Ireland Dead of Night Halloween Festival The Ultimate Guide
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October 25 @ 7:30 pm – October 31 @ 9:30 pm
I’m excited to share with you the Dead of Night Halloween Festival, one of the most creative and culturally rich Halloween gatherings in Ireland.
It takes place in Longford Town, County Longford from 25 31 October 2025.
This festival isn’t just about scary masks and pumpkin carving. It draws on deep Irish myth, community creativity and the roots of the festival of lights.
If you’re looking for a top-Halloween event in Ireland, this one ticks all the boxes.
Halloween Events Overview
Here’s a breakdown of key festival events for 2025 so you can plan ahead:
| Date | Time | Location/Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Oct | All day (09:00-23:00) | Longford Town & county-wide venues | Week-long | Mostly free | High towns busy | Lantern workshops, street theatre |
| 27-29 Oct | Evening sessions | Connolly Barracks, Longford Town | 3 nights | Tickets (€) | Medium-High | Haunted House experience |
| 31 Oct | 19:30 – 21:30 | Main Street → Market Square, Longford Town | ~2 hrs | Free (finale) | Large – peak crowd | Fire & Shadows Procession with fire dancers, giant puppets |
Make sure to visit the official site for full listing and booking.
Ireland Dead of Night Halloween Festival Date, Time & Location Details
- Festival dates: 25 October to 31 October 2025.
- Key finale: 31 October at 7:30 pm (Fire & Shadows Procession) starting at Main Street, Longford Town.
History & Origins
The Dead of Night Halloween Festival traces its roots to the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to thin.
In more recent times, Longford County Council launched the festival as part of a cultural push for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the “Ireland: Home of Halloween” initiative.
Year by year, the festival grew from modest local events to county-wide spectacles with lantern parades, fire shows, street installation art and myth-based performances.
Local legends of fire, the Morrígan, and ancient pathways lend depth and authenticity to the event.
How to Participate In Ireland Dead of Night Halloween Festival
If you want to join in:
- Many workshops (mask-making, lanterns, family crafts) are free, but some need booking in advance via TicketTailor.
- For the Haunted House and some evening events, ticket purchase is required.
- Age restrictions: Family events are open to all; some late-night shows are 18+ or have adult content check the specific event.
- Costume rules: Costumes encouraged, especially for the finale procession. No large weapons or props that may obstruct safety (see safety section).
- Volunteer opportunities: Local organisations often seek helpers for lantern workshops, parade marshals and street theatre. Contact Longford County Council Arts Service for details.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
- Arrive early: For the main procession on 31 Oct, aim for 6:45–7:00 pm to pick a spot with good visibility.
- Less crowded vantage: Side streets off Main Street can offer a quieter view and still good visuals of the fire dancers and puppets.
- Family-friendly access: Market Square has family zones and is well-lit; accessible routes available from the Council.
- Weather prep: October evenings in Longford can be cold and damp—bring a warm jacket, waterproof layer and sturdy shoes.
- Accessibility: The organisers note that many venues are wheelchair-accessible; check individual event listings for detailed info.
Costumes & Themes
- Official theme for 2025: Myth, Fire & Shadows — a nod to Irish folklore and the journey of the Morrígan.
- Costume ideas: Ancient Celtic warrior, banshee, forest spirit, giant puppet creature, fire dancer all fit the vibe.
- Past popular trends: Mascots, oversized lantern heads, and glowing wearable art have featured heavily in previous years.
- If you’re entering a costume contest (check specific events): use flame-retardant materials, avoid loose flowing fabrics that might catch in fire displays, and aim for high visibility in dusk lighting.
Entertainment & Highlights
This festival is packed with sights and sounds:
- Floats & puppets: The finale procession features giant puppets, fire dancers, drummers, flare-bearers and ritualistic elements.
- Street theatre: On pig market lanes and side venues, roaming performers immerse audiences in mythic tales.
- Fire & Shadows Procession: The climax on 31 Oct at 7:30 pm is not just a parade it is a performance of myth in motion.
- After-events: Music nights, storytelling in bars (e.g., Andrias de Staic & The Latchikos), pop-up haunted houses.
Food & Local Experiences
- Street food vendors: Pumpkin-spiced treats, hearth-cooked stews and themed snacks pop up around Market Square and Connolly Barracks.
- Restaurants & bars: Many local places offer “Samhain specials” during the week ask for the festival menu.
- Local craft markets: Pig Market Lane hosts artisanal stalls during the weekend family events.
- Don’t miss: Toasting marshmallows at the fire installations, sampling local cider and exploring the long-established pubs in Longford Town.
Safety & Rules
- Bag checks: The main parade and indoor venues carry bag checks at entrances no large backpacks permitted.
- Prohibited items: Weapons (even toy swords), large metal props, drones without permission, open flames carried by audience.
- Family safety tips: Stay together, set a meeting point, bring a flashlight or glow-item for younger children to remain visible.
- Fire displays: Maintain the safe distance marked by marshals watch your step and obey instructions.
- Weather alerts: In case of strong winds or storm warnings, some outdoor fire events may be delayed or cancelled.
Photography & Social Media Tips
- Best lighting: The “golden hour” before dusk (approx. 18:00–19:15) offers excellent lighting for portraits and costume shots.
- Hashtags & tags: Use #DeadOfNightLF2025, #HomeOfHalloween, #LongfordHalloween to show your photos and connect with community posts.
- Professional equipment: Bring your own tripod but commercial filming or drone use requires separate permit from the organisers.
- Respect performers: Ask before using flash near fire-dancers and puppets; some scenes may be better captured without interruption.
Conclusion
To wrap up: the Dead of Night Halloween Festival in Longford is the top choice in Ireland for those who want more than the usual spooky gathering. It combines folklore, fire, community arts, giant puppets and strong local heritage in a week-long celebration from 25–31 October 2025.
I personally recommend arriving early, planning your workshop or haunted house visit, dressing creatively and enjoying every momentbecause this festival stands out in both style and substance.
If you’re hunting for a memorable Halloween experience with real Irish roots and fun for the whole family (or friends), this one delivers.
See you in Longford bring your lantern!
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FAQ’s
Many events are free or low cost. The main finale procession on 31 October is free. Some workshops and Haunted House require a ticket.
For the large outdoor events, pets may be allowed but check each venue. For night-time fire processions and indoor exhibits the organisers advise leaving pets at home.
No ticket is required for the Fire & Shadows Procession and street parade. For some workshops or late-night events you may need tickets.
For the main parade on 31 October, arrive by 7:00 pm to secure a good spot. For family events earlier in the week, check the schedule for start times (usually from late afternoon).
+353 43 3343300
tourism@longfordcoco.ie
