County-wide celebrations this Halloween

This Halloween, Westmeath has partnered up with Longford to create a rich and diverse programme of over 30 events, festivals and activities. Visitors are promised the opportunity to uncover the mischief, magic, and myth of Samhain at the wide variety of events taking place. From storytelling to spooky science 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 from Fáilte Ireland to establish Ireland as the Home of Halloween, with campaigns attracting overseas visitors to better understand the origins of Samhain. Longford and Westmeath have together been selected as one of seven dedicated Home of Halloween hubs, offering an authentic Samhain experience.

Across Westmeath, the unmissable highlights include:

Halloween at Belvedere House Gardens and Park, Mullingar: a four-day Halloween Celebration filled with spectacle, family fun and authentic Samhain tradition. Choose from an enchanting storytelling experience, followed by a spectacular fire show and live drumming at the famous Jealous Wall, discover an incredible world of wild, edible plants on a foraging tour around the extensive parkland or enjoy a whimsical outdoor trail, filled with entertaining Halloween characters and quests. October 25-27 and November 2.

‘The Spooktacular Summoning’ at Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, Moate: an immersive Halloween experience that brings audiences deep into the heart of Irish myth, folklore, and Celtic ritual. Through storytelling and performance, the old beliefs of Ireland will be brought vividly to life, with the return of fairies, banshees, spirits, and shapeshifters. October 25.

Samhain at Uisneach: an incredible two-day festival of storytelling, ritual, music and fire all set in the shadow of the sacred hill, where tradition is not only remembered, but reborn. As a celtic royal site and a ceremonial centre for the ancient provinces, Uisneach offers an unparalleled gateway to the origins of Halloween. Activities include a haunted tour, night skies astronomy and a captivating procession led by fire-dancers, horses, wolfhounds and mythological figures. November 8 and 9.

Murtagh’s Organic Farm, Ballynacarrigy are offering seasonal fun in the great outdoors, with forest trails, friendly farm animals, and the chance to choose your own pumpkin. Up to October 31.

Andean Alpacas in Mullingar are offering a Pumpkin Carving & Haunted House Experience, which includes the chance to pick the perfect pumpkin to carve and explore a spooky haunted house and Halloween trail with friendly alpacas to meet and greet along the way. October 25-31.

Join Ruth Illingworth’s Ghost Tours of Old Mullingar and see the town in a different light as you hear tales of the Face at the Window, The Banshee of the Green Road, The Phantom Army and walk if you dare over the haunted bridge! October 26-28.

Festival of Samhain, Athlone takes place at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre Fitness Park. Experience a vibrant, spooky, and family-friendly celebration of Irish folklore and Halloween traditions. Activities include a family disco, puppet shows, spell casting workshops and a magic show. October 31.

Luan Gallery Athlone: Halloween Mask Making Workshops takes place on October 25.

Mad Professor Science Shows at Mullingar & Castlepollard Libraries with slime and goo, explosion and eruptions. October 29.

Spooktacular Paddle on the Royal Canal, Mullingar: A magical, moonlit evening full of fun, laughter, and a touch of fright awaits! With SUPwell Ireland. October 31.

Fore Spooky Fun and Spooktacular Walk. October 31.

For a full list of Longford & Westmeath Home of Halloween Events, please go to VisitWestmeath.ie