Halloween originated in Ireland as the Celtic festival of Samhain, which is why so many Halloween traditions are Irish!

Samhain was seen as the end of summer but also the beginning of another year. It was also the one day of the year when spirits could walk the earth. The community would gather together and light huge fires to ward off bad luck and evil spirits for the year ahead. They would be dressed up in elaborate animal skins and heads to scare away evil spirits and that is why we continue to dress up today.

It was said that people extinguished their fires in the hearth at home before they left and would reignite them using an ember from the bonfire, for good luck. The day after the bonfire the ashes were spread across the fields to further ward off bad luck for the farmers.

It was also  believed that in the bonfire could identify your future husband or wife by dropping a cutting of your hair into the fire!! There’s no limits to Celtic traditions, stories and beliefs.

Join us on a tour to learn more about our Irish myths and legends.