18/09/2026
Explore Fingal Reveals 100+ Halloween Events Across 20+ Venues
Explore Fingal has unveiled a packed Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 line-up, featuring more than 100 events across over 20 venues throughout October. The programme was launched at Howth Castle, which will itself host multiple Samhain-themed experiences.
Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween celebrates the island's role as the birthplace of Halloween, bringing Samhain traditions to life through festivals and visitor experiences. Fingal is one of seven counties designated as hubs for the initiative.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said: "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." As evenings draw in from early October, Fingal's libraries, arts centres and historic castles will embrace myths and legends, herbs and hexes, goddesses and ghost stories. Many events are free, spanning family-friendly fun to explorations of the darker side of Samhain, blending ancient customs with vibrant contemporary celebrations.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, commented: "Following a successful programme of events in 2025, I am pleased to introduce an exciting event programme for Fingal's second year as part of the Home of Halloween. Irish people are very lucky to be part of a culture with fascinating Samhain traditions, and we are delighted to celebrate them in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Home of Halloween is a great reason to visit Fingal, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from home and abroad to enjoy local food and tourism experiences during the spooky season."
Paul Mockler, newly appointed Head of Business, Festivals & Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland, said, "We're pleased to support Fingal 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."
Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween celebrates the island's role as the birthplace of Halloween, bringing Samhain traditions to life through festivals and visitor experiences. Fingal is one of seven counties designated as hubs for the initiative.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said: "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." As evenings draw in from early October, Fingal's libraries, arts centres and historic castles will embrace myths and legends, herbs and hexes, goddesses and ghost stories. Many events are free, spanning family-friendly fun to explorations of the darker side of Samhain, blending ancient customs with vibrant contemporary celebrations.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, commented: "Following a successful programme of events in 2025, I am pleased to introduce an exciting event programme for Fingal's second year as part of the Home of Halloween. Irish people are very lucky to be part of a culture with fascinating Samhain traditions, and we are delighted to celebrate them in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Home of Halloween is a great reason to visit Fingal, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from home and abroad to enjoy local food and tourism experiences during the spooky season."
Paul Mockler, newly appointed Head of Business, Festivals & Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland, said, "We're pleased to support Fingal 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."
Latest Irish News
18 September 2026
Explore Fingal Reveals 100+ Halloween Events Across 20+ Venues
Explore Fingal has unveiled a packed Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 line-up, featuring more than 100 events across over 20 venues throughout October. The programme was launched at Howth Castle, which will itself host multiple Samhain-themed experiences.
Explore Fingal Reveals 100+ Halloween Events Across 20+ Venues
Explore Fingal has unveiled a packed Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 line-up, featuring more than 100 events across over 20 venues throughout October. The programme was launched at Howth Castle, which will itself host multiple Samhain-themed experiences.
18 September 2026
Boil Water Notice Issued For Dunmore-Glenamaddy And Glenamaddy Supplies
Uisce Éireann has introduced a Boil Water Notice for customers served by the Dunmore-Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply to safeguard public health. The notice affects approximately 2,134 customers on the Dunmore-Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and around 896 customers on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply.
Boil Water Notice Issued For Dunmore-Glenamaddy And Glenamaddy Supplies
Uisce Éireann has introduced a Boil Water Notice for customers served by the Dunmore-Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply to safeguard public health. The notice affects approximately 2,134 customers on the Dunmore-Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and around 896 customers on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply.
18 September 2026
Soaring Power Costs Underscore Urgent Need To Accelerate Irish Wind Connections
Ireland's wholesale electricity price averaged €170.54 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in August, up 9.6 per cent on July. It marks a second straight monthly rise and the highest average since December 2022, as reduced wind output left the system more reliant on imported fossil fuels.
Soaring Power Costs Underscore Urgent Need To Accelerate Irish Wind Connections
Ireland's wholesale electricity price averaged €170.54 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in August, up 9.6 per cent on July. It marks a second straight monthly rise and the highest average since December 2022, as reduced wind output left the system more reliant on imported fossil fuels.
