A tour through Ireland's historic east

The origin of Halloween in Ireland

When it gets darker and darker earlier, a cold wind whips up the colorful leaves, and pumpkins adorn doorways, Halloween is just around the corner. Halloween was a sensation for me even as a child. However, back then it was hardly celebrated in Germany, if at all. And the little information I had about Halloween came mainly from the USA. But where does Halloween actually come from? And how is Halloween celebrated outside the USA? I've been asking myself these questions for a long time, and my search for answers led me to the Emerald Isle – a road trip through the ancient east of Ireland.

press trip

Halloween in Ireland or rather Samhain - In the footsteps of the Celts

It is believed that Halloween goes back to a tradition of the ancient Celts. Many centuries ago, the Celts lived in Ireland, Scotland and some other areas of Europe. At that time, they celebrated a kind of festival of the dead called "Samhain" (pronounced Sow-Win), which symbolically marked the end of summer. According to the Celtic calendar, this time is also the official beginning of winter. The Celtic people only distinguished between the two seasons of summer and winter. Winter therefore marked the beginning of the new year.

That's why Samhain is also called the Celtic New Year's Eve . Even though Halloween in Ireland has adopted many American customs these days, its Celtic roots are still present.

Halloween in Ireland - When two worlds collide

Samhain, it is the festival of the dead, of beings from the underworld and of life yet to be born. The earth is now allowed to rest and hibernate to prepare for a new life in spring. The veil between the world of the living and the afterlife should dissolve during this time. Therefore, life and death are very close together on Samhain.

And so that death would spare the living, the ritual arose of dressing up in the most gruesome way possible and thus deceiving death. Death was supposed to think that the disguised people had already died and therefore didn't need to come for them. At the same time, this was a way of remembering the dead and asking for their blessing. Numerous myths and legends surround the Celts and their culture. While I've already discovered how to enjoy spa and wellness in the Celtic style today , to better understand this legendary people, I traveled to the Boyne Valley.

Boyne Valley - The cradle of Europe?

In northeastern Ireland, just a short drive from Dublin Airport, lies the historically rich Boyne Valley . This sacred and mythical region stretches through the historic counties of Meath and Louth. The Boyne Valley is ideal for a road trip, but also offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. For a long time, County Meath was overshadowed by Dublin, yet it is arguably the cradle of Ireland, if not the cradle of Europe. For in the Boyne Valley lies Brú na Bóinne , one of the most mysterious prehistoric sites in Europe.

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Older than the Pyramids – Brú na Bóinne

The collection of prehistoric cult sites, which was created between 3500 and 2500 BC, is dominated by the three large passage tombs Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The sites have officially been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. With their impressive age of over 5000 years, these tombs are even older than the pyramids in Egypt! What must they have seen by now? In Irish mythology, Bru na Bóinne is a legendary elf hill. The hills remind me a bit of the Teletubby Hills, though. I hope the elves have mercy on me!

While I was walking around this historic place, I really felt like I was in another world. I find the central burial chamber of Newgrange particularly fascinating. In the chamber you can watch the light slowly move along the narrow corridor and illuminate the chamber from within. The path of the light symbolizes the path of the sun on the day of the winter solstice, which takes place on December 21st.

Residence of fairies and aliens

To this day nobody knows exactly why Newgrange was built. And it seems to remain a secret. The megalithic monuments are considered Sídh in Irish mythology, so-called fairy hills. The word Sídh means "star" and it is said that a people from the stars built the monuments before they were taken over by Celtic immigrants. In any case, it is an overwhelming feeling to still be able to marvel at these mysterious monuments today. Is this where the roots of Halloween in Ireland lie?

Create your own gin: gin tasting at the Listoke Distellery & Gin School

The visit to the Listoke Distillery & Gin School was no less mysterious . Here, my tour group and I were initiated into the secrets and ingredients that make a good gin. But the best part was yet to come: we even got to create our own gin. An impressive collection of select herbs and spices was at our disposal. To accompany the gin tasting, a platter of incredibly delicious antipasti and various spreads was served.

