Longford to roll out red carpet for Samhain in the Heartlands visitors

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, October 2 to Sunday, November 8.

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.

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

Pillar events include Longford's Dead of Night Festival running from October 23 - 31, 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 October 31, 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 October 24 - 25, offering a world of mischief and magic for all the family.

The season draws to a close with An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach from November 7 - 8, 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.

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."

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.

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