Uncover the History of Halloween in Ancient Ireland

Ireland is renowned for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but there’s so much more to explore in this lush green land. It’s time to think beyond the leprechaun and uncover the history of Halloween in ancient Ireland.  Plan your student trip for fall of 2025!

Why Ireland in the Fall?

While we all connect Ireland to March travel, the reality is that fall is an amazing time to visit the Emerald Isle! Smaller crowds, better availability, and exquisite landscapes are just a few great reasons to plan a fall trip.

Even better, Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween – known here as Samhain.

About Samhain

Halloween has its roots in the 2,000-year-old pagan festival of Samhain.  Traditionally celebrated October 31^st – November 1^st, the festival celebrates the end of harvest and the start of winter.  Because these were long nights, many thought that the portal between the spiritual and human realms became blurred.  Ghosts (both friendly and mischievous) could pass back and forth between worlds.

Celts would set fires that burned all night to welcome lost loved ones. They would also wear masks to disguise themselves from any evil spirits – a custom that continues in our modern Halloween celebrations.

The Derry Halloween Festival

The city of Derry pays homage to Halloween’s Irish origins by hosting Europe’s biggest Halloween celebration. The Derry Halloween Festival welcomes an estimated 100,000 visitors through its historic gates for four nights of ‘spirited’ celebrations.

Ancient folklore, history, and heritage come to life through music, magic, and mischief within the Walled City.

It’s also a rare opportunity for marching bands and other ensembles to perform at an international venue!

Plan Your Irish Adventure for Fall 2025

Have we piqued your interest?  Planning a fall student trip to Ireland is packed with perks – from its warm and welcoming culture and brilliant vistas to its stunning architecture and rich traditions.

While the Derry Halloween Festival is a must-do, be sure to include these other amazing Irish highlights in your trip plans.  THIS is how you bring your curriculum to vibrant life!

• Visit Navan Centre & Fort, a place where myth and reality meet. It’s one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha.
• Hop over to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, where the imposing twin spires of the Cathedral overlook the city and the legend of St. Patrick’s kindness lives on.
• Check out the Bogside History Tour spotlighting the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement. Follow this captivating experience with a stop at the Museum of Free Derry where the people’s story of oppression and struggle for civil rights culminate in the events of Bloody Sunday.

• Continue your journey through Northern Ireland at the magnificent Giant’s Causeway and learn of the legendary giants whose battle reputedly created it.
• Stop at the Titanic Museum beside the Titanic Slipways and the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices – the very place where the Titanic was designed and built!
• Visit breathtaking Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland’s royal residence.
• Explore the hallowed halls of Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience where you’ll learn about the symbolism and artistry of this 1,200-year-old manuscript.
• And don’t forget the award-winning EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive history of Ireland and its impact on the world.

If performing is on your itinerary, there are countless opportunities to shine at venues throughout the countryside!

REQUEST A SAMPLE ITINERARY AND FREE QUOTE FOR IRELAND THIS FALL

KA Irish Insider Keith Kelly

Kaleidoscope Adventures will help you “fall” in love with Ireland in autumn… with a few insider secrets! That’s because KA tour consultant Keith Kelly was born, lives, and works here.

Keith has the inside scoop on the very best attractions, hidden gems, and spooky secrets that student groups will love. NO ONE knows the history of Halloween in ancient Ireland and other incredible Irish highlights like Keith!

A Perfect Price Point

One of the best reasons to plan a student trip to Ireland in the fall is price.  Each Kaleidoscope Adventures itinerary will (of course) have different inclusions and attractions to meet your group’s specific needs.  However, it’s a good bet that a fall student trip to Ireland will be far less than you think… and probably less than the big theme park trip you’ve been planning!

Plan a Fall 2025 Student Trip with Kaleidoscope Adventures and Uncover the History of Halloween in Ancient Ireland  

With KA’s 30+ years of experience and Keith Kelly’s Irish boots on the ground, your students can uncover the history of Halloween in ancient Ireland this fall!

Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team make your planning simple and efficient. Kaleidoscope Adventures handles your group details from start to finish so you can focus on the fun!

PLAN YOUR FALL 2025 STUDENT TRIP TO IRELAND

“We had a wonderful time in England and Ireland on our high school choir trip! Our tour guides, Keith Kelly and Gabrielle Bennett were phenomenal and I highly recommend working with them for any choir, band or orchestra school trip. We had a great mix of touring historical sites and performing at incredible venues. They planned everything so well and the trip ran smoothly. We had delicious food, learned a ton about English and Irish history, sang at many venues including Canterbury Cathedral, recorded at Windmill Studios and had workshops with renowned conductors. It was a trip of a lifetime!”

By Kara L on Apr 01, 2024

updated September 2024