I want to start by saying this: Halloween in Ireland is where the ancient magic still flickers through every cobblestone and flame.
In 2025, two of Ireland’s biggest Halloween events Derry Halloween Festival and the Púca Festival in Meath are truly epic and fully confirmed. I can’t wait to tell you all about them.
In Derry, the Carnival Parade kicks off at 7 pm on October 31, followed by a fireworks finale at 8:15 pm. It’s one of Europe’s grandest Halloween street celebrations, especially for 2025.
Meanwhile in Meath, the Púca Festival runs from October 30 to November 2, sharing the ancestral spirit of Samhain across the historic towns of Trim and Athboy Púca Halloween Festival 2025 Ireland.
Halloween in Ireland Parade Dates, Times, Routes
| Festival & Parade | Date(s) | Time | Location(s) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derry Carnival Parade | October 31, 2025 | Parade: 7 pm → Fireworks: ~8:15 pm | Derry Walled City, along River Foyle | Floats, costumes, street performances, fireworks |
| Púca Festival | October 30 – November 2, 2025 | Various nightly events | Trim & Athboy (Co. Meath) | Procession, fire lighting, live acts, food market |
Derry Halloween Festival
Most days the streets of Derry are historic and calm but not at Halloween. Every October 28–31, the Awakening the Walled City Trail lights up the city with apples of light, live performances, projections, and eerie installations from 6 pm to 9 pm.
It builds to the big Carnival Parade on October 31 at 7 pm, winding through the medieval streets and finishing with a fireworks show around 8:15 pm.
Derry’s blending of myth, street art, and atmosphere has earned it a crown: it’s been voted the world’s best Halloween destination.
Púca Festival in Meath
If you want Halloween that sings ancestral tunes, Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy is your spot. It spans four nights October 30 to November 2 and connects to Ireland’s ancient Samhain roots.
Key events include:
- Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy on October 31, an old ritual reignited with live music and community spirit.
- The Púca Procession: Gathering of the Spirits in Trim on November 1, blending theatre, ritual, and music in the glow of castle walls.
- A Harvest Market with traditional treats like barmbrack and colcannon, and a brand-new Samhain Banquet at Darnley Lodge on Halloween night.
- Great performances by The 2 Johnnies, Blindboy, Jason Byrne, Dublin Gospel Choir, and more.
Púca also makes logistics simple with coach links from Dublin, Drogheda, and Kildare, plus a shuttle between Trim and Athboy The SunDecoy Country Cottages.
Roots and Origins of Halloween in Ireland
Halloween in Ireland started over 2,000 years ago with Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the onset of winter when ancient Celts lit fires and held rituals to guide and repel spirits.
Meath especially the Hill of Tlachtga near Athboy is the heartbeat of these ancient Samhain rituals. Fires were lit there to signal the new year, with archaeological layers of burning dating back centuries.
More recent city festivals echo these traditions. The Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy recreates Samhain warmth lighting ancestral fires, storytelling, and folklore beneath Norman castle walls.
In Derry, a small costume party in 1985 grew into Europe’s largest Halloween street carnival. Now thousands descend each year for parades, projections, fireworks, and otherworldly atmosphere rooted in old customs.
2025 Dates, Times & Parade Details
Derry Halloween Festival runs from October 28 to 31, 2025. Nightly installations and performances begin around 6 pm.
The main parade starts on October 31 at 7 pm in Derry’s Walled City. Expect street performers, floats, and a fireworks finale by the River Foyle at around 8:15 pm.
Púca Festival spans October 30 to November 2, 2025. Each evening features different highlights.
Highlights include the Samhain Fire lighting in Athboy on October 31. It’s followed by the Púca Procession in Trim on November 1 around the castle’s shadow and a Harvest Market in both towns.
A new Samhain Banquet at Darnley Lodge and music from The 2 Johnnies, Blindboy, Jason Byrne, and Dublin Gospel Choir spice up the nights. Tickets went live in July; special buses and shuttles make getting around easy.
Routes & Where to Be for Best Views
Derry’s route winds through the medieval Walled City along the River Foyle. Streets pack quickly arrive early if you want the best view of fireworks at around 8:15 pm.
In Meath, Púca’s procession follows Trim’s castle walls then flows through Athboy later that night. The markets and nightly performances light up both towns for easy hopping between events.
How to Take Part in the Fun
Anyone can join the Halloween celebrations in Ireland but some events need sign-ups. For Derry’s Halloween Parade, walking participants often pre-register through community arts groups. The official site posts forms each summer, so keep an eye out early.
The Púca Festival’s processions are usually open to the public as spectators, not marchers. Instead, you can volunteer for roles like costume handling, stage assistance, or market support. Volunteers often get backstage glimpses and meet performers.
