebrating the casting out of the old and moving on to the new.
Photo: Derry City and Strabane District Council
Now, all throughout Ireland, Halloween festivals and parties lasting multiple days can be found, so you’re sure to be in for a treat (and maybe some tricks) if you visit Ireland over Halloween!
For one of the largest Halloween festivals in Ireland, one does not have to look further than in Derry, Ireland. The Derry Halloween festival takes place over 4 days and is filled with all sorts of ghoulish delights. Here are some of the fun activities you can take part in:
The Armagh Rhymers entertain the crowd in Guildhall Square on Halloween Night.
Photo: Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Awakening The Walls. For the 3 nights before Halloween, a supernatural illuminated animation trail is placed around the City’s Walls. Along the trail are light installations, treats, activities and spooky happenings.
- Fireworks. On Halloween, fireworks light up the Derry sky, over the River Foyle, in celebration of the Release of the Moon and the “banishment of evil.” Live music takes place in the Guildhall Square during this time.
Fireworks explode over the River Foyle during the Hallowe’en Carnival in Derry-Londonderry which this year celebrates it’s 30th anniversary and has entertained and entrapped tens of thousands of people over the last four days. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 31.10.16
Photo: Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Samhain Sessions. Get a taste of Ireland’s celtic past and present with Samhain sessions at the Guildhall throughout the 4 night festival. With several different performing acts, you’re sure to find something that fits your fancy!
- Shows & acts. The Derry Halloween festival also includes incredible performances and shows throughout the 4 nights. ‘Little Horrors’ includes two different witchy shows and ‘Invasion’ is an interactive Star Wars show.
- Parade. Taking place on 7PM on Halloween, a parade lines the streets of Derry with carnival arts, circus and street performers from around the world.
The Hallowe’en Carnival in Derry-Londonderry which this year celebrates it’s 30th anniversary and has entertained and entrapped tens of thousands of people over the last four days. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 31.10.16
Photo: Derry City and Strabane District Council