Listoke Distillery & Gin School is a family-run business. That evening, the gin tasting event was led by a mother and daughter team. As participants, we quickly noticed their extensive knowledge and passion. The joy with which they explained the art of making good gin was contagious. We then happily continued on to our hotel in Drogheda.

Traveling back in time in Drogheda Town

The port city of Drogheda on the River Boyne is characterized by historic buildings, such as Millmount Fort and the 13th-century St. Laurence Gate. The Scholars Townhouse Hotel blends perfectly into this historic cityscape and is ideally located for exploring the Boyne Valley. This former 19th-century monastery is now a romantic, family-run hotel with truly exceptional interior design and a fantastic restaurant. As a guest, you can feel the history within its walls while enjoying warm and excellent service.

Tip: Be sure to try the excellent breakfast in the lounge with fireplace!

Halloween in Ireland with a Game of Thrones feeling on the Boyne Boats Tour

Halloween with a twist: If you'd like to immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones, but prefer to do without the wicked intrigues and megalomaniacal rulers, you can experience the Game of Thrones feeling on a very special boat tour . With its legends, wars, and mythologies, the over 5000-year-old history of the Boyne Valley is at least as exciting as the hit series. And the roots of the unique Kerry Namhoag boats' craftsmanship also lie in ancient Irish civilization.

Boyne Boats - Nice day trip destination, also suitable for families

The boats are still handcrafted and today captivate not only historians and tourists, but also international film productions. Their exceptional, artistic design recently landed them in the hit series "Game of Thrones." Almost incidentally, while paddling together, you'll experience the moving history of the Boyne Valley firsthand: from devastating famines and the famous Battle of the Boyne to the enchanting legends and fairy tales that surround the valley.

The extraordinary boat tour is led by Ross Kenny , the founder of Boyne Boats . And this man has a wonderful talent: Ross knows how to bring history to life. This cinematic boat trip is definitely a fantastic experience and a great day out for all ages! Those who want to delve even deeper into the history of the Battle of the Boyne can visit the Battle of the Boyne Centre.

Celebrate Halloween in Ireland at the Púca Festival – Spooky

With a rabbit mask in front of my face, I waited together with hundreds of people in Trim, some of whom were masked and disguised, for the arrival of a very special creature. Equipped with bright lanterns, we lined the path when the rhythmic sounds could already be heard from afar. And suddenly he appeared, together with his horrifying followers from another world. Close behind him we followed his spooky pageant, mingling with other ghosts and demons on our way to the backdrop of the famous Trim Castle.

Celebrate the Darkness: Púca comes to life

If you seem to have a lot of mishaps on Halloween, it could actually be due to Púca , a cheeky but relatively harmless spirit. This spirit, or leprechaun, from Irish mythology is often associated with the Samhain festival. On Halloween, Púca comes to life and is said to thoroughly disrupt the lives of those he encounters. Above all, from October 31st to November 02nd, the spirit invites everyone to celebrate Halloween/Samhain together.

Halloween in Ireland: Irish Halloween tradition in a new light

And where can you better understand and celebrate Samhain than in the birthplace of Halloween? The new Púca Halloween celebrations take place in three towns in the east of Ireland - Athboy, Trim and Drogheda. It is a colorful mixture of Halloween, carnival and festival of lights. The atmosphere is happy and exuberant despite the spooky costumes.

The focus isn't on scaring each other. It's much more about togetherness, even in the darkest times of winter, and about reviving old legends and stories together. As part of the festival, Trim Castle was artistically illuminated in the evenings, depicting scenes from Irish mythology, such as the story of the Salmon of Wisdom . It was a wonderful feeling to be part of this spooky, incredibly creative procession and to write new stories with the reimagined Púca Festival.

The Lawrence Hotel – New Year's feeling at the Halloween dinner

After the Púca Festival , a very special dinner awaited us at the Lawrence Hotel . This tastefully decorated, romantic boutique hotel in Athboy is a true gem, not only because of its excellent location, but also because of its warmth and attention to detail. The multi-course, exquisite dinner was accompanied by live music, singing, and a theatrical performance that reminded me a bit of a murder mystery dinner. "3, 2, 1..." I was inwardly just waiting for the countdown to begin. This evening truly felt like New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Halloween all rolled into one. And that's exactly how I'd love to celebrate Halloween every year.

Halloween in Ireland at Trim Castle - Largest Norman Castle in Europe

Having admired Trim Castle from afar the previous evening, I was delighted to be able to explore its interior during a guided tour. The impressive remains of Europe's largest Norman fortress rise majestically from the lush green of the Boyne Valley. Originally built by English conquerors as a bulwark against the Irish, Trim Castle is now a popular attraction and historical landmark in eastern Ireland. The fortification was constructed for strategic reasons by Hugh de Lacy in 1172. Over the centuries, the castle saw many owners come and go until it was finally acquired by the Irish state in 1993 and opened to the public in 2000.

Famous film set: Curtain up for Braveheart

"Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it."
Malcolm Wallace

Trim Castle, by the way, served as a filming location in the blockbuster "Braveheart" starring Mel Gibson. The center of York was recreated around the castle for the film. Tip: In the summer, "Braveheart" is still occasionally shown here – projected onto the ancient walls of Trim Castle. Want to know which other films have been shot in Ireland? Then check this out.

Maperath Farm - Our little farm

The experience of living and working on a farm is rarely as genuine and authentic as at Maperath Farm in Meath. The farm is run by Olivia Duff and her husband, Eoin Sharkey. Olivia and Eoin's vision is to show people where their food comes from and how conscious and respectful agriculture can still be today. Together with their three daughters, they live their dream at Maperath Farm. And I wish all children in the world could have such a childhood: in wellies, surrounded by animals, nature, and wide open spaces. Eoin also runs a mobile farm for events, schools, and kindergartens to help children understand nature and the topic of agriculture.

"Bread Pitt" - Bake bread and make butter yourself

Together with my tour group, I had the pleasure of participating in traditional bread baking and baking what was probably the best bread I've ever tasted. The flour came from the Martry Mill , one of the few remaining watermills in Ireland. Our bread not only looked so fantastic that I simply had to name it "Bread Pitt," but it tasted just as good. We enjoyed it with fresh, homemade butter, jam, coffee, and tea. It's the simple things in life that make you happy. Especially when they taste so delicious!

Slane Castle – History & rock'n' Roll

Now let's turn to a place that particularly fascinated me throughout my entire trip. A place where U2 recorded one of their most successful albums of all time. A castle where music legends like The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, Queen, Coldplay, R.E.M., and many more have performed. I'm talking about Slane Castle , the castle perched picturesquely on a hill overlooking the River Boyne. This neo-Gothic castle, dating back to 1785, attracts visitors from all over the world with its remarkable and intriguing architecture and history. Music fans, in particular, flock to the annual music festival held on the estate's extensive grounds.

And who would have thought in 1984 that 7 years after U2 recorded the album "The Unforgettable Fire", there would actually be a fire in the castle. Although the devastating fire destroyed much of the castle at the time, that event didn't stop Lord Henry Mount Charles from rebuilding the castle and continuing to make music history. Incidentally, the rooms in which stars such as U2 and Robbie Williams have stayed can be rented for a wedding. So if you are still looking for an extraordinary wedding location, you might find it in Slane Castle.

Celebrating Halloween in Ireland at Slane Castle at the Halloween Banquet Feast of The Spirits

This enchanting estate also hosted the Slane Castle Halloween Banquet Feast of the Spirits , a Halloween event as part of the Púca Festival. I'll admit it: celebrating Halloween in a historic Irish castle is truly an unforgettable experience. The theatrical Púca performance in the heart of the King George IV Ballroom was simply magnificent. After an incredibly delicious three-course meal, there was plenty of dancing.

