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 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 some 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.
Now in its second year, Samhain in the Heartlands unfolds across the region throughout October and into November. Key events include Longford's Dead of Night Festival, a spectacular county-wide celebration of music, theatre, family fun and Halloween experiences across various venues running from October 23 to 31, building to its close with the Fire and Shadows Procession on Halloween, where flames dance, shadows awaken, and ancient traditions ignite the streets of Longford town, drawing crowds of spectators.
Family audiences are also well catered for, with The Samhain Gathering and Samhain After Dark at the historic Belvedere estate in Mullingar on October 24 and 25, offering a world of mischief and magic for all the family. The season draws to a close with An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach on November 7 and 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.
Other 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; and a new When The Veil Thins – Street Procession in Athlone.
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.
