Samhain In The Heartlands Unveils Exciting, Vibrant Programme of Events for Halloween

Longford and Westmeath will become hubs of Halloween activity this October and November

Press Release: Monday 14 September

Samhain in the Heartlands has unveiled its programme for 2026, with a rich calendar of Halloween events set to unfold across Longford and Westmeath, in the heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.
Part of Fáilte Ireland’s nationwide Ireland Home of Halloween initiative, Samhain in the Heartlands returns to the festival hubs of Longford and Westmeath from Friday 2^nd October to Sunday 8^th November. The 2026 programme will feature around 50 events across both counties, bringing together fire and shadow processions, immersive performances, traditional music, storytelling, feasting, family activities and experiences at ancient sites, drawing on the folklore, mythology and landscapes behind the origins of Halloween in Ireland.  

Programme Highlights

The programme is delivered by Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council, supported by Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with artists, cultural organisations, tourism operators, community groups, volunteers and local businesses. 

Now in its second year, Samhain in the Heartlands unfolds across the region throughout October and into November. Pillar events include Longford's Dead of Night Festival, running from 23rd – 31st October, a spectacular county-wide celebration of music, theatre, family fun and Halloween experiences across various venues, building to its close with the Fire and Shadows Procession on 31st October, where flames dance, shadows awaken and ancient traditions ignite the streets of Longford Town drawing crowds of spectators. 

Family audiences are equally well catered for, with The Samhain Gathering and Samhain After Dark at Belvedere running from 24th-25th October, offering a world of mischief and magic for all the family at the historic Mullingar estate. The season draws to a close with An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach from 7th-8th November, a spectacular celebration of Samhain at Ireland's sacred centre, where ancient traditions come alive across one of the country's most storied landscapes. 

New to this year's programme, highlights include a high-end collaborative Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner with Lough Ree Distillery, Skelly's Bar and Droimeann Beef; Samhain – The Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí in Moate, Co. Westmeath; a new immersive masquerade food, culture and heritage event, The Last Wake at Doory Hall; and a new When The Veil Thins – Street Procession in Athlone.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan said:  

"We are thrilled to unveil this year's Samhain in the Heartlands programme, which builds on the fantastic response we saw across Longford and Westmeath in 2025. From the Dead of Night Festival to the Fire and Shadows Procession lighting up the streets of Longford Town, this programme showcases the very best of the region’s culture, creativity and community. We look forward to welcoming visitors from home and abroad to experience it for themselves." 

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Samantha Healy adds: 

" Longford's participation in Samhain in the Heartlands continues to grow and strengthen each year. The programme highlights the county's unique heritage while helping to extend the tourism season and create opportunities for local businesses and communities. We look forward to seeing Longford come alive this October as part of Ireland, Home of Halloween." 

Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals & Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland comments:  

"We're pleased to support Samhain in the Heartlands 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.'' 

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Bill Collentine adds:  

“Samhain in the Heartlands is a wonderful example of how communities across Longford and Westmeath are bringing the authentic story of Samhain to life for visitors. This year’s programme reflects the depth of heritage and creativity in the region and festivals like this play an important role in encouraging both domestic and international visitors to explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, supporting the expansion of tourism into the shoulder season.” 

Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe adds:  

"We are delighted to see the Samhain in the Heartlands programme continue to grow in scale and ambition for 2026. Westmeath's programme reflects the depth and variety of experiences on offer, from the Samhain Gathering and Samhain After Dark at Belvedere House & Gardens, to the Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí, and the new When the Veil Thins street procession bringing Athlone to life on Halloween night. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Westmeath." 

Further programme details, individual event listings and booking information for Samhain in the Heartlands will be announced in the coming weeks. Visitors are advised to keep an eye on www.samhainheartlands.ie and social channels @samhainheartlands for updates.