The Spirits of Meath Festival is back for 2025 running 03rd Oct-09thNov
Ireland the Home Halloween isn’t just a night, it’s a season – an awakening of ancient spirits and timeless tales. Here, the air grows heavy with mystery, the landscapes shift into something more, and the line between the living and the other world dissolves.
The Boyne Valley is the global birthplace of Halloween, where the traditions of Samhain echo through the centuries. Bonfires once lit on the Ancient Hill of Tlachtga (Hill of Ward, Athboy) to guide spirits now illuminate vibrant festivals including Lú The Festival of Light, Púca, Spirits of Meath and Samhain Festival of Food & Culture we have an abundance on offer.
One place in County Meath that has a strong mythical association with Samhain is the Hill of Tlachtga, now called the Hill of Ward, one mile east of Athboy. Legend has it that during the time of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the hill took its name from a sun goddess called Tlachtgla. According to Geoffrey Keating, a 17th century chronicler of Ireland, a Samhain fire festival began on the hill of Tlachtga. Recent archaeological excavations at Tlachtga suggest this ancient hill was indeed used for feasting and ceremonies from the late Bronze Age (1200–c. 500 BC) through to the early medieval period.
To this day the Boyne Valley has remained the home of Halloween, the modern equivalent of Samhain. Whether is ‘Fun by Day’ or ‘Fright by Night’, spine-tingling fun awaits for young and old alike in the Spirits of Meath festival. Enter if you dare!
For more on the mythical origins of Samhain click here
For events click here.
All across Co. Meath.
