Galway City Council has announced the comeback of Gaillimh Ah-Boo!, an enlarged, city-wide Halloween celebration that embraces the Celtic origins of Samhain through myth, magic and community.

Developed under Fáilte Ireland's Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, this year's line-up broadens the range of events and showcases Galway's distinctive cultural setting. The season also coincides with two major milestones for the arts in the city: the 40th anniversary of Macnas and the 30th anniversary of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children.

The full programme, running from October into early November, is available at www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie. From atmospheric street theatre to immersive light-and-sound experiences, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! invites residents and visitors to mark Halloween in its original spirit, steeped in folklore, feasting and fire.

Programme highlights include:

- Macnas Parade (25 October): The world-renowned parade-makers unveil a new procession, Fiáin (fee-awn). Translating as "wild", Fiáin salutes the elemental forces of the West of Ireland and the untamed inspirations that have shaped Macnas's work over four decades.

- 'Time' by Luxmuralis: The internationally acclaimed creators of immersive light and sound bring Time to St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. The installation is funded through Galway City Council's Night-Time Economy and Gaillimh Ah-Boo! programmes, alongside the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

- Samhain Community Dance Spectacle – A Thriller in Eyre Square: Delivered by the Genevieve Ryan Dance Academy with Galway City Council's Night-Time Economy, this community event fuses ancient lore with pop culture in a showstopping reimagining of Michael Jackson's Thriller dance. Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu, said: "Halloween has deep roots in Irish culture, and Galway is proud to honour those traditions through Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Following the incredible response to our first year, this expanded programme brings together the very best of our creativity, community, and heritage. With landmark anniversaries for both Macnas and Baboró, this year promises to be truly unforgettable."

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, added: "Gaillimh Ah-Boo! is a powerful opportunity to showcase Galway City's world-class creative spirit. Supported by Fáilte Ireland's Home of Halloween scheme, we are thrilled to work alongside our community groups, local businesses, and legendary arts organisations to deliver a vibrant autumn season that drives local tourism and honours our ancient traditions."

Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals and Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland, commented: "We're pleased to support Gaillimh Ah-Boo! 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."

The initiative is delivered with key partners including Macnas, the Galway Comedy Festival, the Baboró Children's Festival and Galway City's Night-Time Economy programme, and is expected to draw thousands to the city, boosting the local economy and extending the tourism season into autumn.

From Macnas's signature spectacle to evocative heritage venues and neighbourhood-led activities, Galway's Halloween programme champions a rich mix of community events, giving Gaillimh Ah-Boo! an authentic, unmistakably local identity.

For full details and the complete schedule, visit www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie.