ICYMI: Kilkenny gets the green light to host new festival under pilot scheme

Fáilte Ireland has announced that Kilkenny County Council has been selected to receive funding under its new 'Home of Halloween' Pilot Destination Development Scheme.

The pilot scheme is part of the ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy’ which was developed collaboratively by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland to establish Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween.

The pilot scheme aims to deliver immersive, culturally rich experiences that celebrate Ireland’s heritage, extend the tourism season into October and November, and stimulate sustainable regional economic growth through collaboration between local authorities, tourism businesses, and cultural organisations. 

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Kilkenny County Council’s Halloween programme will feature a dynamic, four-week schedule of events beginning on October 10.

Developed in collaboration with long-established festival and event providers, the programme will celebrate the harvest, local food culture, and Kilkenny’s eerie folklore, including tales of witches, trials, and ghostly legends.

The initiative aims to animate the city and county with immersive experiences that highlight Kilkenny’s heritage and charm. 

The pilot Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme invited all local authorities to apply for funding to create a new season for Halloween festivals rooted in local culture, folklore, and community engagement.

Each successful destination will receive up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals that celebrate Ireland’s heritage and attract visitors during the off-peak season.  

Additional investment was allocated by Fáilte Ireland to the pilot programme following a high level of interest from local authorities and the strength of the proposals received.

Over the course of three years, the seven supported projects are projected to attract approximately 337,000 additional visitors, generating an estimated €28 million in economic impact for local communities. 

The full list of successful local authorities is: 

Galway City Council 
Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project) 
Meath County Council and Louth County Council (joint project) 
Kerry County Council 
Fingal County Council 
Limerick City and County Council 
Kilkenny County Council 

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The new pilot scheme builds on the success of the Púca Festival co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019.

Rooted in the ancient tradition of Samhain, Púca has become a flagship Halloween event, attracting thousands with its vibrant mix of spectacle, music, and food.  

In 2024, the festival welcomed 49,050 attendees, delivering €7.11 million in economic impact, and supporting 174 jobs.

 In 2023, Fáilte Ireland also introduced fire and shadows processions in Limerick, Longford and Waterford to further establish Ireland’s position as the 'Home of Halloween'.  

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