Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has officially launched the Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 programme at the Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath.
Now in its second year, Ireland Home of Halloween is a collaborative all-island programme led by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland that celebrates the island’s role as the birthplace of Halloween through festivals and visitor experiences inspired by Samhain traditions.
The Ireland Home of Halloween initiative supported the delivery of over 830 events across the island of Ireland in 2025, attracting over 322,000 domestic and international visitors and generating over €43 million in economic impact, supporting local communities and tourism businesses.
Building on this success, the 2026 programme will bring together a network of destinations across the island to deliver an expanded season of festivals, spectacles, trails, performances, food experiences and community celebrations inspired by the origins of Halloween.
‘Strong Results’
“The Ireland Home of Halloween programme is a significant opportunity to grow tourism by celebrating the traditions, folklore and stories that connect communities across the island,” said Caroline Bocquel, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland.
“The strong results achieved in 2025 show that visitors are eager to experience the authentic traditions at the heart of Halloween, and this year’s programme will create even more reasons for domestic and international visitors to explore destinations across the island during the autumn season.”
“As we continue to grow Halloween into a season-long celebration, we can further strengthen Ireland’s position as the Home of Halloween, delivering greater economic and social benefits for businesses and communities across the island.”
Púca Festival
In 2026, the programme will feature activity across seven Home of Halloween destinations including Fingal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Longford and Westmeath, and Meath and Louth.
In partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, the programme will also incorporate the internationally renowned Derry Halloween Festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, further strengthening the island-wide celebration of Samhain and Halloween.
The programme will be anchored by Púca Festival, the flagship festival of Ireland Home of Halloween alongside Derry Halloween.
‘Lasting Benefits’
“The success of the programme to date shows the significant potential of this initiative to attract visitors during the shoulder season,” said Minister Peter Burke.
“In 2025, the initiative generated more than €43 million in economic impact delivering tangible benefits for local communities and tourism businesses across the island.
“By supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and encouraging visitors to explore destinations across the island, the programme continues to deliver lasting benefits while showcasing Ireland as the authentic home of Halloween.”