17 September 2026
More Than 5,600 To Receive Irish Citizenship At Dublin Ceremonies
Over the next two days, approximately 5,600 people will be conferred with Irish citizenship at the Convention Centre Dublin. Applicants from more than 138 countries, and from almost every county across the island, will make the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State as they become citizens.
More Than 5,600 To Receive Irish Citizenship At Dublin Ceremonies
Over the next two days, approximately 5,600 people will be conferred with Irish citizenship at the Convention Centre Dublin. Applicants from more than 138 countries, and from almost every county across the island, will make the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State as they become citizens.
17 September 2026
Gardaí Issue Detailed Statement Ahead of RTÉ Investigates Broadcast
An Garda Síochána has issued a detailed statement ahead of an RTÉ Investigates broadcast, requesting that the programme acknowledge receipt of approximately 90 extensive questions covering several years and touching on legally protected disclosures.
Gardaí Issue Detailed Statement Ahead of RTÉ Investigates Broadcast
An Garda Síochána has issued a detailed statement ahead of an RTÉ Investigates broadcast, requesting that the programme acknowledge receipt of approximately 90 extensive questions covering several years and touching on legally protected disclosures.
17 September 2026
Uisce Éireann Lifts Final Water Conservation Order Two Weeks Early
Uisce Éireann has lifted the Water Conservation Order with immediate effect across the final 13 counties, bringing the measure to an end a fortnight ahead of schedule.
Uisce Éireann Lifts Final Water Conservation Order Two Weeks Early
Uisce Éireann has lifted the Water Conservation Order with immediate effect across the final 13 counties, bringing the measure to an end a fortnight ahead of schedule.
16 September 2026
Galway City Council Confirms Return Of Halloween ‘Gaillimh Ah-Boo!’
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.
Galway City Council Confirms Return Of Halloween ‘Gaillimh Ah-Boo!’
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.
16 September 2026
Dublin Invited To Celebrate Culture Night 2026 With Free Music, Art And Performance
Dublin City Council is inviting people of all ages to explore the city's arts, culture and creativity as Culture Night 2026 returns on Friday, 18 September.
Dublin Invited To Celebrate Culture Night 2026 With Free Music, Art And Performance
Dublin City Council is inviting people of all ages to explore the city's arts, culture and creativity as Culture Night 2026 returns on Friday, 18 September.
16 September 2026
Witness Appeal After Fatal Van Crash On Lee Road In Cork
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Lee Road, Cork, Co. Cork. The incident involved a single vehicle, a van, and is believed to have occurred between 10:00pm on Monday, 14 September, and 2:10am on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The driver, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness Appeal After Fatal Van Crash On Lee Road In Cork
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Lee Road, Cork, Co. Cork. The incident involved a single vehicle, a van, and is believed to have occurred between 10:00pm on Monday, 14 September, and 2:10am on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The driver, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
15 September 2026
Over €890,000 For Culture Ireland To Promote Irish Arts Worldwide
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, has announced more than €890,000 to advance Irish arts on the global stage via Culture Ireland's Regular Grants Programme. In total, 143 projects will be supported in 36 countries, covering disciplines including dance, film, literature, music, opera, theatre and visual arts.
Over €890,000 For Culture Ireland To Promote Irish Arts Worldwide
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, has announced more than €890,000 to advance Irish arts on the global stage via Culture Ireland's Regular Grants Programme. In total, 143 projects will be supported in 36 countries, covering disciplines including dance, film, literature, music, opera, theatre and visual arts.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A dry start in the east but rain in the west will spread east during the morning. Rain will turn light and patchy in the afternoon. Drier in the west later, quite a breezy day. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Some clear spells developing as cloud breaks but still a few showers moving across the province in the fresh westerly winds. Minimum temperature 9 °C.

