Limerick City and County Council is looking forward to casting an even wider spell this October after being announced as one of seven locations chosen by Fáilte Ireland to become a ‘Home of Halloween’.
Limerick is ready to awaken the spirits of Samhain with six-weeks of events and activities blending creativity, folklore and community.
Fáilte Ireland today (Friday, 18 July) announced that Limerick has been added to the ‘Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme’ and will receive up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals.
Building on the success of Halloween in Limerick in previous years, Limerick City and County Council is already deep in planning for its most ambitious Halloween celebration yet.
Thanks to additional investment and national recognition, Limerick will deliver an expanded programme of eerie entertainment, immersive storytelling, and community-led spectacles that honour the ancient Celtic roots of Halloween while showcasing the city’s creative energy.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran welcomed the funding, saying:
“Halloween has really become a highlight of Limerick’s cultural calendar. This year, with this new national recognition, we’re ready to welcome additional visitors and provide an even more interesting show of spine-tingling fun for residents. I want to thank Failte Ireland for their additional grant support of up to €100,000 for this year’s activities.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added:
“Limerick has consistently delivered standout Halloween experiences that blend heritage with innovation and fun. I’m excited to see the spooky offering being elevated this year offering even more reasons for people to make Limerick their Halloween destination.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised by Fáilte Ireland as a Home of Halloween. This is a springboard for even great things to come. With planning already well underway, we’re building on the incredible momentum of past years to deliver a Halloween experience that’s spookier than ever.”
Home of Halloween
The Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme initiative, part of the broader Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy (2025–2028), aims to position Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween. With a total investment of €2.1 million across seven locations, the scheme supports the creation of immersive, culturally rich Halloween festivals rooted in local folklore and community engagement.
Fáilte Ireland has announced that Limerick City and County Council and Kilkenny County Council are the latest additions.
The successful local authorities are:
- 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
This pilot scheme is a collaborative effort between Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland, designed to extend the tourism season into October and November while celebrating Ireland’s rich Halloween heritage.
The full programme of Limerick, Home of Halloween events will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
