Samhain in the Heartlands launches at Dún na Sí park
There was spooky excitement in Dún na Sí Heritage Park Moate for the launch of Samhain in the Heartlands, an ‘Ireland: Home of Halloween’ initiative, which will take place in venues across Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon during the Halloween season.
Samhain in the Heartlands returns to a select number of festival hubs in Westmeath and its neighbouring counties with over 50 Halloween-themed events planned to take place in the Midlands region from Friday, October 2 until Sunday, November 8.
Part of Fáilte Ireland’s nationwide Ireland Home of Halloween initiative, Samhain in the Heartlands is delivered by Westmeath County Council and Longford County Council in partnership with artists, cultural organisations, tourism operators, community groups, volunteers and local businesses.
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Fire breathers served up a true Halloweeen atmosphere during the launch of Samhain in the Heartlands at Dún na Sí Heritage Park Moate. Photo: Barry Cronin.Image 2 of 3
Pictured at the launch of Samhain in the Heartlands programme of events at Dún na Sí Heritage Park Moate were, l-r, Cllr Tom Farrell; Úna Doris, Tourism Officer, Westmeath County Council; Geraldine Bardon, Westmeath Arts Office; Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise; Cllr Liam McDaniel, Athlone-Moate Municipal District Mayor, Jackie Finney, Westmeath County Council Director of Services and Cllr John Gibbons. Photo: Barry Cronin.Image 3 of 3
Halloween costumes and tradition added to the atmosphere at the launch of Samhain in the Heartlands at Dún na Sí Heritage Park Moate. Photo: Barry Cronin.Now in its second year, Samhain in the Heartlands brings 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 scene of the Halloween initiative launch on Thursday last is central to the programme of events taking place in South Westmeath during Samhain in the Heartlands. Dún na Sí Heritage Park will host three Halloween themed events, the first of which is 'Samhain: The Spooktacular Summoning', an immersive experience inspired by Ireland's ancient traditions, from 4.30pm to 8pm, on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25.
The Moate venue will also host 'Faces of Samhain: Mask Making', a creative workshop inspired by seasonal traditions, from 5pm to 8pm, on Sunday, October 25.
'From First Harvest to Final Feast', a roleplay immersive adventure where myth, legend and history intertwine, completes the Halloween themed activities at Dún na Sí Heritage Park, from 12pm to 4pm, on Sunday, November 1.
A street theatre procession, 'When the Veil Thins' is the focal point of the Halloween programme of events in Athlone. Inspired by Samhain, the procession, starting at 7pm on Saturday, October 31, will see giant puppets, masked performers, lanterns, music and firelight transform the town into a celebration of myth and memory.
Athlone will also host the Connaught Street Spooktacular from 12pm to 4pm, on Sunday, October 25. This family friendly event brings together local groups, entertainment and seasonal activities in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Family audiences are well catered for, with The Samhain Gathering and Samhain After Dark, offering a world of mischief and magic for all the family at Belvedere House Mullingar, taking place on October 24 and October 25.
The season draws to a close with An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach, a spectacular celebration of Samhain at Ireland's sacred centre, where ancient traditions come alive across one of the country's most storied landscapes, from 3pm to 12am on November 7 and from 7am to 12pm on November 8 at the Hill of Uisneach,
Athlone-Moate Municipal District Mayor Cllr Liam McDaniel said Samhain in the Heartlands offers an exciting programme of events which will embrace a "blend of ancient customs with modern celebration".
"Samhain the Heartland provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the stories, heritage and experiences that make the counties of Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon unique and at the same time, supporting local businesses, communities and tourism," said Cllr McDaniel.
The District Mayor said he looked forward to welcoming visitors to Westmeath in particular and "shining a spotlight on the county's treasured attractions" during the Halloween festival.
Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council Barry Kehoe welcomed the growth in "scale and ambition" in this year's programme of events.
"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," the Chief Executive said.