Celebrate Halloween with the Irish Heritage Trust

The Celtic festival of Samhain began over 2,000 years ago marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.  It became Halloween in the 7th century when Christianity declared November 1st All Saint’s Day or All-Hallows. This made the night before it All-Hallows Eve or Halloween! 

The Celts believed that the boundary between our earthly world and the ‘other’ world blurred at this time of year allowing ghosts to walk among us. They dressed in animal skins to ward off evil spirits, and so began the tradition of dressing up.

So why not don your favourite costume and connect with the past at our heritage houses for some scary fun for old and young this mid term. From Samhain trails, to after dark tours, there’s something for everyone at our properties in Wexford, Roscommon and Cork so check them out below.