Galway City Council is proud to announce the launch of Gaillimh Ah-Boo!, a bold new Halloween programme that reclaims the ancient Celtic origins of Samhain through a city-wide celebration of myth, magic, and community. The initiative is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme, which positions Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween.
The new website – www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie – showcases the full programme of events taking place across Galway City throughout October and early November. From spine-tingling spectacles to immersive storytelling, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! invites locals and visitors alike to rediscover Halloween in its original form, rooted in folklore, feasting, and fire.
Highlights of the Samhain Season in Galway City include:
- The Macnas Parade: Galway’s legendary parade-makers bring myth and magic back to the streets with a spectacular procession on 26 October.
- Féasta Fómhair: A celebration of food and flame with chef JP McMahon, honouring the Celtic tradition of gathering and storytelling around the time of the harvest in St Nic’s Church on Halloween night.
- Folklore Trails & Tours: Participation experiences that explore the spirits, legends, and rituals of the West through Dark History Tours and an arts trail across the city.
- Community-Led Events: Local artists, schools, and cultural groups come together to create a vibrant season of celebration including a spook-tacular dance event in Eyre Square and a Day of the Dead procession.
Speaking in relation to the programme launch, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard, added:
“Halloween has deep roots in Irish culture, and Galway is proud to honour those traditions through Gaillimh Ah-Boo! This programme brings together the best of our creativity, community, and heritage. I encourage everyone to take part and experience the magic of Samhain in Galway.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, added:
“Gaillimh Ah-Boo! is a powerful opportunity to celebrate our heritage and showcase Galway’s creative spirit. We’re thrilled to be part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween initiative and look forward to working with our communities, businesses, and artists to deliver an unforgettable programme. We invite everyone to explore the website and get involved in this magical season.”
The Gaillimh Ah-Boo! programme is supported by annual funding of up to €100,000 through the Home of Halloween scheme, which will run from 2025 to 2028 as well as direct funding and delivery by Galway City Council. The programme is bolstered by project festival partners Galway Comedy Festival, Blás Food Network, Baboró Children’s Festival, and Food on the Edge, as well as community initiatives, Eastside Arts Festival and Galway City’s Night-time Economy programmes. The initiative is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Galway, boosting the local economy and extending the tourism season into the autumn months.
For more information and to view the full programme, visit www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie