Samhain Chiarraí continues to evolve as a signature cultural celebration in County Kerry, building on the momentum of recent years and offering a rich, immersive programme rooted in place, story and tradition. Taking place across the county, the festival brings a distinctive seasonal energy during the autumn seaon.
At the heart of Samhain Chiarraí is the story of An Cailleach Chiarraí—the ancient and powerful Goddess of Winter. According to local legend, she was born on the Dingle Peninsula and shaped the dramatic Kerry landscape. It is said that the jagged peaks of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks were formed when stones fell from her apron as she journeyed across the land.
Her return each year at Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year—the turning point of the Celtic New Year. This moment forms part of the wider Celtic calendar, alongside Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa, reflecting an enduring connection between nature, community and the cycles of the seasons.
Samhain Chiarraí is proudly supported by Fáilte Ireland and forms part of Ireland’s national Home of Halloween initiative—an ambitious platform positioning Ireland as the authentic birthplace of Halloween, rooted in the ancient festival of Samhain. Within this collective national story, Kerry offers a uniquely powerful expression through its landscape, folklore and strong sense of community.
Through this support, Samhain Chiarraí continues to grow as a distinctive and sustainable cultural experience—one that celebrates Kerry’s heritage while inviting new audiences to connect with its stories in meaningful and contemporary ways.
A Festival of Harvest, Heritage & Folklore
Samhain Chiarraí invites locals and visitors to experience the mystical and ancestral spirit of the Celtic New Year. Highlights include street spectacles and Samhain processions, perfectly timed with the mid-term break, alongside community-led events across the county featuring music, food, storytelling, and folklore.
Deireadh Fómhair 2026
An Oíche Shamhna seo, éiríonn Ciarraí ina ríocht lán de fhinscéalta, mhiotas, agus draíocht! Tugann Samhain Chiarraí cuireadh do mhuintir na háite agus do chuairteoirí araon taithí a fháil ar spiorad draíochtúil na hAthbhliana Ceiltí. Bain sult as seónna sráide, ceol, scéalaíocht, bia agus deasghnátha na tine a chuireann i gceangal muid lenár n-oidhreacht Cheilteach.
At its heart is the ancient tale of An Cailleach Chiarraí—the wise and wild Goddess of Winter—who emerges each year to mark the end of the harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Her arrival signals the turning of the Celtic calendar and the enduring connection between the natural world and the supernatural.
Fréamhaithe sa bhéaloideas agus san fhómhar, déanann an fhéile seo ceiliúradh ar an mBliain Nua Cheilteach agus tugann sí ómós do Chailleach Chiarraí, bandia fhiáin an Gheimhridh.
Join us in Kerry this Halloween season and step into a world where ancient traditions come alive.
Tar agus glac páirt sa cheiliúradh, áit a dtagann oidhreacht agus draíocht Oíche Shamhna le chéile.
