Happy Halloween from Ireland: The Origins of a Spooky Tradition

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Fireworks illuminate the night sky above a cityscape, with vibrant colors reflecting off a river.

Ghoulish greetings from Ireland and Happy Halloween to all! Tonight, people around the world will don costumes, carve Jack O’ Lanterns, and go trick-or-treating—but did you know this spooky celebration began right here in Ireland?

Yes, the land that gave you Guinness, Riverdance, Tayto crisps, and the tractor also gave birth to Halloween! It all started with an ancient Celtic festival…

🍂 Samhain: Ireland’s Ancient Festival of the Dead

Hill of Tara. Aerial view of two large circular earthworks, surrounded by grassy fields. The larger mound features a distinct circular indentation at the center, while the smaller mound sits adjacent. Several people are visible walking near the structures. — Hill of Tara. © Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit - Ireland's Content Pool

Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) marks the end of the Celtic year and the harvest season. It’s a time when the veil between the spirit world and our own is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam freely.

Even the 4,500-year-old Mound of the Hostages at the Hill of Tara aligns with the rising sun at Samhain—suggesting its significance long before the Celts arrived.

With the rise of Christianity, Samhain was woven into the Christian calendar, but many of today’s Halloween customs still echo its pagan roots.

Sont Carvings, Tara. © Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit - Ireland's Content Pool.

At this time of year it was believed that the division between the spirit world and that of mere mortals was at it's most fragile, therefore allowing spirits to roam the earth more freely.

While the arrival of Christianity saw this pagan festival being incorporated into the Christian calendar, many of the customs and rituals we associate with Halloween have their roots firmly planted in pagan Celtic Ireland.

👻 Halloween Traditions Born in Ireland

🧥 1. Wearing Costumes

Halloween Parade in Derry. A group of four drummers wearing metallic outfits plays illuminated drums in a nighttime street. Colored lights and smoke add to the lively atmosphere, capturing a festive scene. — © Tourism Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

At Samhain, people wore animal skins and masks around bonfires to ward off evil spirits. These disguises protected them from wandering souls—and today, we still dress up to keep the tradition alive.

Shop the classic Irish look and wrap up cozy in our authentic Aran sweaters or our beautiful collection of Capes & Shawls for a timeless and effortlessly elegant Celtic costume.

Women's Traditional Irish Wool Country Walking Cape

🔥 2. Bonfires

Winter fires were lit on hilltops, and livestock bones were burned—hence the word bonfire (“bone fire”). Hearth fires were extinguished and re-lit from the communal flames to bring good fortune.

The ashes from the bonfires would also be scattered on the fields to protect future crops from evil spirits.

Stay warm & cozy this Halloween;

Snuggle up with one of our Irish Wool Blankets and Throws.

Shamrock Merino Wool Blanket

3. Jack O Lanterns

Two carved pumpkins with smiling faces are held by individuals outdoors. The background features blurred autumn foliage, suggesting a seasonal celebration.

Originally, turnips were hollowed out to carry embers from the bonfire. Later, pumpkins took their place thanks to Irish immigrants in America.

One legend tells of Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a burning coal inside a turnip. People carved lanterns to keep Jack and other spirits away.

Decorate with Celtic charm:

Explore our stunning range of Irish Gifts for the Home.

We highly recommend our Ogham Personalized Name Plaque - a customized piece of Irish art featuring Ireland ancient Celtic script.

Ogham Personalized Name Plaque. A framed artwork displayed on a black surface, featuring a minimalist design of vertical lines and marks on textured paper. The word "Conor" is written at the bottom of the piece. The background has a subtle gold tone.

4. Trick or Treat

Two girls in costumes with skull-themed face paint and floral hairpieces stand close together, smiling at the camera. Their outfits feature dark colors and embellishments, with one wearing a veil. The background is illuminated with colorful lights, suggesting a festive or Halloween-themed event. — © Tourism Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

In medieval Ireland, “mumming” or “guising” involved going door to door performing songs or plays in exchange for food. At Halloween, performers dressed as spirits—and giving food was believed to protect your home.

Irish immigrants brought these traditions to America in the 1800s, where “Trick or Treat” was born.

Treat yourself or a loved one - All Treats- No Tricks!!

Send one of our delicious Irish Food Gift Baskets, like our 5 star rated Traditional Irish Feast Hamper- bursting with much loved tastes of Ireland!

Traditional Irish Feast Hamper. A festive display featuring an assortment of food items arranged on a table. In the foreground, there's a multi-tiered stand with baked goods and treats. Several boxes of tea and snacks are visible, including Barry's Tea and Tayto crisps. At the back, a green wreath adorned with red accents hangs on the wall, adding to the holiday theme.

🧡 Celebrate Halloween the Irish Way

Whether you're lighting a bonfire, carving a pumpkin, or dressing up in Celtic style, Halloween is a time to honor ancient traditions and gather with loved ones.

Discover our stunning collections of Irish gifts and bestselling Irish clothing inspired by Ireland’s rich heritage.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!!!!

Take care of yourselves,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!