Building on the massive success of its inaugural year, Galway City Council is proud to announce the return of ‘Gaillimh Ah-Boo!’—an expanded, city-wide Halloween celebration reclaiming the ancient Celtic origins of Samhain through myth, magic, and community.
As part of Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, this year’s programme is even more diverse, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and unique cultural backdrop of Galway City. The season marks an extra-special milestone for the city's arts landscape, celebrating both Macnas’s 40th Anniversary and the 30th Anniversary of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children.
The official portal — www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie — showcases the full schedule of events spanning October into early November. From spine-tingling street spectacles to immersive sound and light installations, Gaillimh Ah-Boo! invites locals and visitors alike to experience Halloween in its authentic, original form, rooted in folklore, feasting, and fire.
Highlights of the Samhain Season in Galway City include:
- Macnas Parade (25 October): Galway’s world-renowned parade-makers celebrate four decades of magic with their magnificent new procession, Fiáin (fee-awn). Meaning "wild," Fiáin is a celebration of the raw elements of the West of Ireland and the wild inspirations that have imbued Macnas's iconic work over the last 40 years.
- 'Time' by Luxmuralis: Internationally acclaimed pioneers of immersive light and sound, Luxmuralis bring their spectacular installation Time to St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. This landmark experience is funded through Galway City Council's Night-Time Economy and Gaillimh Ah-Boo! programmes, alongside the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
- Samhain Community Dance Spectacle – A Thriller in Eyre Square: Presented by the Genevieve Ryan Dance Academy and Galway City Council Night-Time Economy, this spine-tingling community event brings ancient folklore and modern pop culture together through a spectacular reimagining of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller dance.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Helen Ogbu, said:
“Halloween has deep roots in Irish culture, and Galway is proud to honour those traditions through Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Following the incredible response to our first year, this expanded programme brings together the very best of our creativity, community, and heritage. With landmark anniversaries for both Macnas and Baboró, this year promises to be truly unforgettable.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, added:
“Gaillimh Ah-Boo! is a powerful opportunity to showcase Galway City’s world-class creative spirit. Supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween scheme, we are thrilled to work alongside our community groups, local businesses, and legendary arts organisations to deliver a vibrant autumn season that drives local tourism and honours our ancient traditions.”
Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals and Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland, commented:
"We're pleased to support Gaillimh Ah-Boo! as part of Ireland Home of Halloween. The success of the programme in 2025 demonstrated the strong appeal of authentic Halloween experiences rooted in Ireland's traditions and folklore. This year, visitors from home and overseas will have even more reasons to explore destinations across the island during the autumn season. By working in partnership with local authorities and communities, we're showcasing the very best of our cultural heritage, creating distinctive visitor experiences that will encourage travel beyond the traditional peak season, generate economic benefits for local areas and support sustainable tourism growth.''
The initiative is bolstered by key festival partners including Macnas, the Galway Comedy Festival, Baboró Children's Festival, and Galway City’s Night-Time Economy programme and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Galway, boosting the local economy and extending the tourism season into the autumn months.
From the world-renowned Macnas spectacle to atmospheric heritage settings and neighbourhood-led activity, Galway’s Halloween story supports a diversity of community-based events, giving Gaillimh Ah-Boo! an authentic and unmistakably local feel.
For more information and to view the full event lineup, visit www.GaillimhAhBoo.ie