Check each festival’s costume guidelines before you go. Large props, open flames, or anything sharp are banned. Family-friendly outfits are encouraged at both events, but you’ll also see plenty of spooky, theatrical styles.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
Derry’s Walled City streets fill fast especially along Shipquay Street and the Peace Bridge area. If you want a front-row parade spot, arrive at least an hour before start time. Bring a warm layer; late October nights can get chilly.
For the fireworks, the Quay or riverside near Guildhall Square offers unbeatable views. Locals also recommend the city walls themselves for a unique vantage point.
In Trim, the castle lawn is the heart of the Púca Procession. From there, you can see fire performances and projections clearly. Athboy’s main street is great for the Samhain Fire lighting arrive before dusk for a good place.
Costume Themes & Ideas
Halloween in Ireland blends ancient Celtic myth with modern creativity. In Derry, expect mythical beasts, skeleton troupes, and dramatic masks. Many groups follow a yearly theme announced by organizers.
For 2025, the Púca Festival is rumored to highlight ‘Spirits of the Harvest’. Think autumn colors, woven crowns, and costumes inspired by animals tied to Irish folklore.
If you’re joining as a visitor, you don’t have to go full theatrical. A nod to Irish legend like a banshee shawl, druid robe, or pumpkin-patterned scarf fits right in without needing weeks of crafting.
Entertainment & Highlights
Derry’s festival is more than a parade. Each night features light shows, street musicians, haunted tours, and family workshops. The Awakening the Walled City trail is worth visiting even before parade day.
The Púca Festival thrives on live performance. In 2025, acts like The 2 Johnnies, Blindboy, and Jason Byrne add comedy, music, and storytelling to the ancient Samhain setting.
Both festivals have free street entertainment alongside ticketed shows. This means you can soak up plenty of atmosphere even without a big budget.
Travel & Where to Stay
Derry is served by City of Derry Airport and has direct bus and rail links from Belfast and Dublin. If you’re booking a hotel, do it months in advance festival week sells out quickly.
Trim and Athboy are about an hour from Dublin by car or bus. During the festival, special coach services and shuttle buses make it easy to attend both towns’ events without needing to drive.
Look for accommodations within walking distance of event hubs. In Derry, that’s the city center; in Meath, focus on Trim’s historic quarter or Athboy’s main street.
Food & Local Experiences
Halloween in Ireland isn’t just about sights it’s about taste. In Derry, food stalls line the parade route with hot cider, local pies, and hearty stew.
At the Púca Festival, the Harvest Market is a must-visit. Try barmbrack (fruit bread with hidden charms), colcannon (buttery potato and cabbage), and Samhain-themed ales.
If you have extra time, explore nearby attractions. From Derry, you can reach the Giant’s Causeway; from Trim, tour the Boyne Valley’s ancient passage tombs.
Safety & Rules
Both Derry and Púca events have clear safety guidelines to keep the fun running smoothly. Expect bag checks at larger gatherings, especially near stage areas and parade lines.
Alcohol is restricted to licensed zones. Carrying open containers on the streets can get you turned away from certain viewing points.
Family safety is taken seriously. Lost child points, medical tents, and volunteer marshals are stationed along major routes. Keep an eye on younger kids in dense crowds.
Photography & Social Media Tips
If you’re shooting the parade, arrive early for the best angles. In Derry, a spot near the Peace Bridge captures both the procession and fireworks in one frame.
Use the festival’s official hashtags. Derry often uses #DerryHalloween while Púca promotes #PucaFestival. Tagging increases your chances of being featured on their pages.
Be mindful of performers and fellow spectators. Avoid blocking views with tripods, and switch off flash during live shows it can distract artists.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wanted to feel the heartbeat of Halloween, Ireland is the place. From Derry’s electric city parade to Meath’s ancient Samhain fires, the mix of spectacle and heritage is unmatched.
The best part is that these celebrations are for everyone locals, visitors, families, and curious travelers. Whether you dress up or just watch with a camera, you’ll carry the memories long after the autumn leaves fall.
So in 2025, pack your warm coat, a sense of adventure, and maybe a dash of Celtic spirit. You’ll come home with photos, stories, and maybe even a taste for barmbrack.
FAQs
Yes watching the parades and many street events is free. Some concerts, banquets, and tours are ticketed.
Service animals are allowed. For other pets, it’s best to check each event’s rules; crowds and fireworks can be stressful for animals.
For Derry’s parade, be there at least an hour early. For Púca’s main events, 30–45 minutes before start time is usually fine.
Both locations have public parking but it fills quickly. Shuttle buses and public transport are strongly recommended.
The parades go ahead rain or shine just bring a waterproof layer and maybe a hot drink.