Irish Whiskey in the Slane Distillery - A symbiosis of history and modernity

The castle grounds also house the Slane Distillery , a modern whiskey distillery that opened in 2017. The on-site tour with subsequent whiskey tasting is highly recommended. This is due not only to the exceptional historical location but also to the impressive, state-of-the-art facilities. As part of the idea to build their own distillery on the Trim Castle grounds, the 250-year-old stables were lovingly restored, and a signature whiskey was created.

EPIC Museum in Dublin – The Irish Emigration Museum

On the last day of my trip to Ireland, I visited the EPIC Museum in Dublin . This interactive museum opened in 2016 and was named "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" at this year's World Travel Awards. The museum focuses intensively on the topic of Irish emigration. However, it doesn't just present dry facts, figures, and famous names, but rather the experience of feeling and experiencing Irish history firsthand. In 20 interactive exhibits, visitors learn about the reasons for and complex connections surrounding emigration. Many rooms are also dedicated to Irish culture, literature, art, and music. Film buffs will also find plenty to enjoy at the EPIC Museum.

The map is in the form of a green passport that can be stamped in each room. In my opinion, this is a particularly nice souvenir and makes the visit interesting for children too? High-quality audio guides in different languages ​​are offered, as well as a free app. The museum definitely leaves a lasting impression and was a nice culmination of my trip. In any case, I recommend bringing enough time with you to immerse yourself in the moving emigrant stories.

Hotels

Scholars Townhouse Hotel,
King St, Downtown Drogheda,
Drogheda, Co Louth, A92 ED71, Ireland
https://www.scholarshotel.com/

The former monastery from the 19th century is now a romantic and family-run hotel with exceptional interior design and a fantastic restaurant.

Sights: Mellifont Abbey , St. Peter's Church

The Lawrence Hotel
Main St, Town Parks,
Athboy, Co Meath, C15 N6YD, Ireland
http://thelawrence.ie/

The tastefully furnished, romantic boutique hotel in Athboy is a real jewel, not only because of the excellent location, but also because of the warmth and attention to detail.

Sights: Hill of Ward, Ballinlough Castle

Headfort Arms Hotel
Headfort Pl, Town Parks,
Kells, Co Meath, Ireland
https://www.headfortarms.ie/

Beautiful family run hotel in an ideal Meath location with a cozy and elegant restaurant and spa.

Sights: St. Colmcille's House, Hill of Ward

Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
dublin road,
Trim, co. meat
https://www.knightsbrook.com/index.html

Large chic hotel just 40 minutes from Dublin in a picturesque rural location.

Sights: Trim Castle, Hill of Tara, Boyne Valley Tours

Restaurants

The Monasterboice Inn
Drogheda Rd, Silloge,
Drogheda, Co Louth, Ireland
https://monasterboice-inn.ie

Beautiful atmosphere, very large portions and friendly service. Are there enough parking spaces?

Vanilla Pod Restaurant
Headfort Pl, Town Parks,
Kells, Co Meath, Ireland
https://www.headfortarms.ie/

First class food, romantic ambience and courteous service.

Brown's Bar
slane castle,
Slane, Co Meath,
Ireland
https://www.slanecastle.ie/food-drink/bar/

Chic, modern yet cozy restaurant in Slane Castle. Perfect for a lunch after visiting the castle.

Rococo restaurant
dublin road,
Trim, co. meat
https://www.knightsbrook.com/index.html

Excellent Irish and international cuisine. The desserts are a true taste explosion!

Flight connections: Ireland is served by direct flights from Germany operated by Aer Lingus, Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Ryanair. Aer Lingus offers the most connections. The Irish airline has its hub in Dublin and flies directly to Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf, Zurich, and many other European cities.

Transparency: This article was created as part of a paid collaboration with Discover Ireland. I was invited to Ireland for research purposes. Thank you very much! You can find more exciting information about Ireland on the following pages:

Ireland Information (Tourism Ireland)

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