Halloween in the Boyne Valley is an experience like no other. The rich history and folklore of our region come to life during this season, creating a perfect backdrop for a spooktacular celebration. With our many heritage sites, thrilling attractions, family-friendly activities, and vibrant festivals, Halloween 2023 has been a great one. Make sure to mark your calendar for Halloween in 2024 and prepare for a memorable journey through one of Ireland's most enchanting regions. Here are our highlights from 2023.
The Spirits of Meath Festival
County Meath is well known as the home of Halloween. More than 2,000 years ago, at the ancient Hill of Tlachtga, near Athboy, the Samhain Fire Festival began, celebrating this time of harvest and transition, with feasting and games as the long winter nights approached. Businesses around the county have been celebrating our close association with Halloween for many years. The Spirits of Meath Fesival is a culmination of all of the events and activities in the region. This year, we had over 100 events over 30 days bringing more visitors than ever to our region. Start planning for The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival 2024 where there will be more fun by day and frights by night! Find our more on the website here.
The Púca Festival
The first Púca festival was held in the Boyne Valley in 2019. Taking place over the days around Halloween, the festival brings music, comedy, workshops and more to the home of Halloween. This year, over 10,000 people attended the opening procession in Trim and the closing ceremony in Athboy.
Music and comedy acts like The Waterboys, Macy Gray, Damien Dempsey, Emma Doran and more graced stage across Trim and Athboy over the Bank Holiday weekend. Visitors experienced music and pub trails, harvest markets, storytelling, trips to the circus and more.
The 2024 festival is sure to be another great weekend so make a date in your diaries. Find out more about the festival on our website here.
Lú Festival of Light
Now in its second year, the Lú festival of light once again lit up the skies in Drogheda at Halloween. Taking place over the two weekends around Halloween mid-term, thousands of people visited the town to experience light shows at The Old Abbey, St Peters Church, St Lawrences Gate, The Garden at the Former Methodist Church and St Dominics Bridge. The shows all told stories of our Mythological past- a great way to learn about the legends and folklore of the Boyne Valley. This is one for the diary in 2024. Find out more about the festival here.
The Samhain Festival Kells
Now in its fifth year, The Samhain Festival of Food and Culture took place in the heritage town of Kells from the 2nd to the 5th of November. Award-winning chefs, renowned food writers, best-selling cookery book authors, culinary experts, and thought leaders in sustainability and agriculture were all present for another great programme of events. The festival showcases the quality of produce and food experiences available in the Boyne Valley region and welcomed visitors from around the globe. Find out more here.
The 2024 festival will be one to watch out for next year.
The Boyne Valley is without a doubt the best place to visit in October and November in Ireland. As well as all of our amazing heritage sites, walks, greenways, and activities, there is nowhere better to visit at Halloween. Start planning your 2024 trip today!
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