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Halloween Events

What's on in Longford

A person in a crown and red robe stands atop a large stag sculpture, raising one arm, with flames burning in the background and an owl mask visible in the lower right-hand corner.
Oct
01
All day

Samhain in the Heartlands – Longford Westmeath Home of Halloween Programme
Celebrating the Ancient Origins of HalloweenSamhain in the Heartlands is a unique seasonal programme exploring the ancient traditions and folklore associated with...
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Free
A group of seven adults and three children, dressed in colourful traditional and formal clothing, pose together indoors in front of festive Diwali decorations.
Oct
01
All day

Longford Indian Community – Diwali The Festival of Lights
A Spectacular Celebration of Light, Culture and CommunityOrganised by the Longford Indian Community, Diwali – The Festival of Lights will showcase Indian...
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Free
A large illuminated owl puppet is paraded through a crowded, colourful city street at night, with people watching and taking photos. Fire performers and another glowing creature are visible further down the street.
Oct
01
All day

Dead of Night Festival
Immersive Halloween Experiences After DarkThe Dead of Night Festival will transform Longford into a thrilling celebration of folklore, mystery and Halloween entertainment....
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Free
Four people perform with fire at night, holding flaming props and sticks, illuminated by the fire against a dark background. They wear dark clothing and dramatic expressions, creating a striking and intense scene.
Oct
31
All day

Fire & Shadows Procession
A Dramatic Parade of Light, Fire and MythologyThe Fire & Shadows Procession will illuminate the streets with spectacular visual displays, lanterns, performers...
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Free

Halloween began in Ireland over 2,000 years ago with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time of gathering, storytelling, feasting and marking the turning of the year.

Longford 2026

Experience the Home of Halloween in Longford

As part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween, Longford in partnership with Westmeath, presents “Samhain in the Heartlands”, bringing these traditions to life through a seasonal programme of events inspired by folklore, fire, heritage, creativity and community.

Text reading "SAMHAIN IN THE HEARTLANDS" in a large, white, serif font on a light grey background, evoking the spirit of sustainable tourism in Longford.
A performer in dark clothes and sunglasses blows a large plume of fire from their mouth whilst holding a lit torch, creating a striking scene against the dimly lit backdrop at a Sustainable Tourism Longford event.
A large dragon puppet, surrounded by people and illuminated by red smoke and streetlights, parades down a nighttime street in front of a brightly lit building with flags, showcasing Longford’s vibrant culture and commitment to sustainable tourism. Spectators and cars line the road.
A performer twirls flaming batons before a crowd at night in Longford, with a large green banner reading “Ireland Home of Hallowe’en” in the background—an exciting celebration promoting sustainable tourism under a dark blue sky.
A performer breathes fire into the night sky with a flaming torch, as people in costumes—including one with blue face paint and another holding flags—watch in the background, adding vibrant energy to a memorable Sustainable Tourism Longford event.
halloween

Ancient Traditions

The Samhain in the Heartlands programme offers 47 events across counties Longford and Westmeath, includes the Samhain Procession in Longford Town which is the finale of the Dead of Night Festival before culminating in An Tairseach at The Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath, offering visitors the chance to explore the county’s connection to Samhain through family-friendly events, atmospheric evening experiences, music, performance, workshops and storytelling.

Set in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Longford and Westmeath’s Home of Halloween programme offers a distinctive autumn experience, connecting ancient traditions with contemporary culture in the landscapes and communities of the county. 

Discover Halloween where it began, and experience Longford at one of the most atmospheric times of the year.

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Plan your Samhain Adventure

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