Fire, folklore and feasting in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with Longford-Westmeath launch

This year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in Longford and Westmeath as Fáilte Ireland launches 'Ireland, Home of Halloween.'

For the first time, the two counties unite to create a seasonal programme celebrating Samhain at its source – here in the ancient landscapes of bogs and waterways in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where tracks and trails lead to the most sacred of locations.

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The launch of Longford and Westmeath as one of seven Home of Halloween Hubs nationwide took place on Monday at Pig Market Lane in Longford Town where the full programme of events was revealed.

Three flagship festivals form the heart of the 2025 programme: the Dead of Night Festival throughout County Longford, Féile na Samhna at Corlea Trackway, and Samhain on Uisneach. Each is unique in style, but together they weave a story of fire, folklore, and community that is deeply rooted in place.

The festivals are the flagship features in a rich and diverse programme of over 30 events in total across counties Longford and Westmeath. From storytelling to craft workshops and haunted town tours to pumpkin patches, there is something on offer for every age and ability.

This is the first year of a three-year initiative to establish this new shoulder season through the Ireland: Home of Halloween campaign, attracting overseas visitors to better understand the origins of Samhain.

With Longford and Westmeath leading the way, over time, the ambition is to create a Samhain Trail in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands that will link together the wonderful archaeological and heritage sites within the region to include legendary sites like Uisneach, Granard Motte, Lough Ree, Athlone Castle and most notably to link in with the ancient capital of Connacht Cruchan Aí or Rathcroghan, County Roscommon where ‘Oweynagat’ (Cave of the Cats) is described by Christian scribes as Ireland’s Gate to Hell and entrance to the Otherworld.

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Visitors will be invited to walk ancient trackways, explore boglands and waterways, and connect with Ireland's mythical landscape during the season where the veil between worlds grows thin.

By joining forces, Longford and Westmeath are building a distinctive new cultural tourism offering for Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: one that celebrates heritage, supports local communities, and invites visitors to stay longer, explore deeper, and discover the hidden in the heart of Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "This partnership between Longford and Westmeath represents something genuinely transformative for our region. This significant investment over three years gives us the foundation to build something that will benefit our communities for years to come. When visitors experience Samhain here, they're standing where our ancestors lit fires and told stories thousands of years ago. That authenticity cannot be manufactured."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, "I would encourage everyone – locals and visitors alike – to immerse themselves in the Home of Halloween. This is a rare opportunity to experience something genuinely unique in the Midlands: ancient sites coming alive with fire and story, communities celebrating traditions that stretch back millennia, and events that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in Ireland.

Whether you're exploring the Iron Age trackway at Corlea, joining the processions in Longford Town, or standing on Uisneach as darkness falls, you'll be part of something extraordinary. We're extending the tourism season, creating employment, and supporting local businesses, but this is also about pride – showing Ireland and the world what makes our region special."

Barry Kehoe, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council said, “Together with our partners in Longford, Westmeath County Council is proud to announce a programme of compelling events, as part of the ‘Home of Halloween’ initiative, which will showcase our region on an international stage. This 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.”

Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council said, “I am delighted to welcome our exciting programme of events as part of the ‘Ireland: Home of Halloween’ initiative.

Planned and delivered by communities dedicated to promoting our rich heritage across both counties, the events will celebrate the authentic Irish festival of Samhain, drawing on the traditional displays of fire and light and featuring the unique and compelling characters of Irish mythology.”

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A celebration of ancient traditions

The programme features firelit processions, ghostly storytelling, traditional music, seasonal food, contemporary art, and interactive performances that bring Ireland's Halloween heritage to life throughout both counties.

The Dead of Night Festival returns to Longford this time extending its reach to include events all around the county, with its signature blend of family-friendly daytime activities and atmospheric evening events.

Previous years have drawn 10,000 visitors across the Halloween weekend. The Fire and Shadows Procession takes place this year on Halloween night, Friday, October 31 and is set to again become a highlight – a theatrical spectacle that transforms the streets into a stage where ancient myths walk among modern crowds.

At Corlea Trackway, Féile na Samhna takes visitors back over 2,000 years to see the preserved Iron Age road that once crossed the boglands.

Here, the festival connects directly with the archaeological landscape, offering guided walks across the peatlands and interpretive experiences that explain why these wetlands held such significance in Celtic tradition.

Samhain on Uisneach in County Westmeath brings the celebrations to the ceremonial heart of ancient Ireland. The Hill of Uisneach, once considered the spiritual centre of the island, hosts events that mirror the great gatherings of the past – though with contemporary creativity woven through traditional practice.

For full information and schedule, please see the advertisement on page 5 or follow Longford Tourism or Longford County Council on social media.