Step into one of Ireland's most atmospheric ancient sites in county Longford

This Halloween, step into one of Ireland's most atmospheric ancient sites—the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre and boglands in County Longford—for Féile na Samhna, a festival of myth, fire, folklore and community.

The Corlea Iron Age roadway, preserved in the bog for over 2,000 years, is a place of thresholds: between land and water, past and present, this world and the otherworld. There is no more fitting place to celebrate Samhain, when that veil grows thin.

Read more: Planners give go ahead for construction of county Longford glamping park

From October 25 to November 2, Corlea comes alive with a diverse programme of events. Families can enjoy craft workshops, archaeology mini-digs, pumpkin decorating, and the Boohoo Scary Dress Ball, whilst younger children stir potions with the sprites of Scéalta Beo. For older children, archaeologists lead the Curious Case of the Body in the Bog, solving Iron Age mysteries together.

Myth and lore take centre stage with a talk on the Origins of Samhain at Oweynagat, immersive theatre for the whole family in the Púca: Bog of Bewitchment Experience and storytelling from Ireland's renowned seanchaí at Candlelit Tales. Adults can join a workshop on Celtic Tree Spirits, exploring the connections between humans and the divine, or embark on a Dark Spirits Bog Tour after nightfall—if they dare.

Music and nature also enrich the festival: the Solstice Choir fills Corlea with hauntingly beautiful harmonies, whilst the Bat Walk with Áine Fenor connects Samhain to the natural rhythms of the bog.

Rooted in community and deeply tied to place, Féile na Samhna offers an unforgettable celebration in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. As part of Ireland: Home of Halloween, it stands alongside Longford's Dead of Night Festival and Samhain in the Heartlands at Uisneach in Westmeath—inviting visitors to stay, explore and uncover what lies hidden in the heart of Ireland.

Read more: Beaming with Pride: Longford's Gemma 'very lucky to meet people who make things happen'

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said: "Féile na Samhna is a chance for families and visitors to experience something truly special on our doorstep. The Corlea Trackway will become a living stage for our oldest stories and traditions. I'd encourage everyone—locals and visitors alike—to come and be part of this. These events aren't just entertainment; they're our heritage made tangible, and they belong to all of us."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said: "This festival demonstrates what happens when we invest in our cultural assets and build programming that speaks to both residents and tourists. Féile na Samhna strengthens Longford's position within the Ireland: Home of Halloween initiative whilst creating real economic benefit for our county. The breadth of events—from children's activities to specialist archaeology workshops—means we're offering depth and quality. It's this combination of ancient site, authentic storytelling and professional delivery that will bring people back year after year."

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals at Fáilte Ireland added, “We're so pleased to support this fantastic programme of events in Longford & Westmeath through our Ireland, Home of Halloween Pilot Scheme. When we launched this scheme earlier this year, our ambition was to create a new season for Halloween festivals rooted in local culture, folklore, and community engagement, and what Longford County Council & Westmeath County Council have developed is a perfect example of that. 

“The Ireland, Home of Halloween strategy outlines a strong vision for positioning Ireland as a ‘must-do’ cultural tourism experience. Fáilte Ireland’s investment is helping to bring Ireland’s Halloween story to life by creating authentic visitor experiences, generating economic benefits, sustaining communities, and supporting long-term employment. 

“It also creates more opportunities to celebrate our culture, attract international and domestic visitors to explore new destinations, and grow tourism sustainably across the country during the shoulder season.” 

To book your place at any of the events in Féile na Samhna Corlea, message Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre on Facebook or call 043 33 22386.

For full information and schedule for the Longford Westmeath Home of Halloween events, please see Westmeath Festivals and Events - Visit Westmeath