Dún na Sí Heritage Park Moate will be the scene of a number of Halloween themed events during the Samhain in the Heartlands Festival which starts this bank holiday weekend. Photo: Barry Cronin.

Local venues to host Samhain in the Heartlands Festival events

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 22 Oct 2026, 12:27 PM

Venues in Athlone and Moate will mark the start of Halloween season as the Samhain in the Heartlands Festival comes to life.

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 Connaught Street Spooktacular promises a day of "Halloween Fun" in Cinnaught Gardens from 12pm-4pm on Sunday, October 25.

This family-friendly celebration brings together local groups, entertainment and seasonal activities in a welcoming community atmosphere.

This free event will feature market stalls, outdoor games and activities for children, a fancy dress competition, treasure hunt and live music.

Organised by Connaught Street & Environs Community Group, the Connaught Street Spooktacular celebrates community spirit and the shared traditions of Halloween season.

A second Halloween themed event, 'The Veil Thins at The Hollow' is planned for College Park from 3pm-7pm, on Saturday, October 3.

This afternoon and evening of free family-friendly entertainment will be a celebration filled with music, creativity, performance and Halloween fun.

The Halloween celebration features free face painting, live DJs, youth bands, circus skills, roaming puppets and a craft market.

As evening descends, a live fire performance by Wildfire, will bring a fiery finale to the celebrations, 'marking the moment when the veil between our world and the otherworld is said to grow thin'.

Meanwhile, the scene of the Samhain in the Festival launch in September, Dún na Sí Heritage Park in Moate will host two Halloween themed events this weekend, 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 Friday, October 30.

Halloween themed events at Dún na Sí Heritage Park culminate on Sunday, November 1, with 'First Harvest to Final Feast: A Time-Travel Adventure Through the Harvest Season'.

Taking place from 12pm-4pm, this event, suitable for those aged 18 years and over, collaborates Irish myth, legend and history, journeying through 5,000 years of harvest traditions from the Stone Age to the modern world.

Created by Dún na Sí and the Midlands Adventurers Guild, this interactive experience explores the season through storytelling, live roleplay, choices and adventure.

The initiative, which takes place at numerous venues in counties Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon during the Halloween season, will see 50 events 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.