Boyne Valley’s ‘2026 Home of Halloween Programme’ launched in Louth and Meath
The Boyne Valley has unveiled its 2026 Home of Halloween programme, bringing together four flagship festivals and hundreds of events across Meath and South Louth from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 8th November 2026.
Boyne Valley has unveiled its five-week home of halloween programme for 2026.
The programme will take place until Sunday 8th November 2026 in venues across Meath and South Louth.
Halloween is now celebrated across the globe, but its roots can be traced to the ancientfestival of Samhain.
The ‘2026 Home of Halloween Programme’ aims to help visitors experience that heritage through festivals, family attractions, food experiences, folklore, culture and spectacular light displays.
David Conway, Chief Executive, Louth County Council, said: “The Home of Halloween programme highlights the strength of collaboration between Louth County Council, Meath County Council, Visit Louth, Boyne Valley Tourism, Fáilte Ireland and our wider tourism partners.
“By working together, we are creating a coordinated visitor experience that celebrates the unique story of Samhain while supporting tourism, local businesses and the wider economy across the Boyne Valley region.”
Kieran Keogh, Chief Executive, Meath County Council, commented: “The Boyne Valley is proud to be home to a Halloween season unlike anywhere else in Ireland.
“Rooted in the traditions of Samhain, Home of Halloween brings together four major festivals and hundreds of events across the region.
“The programme showcases the Boyne Valley at its most vibrant and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the destination during the autumn season.”
The season opens with Spirits of Meath, running from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 8th November, transforming locations across County Meath with a programme of family- friendly Halloween experiences, seasonal trails, folklore-inspired activities and immersive attractions.
Visitors can enjoy everything from pumpkin patches and themed dining experiences to thrilling Halloween events at Emerald Park and the internationally renowned Farmaphobia at Causey Farm.
Meanwhile in Louth, Drogheda’s Lú Festival of Light will illuminate the historic town centre with large-scale projections, storytelling and immersive light installations inspired by Irish mythology, local heritage and legendary figures.
Beyond the lights, visitors can discover craft markets, linger over great food and live music, and experience Drogheda’s vibrant nightlife.
Halloween celebrations continue with Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy from Thursday 29th October to Sunday 1st November.
This festival is inspired by the mythical shape-shifting spirit of Irish folklore.
Púca Festival combines music, spectacle, storytelling, comedy, food and fire performances in a contemporary celebration of Ireland’s ancient Samhain traditions.
Athboy reconnects visitors with the origins of the festival at the Hill of Tlachtga, while Trim provides a dramatic medieval backdrop for one of Ireland’s most distinctive Halloween experiences.
The final festival is the ‘Samhain Festival of Food and Culture’ in Kells, running from Thursday 5th November to Sunday 8th November.
Thos festival celebrates the harvest traditions at the heart of Samhain and brings together producers, chefs, artists, storytellers and communities for a packed programme of food experiences, talks, tastings, demonstrations and cultural events.
Speaking about the Home of Halloween 2026, Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals and Major Sporting Events, Fáilte Ireland said: We’re pleased to support the Boyne Valley as part of Ireland Home of Halloween.
“The success of the programme in 2025 demonstrated the strong appeal of authentic Halloween experiences rooted in Ireland’s traditions and folklore.
“This year, visitors from home and overseas will have even more reasons to explore destinations across the island during the autumn season.”
See the full programme here.