Halloween Events - Johnstown Castle

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 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 join us at our haunted 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.

And did you know…

The tradition of pumpkin carving came from Ireland in the 18th century. Irish people carved turnips and placed them in their windows to keep away the spirits roaming on Halloween night and when Irish people emigrated to America, turnips were less common, so they used pumpkins instead!