Journey through darkness and light at a Samhain procession
Celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween, the Samhain night processions present spirits, mythical creatures, and ethereal beings in a captivating fusion of Celtic mythology and folklore.
Ireland’s oldest city was founded by the Vikings over 1,100 years ago and is brimming with history. Its Fire & Shadows procession (25 October) will pass through the city’s medieval streets and this year will focus on the local legend of the Dearg Due.
The Dearg Due, a vampiric figure from Waterford’s Iron Age, represents a tale of personal tragedy. Her story stems from the heartbreak she endured at the hands of her father’s greed and ambition, along with the cruelty of the chieftain she was forced to marry. She was said to rise from her grave as a vengeful undead creature. The name "Dearg Due" or "Dearg Dur" is said to translate from ancient Irish to mean "Red Thirst" or "Red Bloodsucker."
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Limerick is a historic city overlooked by the imposing King John’s Castle, which is over 800 years old. The city’s Fire & Shadows procession (26 October) will form part of the wider Samhain: Limerick, its Halloween festival. This year the procession will awaken the spirits of the mighty Shannon River from ancient times up to its most famous wraith, the Bishop’s Lady, who has caused havoc in the city for centuries, first while alive and then as a malicious ghost.
Historic Longford is set in Ireland’s beautiful and peaceful Hidden Heartlands. The town’s Fire & Shadows procession (28 October) will be a highlight of the Longford Dead of Night Festival. Taking centre stage this year will be local Samhain mythology and folklore focusing on the star-crossed lovers Midir and Etain. This is one of the best-known stories from the Mythological Cycle, a collection of stories and poems about Ireland’s pagan deities.
The procession will culminate in a fierce and fiery finale at Connolly Barracks where the Samhain fire will banish the spirits back to the otherworld.
The bohemian city of Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way stages a fabulous Halloween parade each year created by the world-renowned masters of storytelling, Macnas. The parade is highly anticipated every year as it delivers a world-class spectacle theatre event featuring jaw-dropping giant figures from Irish myths and legends. This Halloween, the parade will take place on 27 October, and while the theme has not yet been revealed, expect nothing less than an electrifying display of artistry and imagination.