Minister Peter Burke announces €1.5m Fáilte Ireland investment in five 'Home of Halloween' destinations
Longford and Westmeath County Council receive funding for joint project
Press Release: Monday, 26 May 2025
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has announced the five destinations selected to receive funding under Fáilte Ireland’s new Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme. A total of €1.5 million will be invested over the next three years (2025–2028), as part of the ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy’ which aims to establish Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween. Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council were one of the five successful Local Authorities to receive funding of €100,000 for a joint project. ‘Samhain: Fire, Folklore & Feasting in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ is a collaborative initiative, by Longford and Westmeath County Councils, transforming Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands into a captivating cultural corridor, tracing the ancient route of An Esker Riada, from the start of October ending with Samhain an Uisneach mid-November.
The pilot Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme invited all Local Authorities to apply for funding to create a new season for Halloween festivals rooted in local culture, folklore, and community engagement. Each successful destination will receive up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals that celebrate Ireland’s heritage and attract visitors during the off-peak season.
The successful local authorities are:
- Galway City Council
- Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project)
- Meath County Council and Louth County Council (joint project)
- Kerry County Council
- Fingal County Council
The projects are expected to attract 270,000 additional visitors over three years, generating €17 million for local economies, and supporting over 500 direct and indirect jobs.
The pilot scheme is part of the ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy’ which was developed collaboratively by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland. It aims to deliver immersive cultural Halloween experiences that will extend the tourism season into October and November and drive regional economic growth.
Minister Burke said:
“The Home of Halloween strategy outlines a strong vision for positioning Ireland as a ‘must-do’ cultural tourism experience. The investment announced today will bring Ireland’s Halloween story to life, creating authentic visitor experiences, generating economic benefits, sustaining communities, and supporting long-term employment. It’s a powerful way to celebrate our culture and grow tourism sustainably in the shoulder season.”
The new pilot scheme builds on the success of the Púca Festival co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019. Rooted in the ancient tradition of Samhain, Púca has become a flagship Halloween event, attracting thousands with its vibrant mix of spectacle, music, and food. In 2024, the festival welcomed 49,050 attendees, delivering €7.11 million in economic impact, and supporting 174 jobs. In 2023, Fáilte Ireland also introduced Fire & Shadows Processions in Limerick, Longford, and Waterford to further establish Ireland’s position as the Home of Halloween.
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, added:
“We were very encouraged by the strong interest and vision from local authorities, and the successful applicants showed real potential to deliver a season of vibrant, authentic festivals. Building on the Púca festival, this scheme fosters partnerships between councils, tourism businesses, and cultural groups, helping to build a sustainable Halloween tourism offering across the regions of Ireland that will resonate with domestic and international visitors and support long-term tourism development in these five destinations.”
Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council said:
"We are delighted to secure this significant funding for the Home of Halloween festival. As a partner in this cross-county initiative with our Westmeath colleagues, Longford County Council will help transform Ireland's Hidden Heartlands into a premier Halloween destination rooted in our genuine Celtic heritage.
This festival will breathe new life into ancient traditions along the historic Esker Riada route, connecting the sacred sites of Rathcroghan and the Hill of Uisneach via our remarkable Corlea Trackway. The night-time experience at Corlea and the Fire & Shadows Procession in Longford Town will be particularly striking elements of what promises to be an unforgettable celebration.
This funding enables us to create not just a festival, but a sustainable tourism asset that will benefit our communities, artists, and businesses for years to come. By weaving together our shared history, local talent, and natural landscapes, we're setting the foundation for a new seasonal tradition that honours our past while looking confidently to the future."
Barry Kehoe, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council said:
“Westmeath County Council proudly announces its participation in the "Home of Halloween" initiative, which will showcase our county on an international stage alongside our partners in Longford County Council.
The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain has deep roots in Westmeath, with celebrations already established at the historic Hill of Uisneach—known as the sacred centre of Ireland—along with numerous other Halloween events throughout the county.
Working closely with Fáilte Ireland on this significant tourism initiative, we aim to expand these cultural celebrations, highlighting our authentic connection to Halloween's origins while creating substantial economic benefits for local tourism businesses and communities.
This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to preserve and promote our rich heritage while welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the true birthplace of Halloween traditions.”
