When you think of the world’s greatest Halloween celebrations, your mind might drift to spooky suburban streets in the US, filled with trick-or-treaters in costumes, or theme parks decked out with pumpkins, skeletons, and haunted houses.
But what if I told you that the world’s best Halloween festival isn’t in the United States but in Derry, Northern Ireland?
Not only does Derry host the best Halloween party in Europe, but it might even outdo Halloween festivities across the Atlantic.
In 2016, readers of USA Today—many of them American—voted Derry the world’s number one spot for Halloween, beating out stiff competition from major U.S. cities like Salem, Massachusetts, and New Orleans.
During the week of Halloween, there’s usually a full event programme of parades, fireworks, street theatre, and thousands of people in costumes roaming an extravagantly decorated city.
When I arrived in Derry for its legendary Halloween festival, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Sure, I’d heard it was a big festival, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer energy taking over Derry. The streets were buzzing with excitement—people were decked out in the most imaginative costumes I’d ever seen.
From towering witches to intricately crafted skeletons, it felt like I had stepped into a real-life Tim Burton film.
But what struck me most was how the entire city was involved; it wasn’t just an event but a full-scale spooky transformation. There were painted faces, incredible light displays, and a contagious sense of community.
Move over America; here’s why you should celebrate Halloween in Derry.
Ireland is the home of Halloween
What many spooky season lovers might not realise is that Ireland is where Halloween began. That’s right, The Emerald Isle is the true home of Halloween, not America, and it has a fascinating history rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
“It all started in Ireland’s ancient east”, says Halloween expert Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, speaking on the Travel Goals Podcast. “There was always a great celebration of fire and feasting at this time of year, based on the Celtic Festival and the Celtic calendar. This time of year is called Samahin, the Irish word for November.”
Ní Chofaigh also explains that Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Celtic New Year, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld was said to blur, allowing spirits and fairies to roam freely.
To protect themselves, people would dress in disguises to fool any malevolent beings, a tradition that eventually transformed into the costumes we wear today.
In the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought these traditions to the United States, where they merged with other customs and became the Halloween we know now.
But in Derry, Halloween hasn’t lost touch with its Celtic roots, which makes the festival here so unique. It’s not just a party; it’s a living connection to the ancient traditions that shaped this eerie holiday.
If this sounds like folklore, tell that to the thousands of ghosts, witches, and ghouls who descend on Derry every October for a week-long Halloween extravaganza.
Even Americans agree—USA Today readers voted Derry as the best Halloween destination in the world, and since then, the festival has only grown bigger, scarier, and more spectacular.
When did the festival start?
“Basically it started in 1985 in a local bar”, says Karen Henderson, Visit Derry sales and marketing manager. Speaking on a special Halloween episode of the Travel Goals Podcast, Henderson explains that in the 80s, the Castle Bar had a Halloween party for its regulars, attended by about 50 people, all in fancy dress.
There was a security alert that night, which resulted in the premises being evacuated, but the revellers were determined not to let the party end, so they took to the streets to party, resulting in the birth of Derry’s massive Halloween extravaganza.
What started as a modest event, with a few local activities and costume competitions, has since grown into an internationally acclaimed festival that draws over 110,000 visitors annually.
This transformation from a local gathering into a global Halloween spectacle reflects the hard work of the city’s residents and organisers, who have nurtured the festival into something truly extraordinary.
The festival’s rise to prominence has had a profound economic impact on Derry. Tourism related to the Halloween festivities now contributes significantly to the city’s economy, generating millions of pounds annually.
This huge tourism influx has also helped put Derry on the global map as a must-visit destination, contributing to year-round interest in the city and its history.
What to expect
While Halloween is traditionally a one-night affair, Derry’s festival stretches over several days, offering a packed schedule of events and activities for visitors of all ages, including the highly anticipated Awakening of the Walls.
This incredible display sees Derry’s famous city walls—the only completely intact city walls in Ireland—come alive with hauntingly beautiful art projections, light displays, and special effects.
Walking along the historic walls, you’re immersed in an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere, with ghostly stories and legends from Derry’s past unfolding before you.
This year, At the Diamond, the captivating ‘Spirits of Derry’s Past’ display will bring the city’s history to life, while the courthouse on Bishop Street hosts a magical ‘Mythical Escape’ exhibit.
Over at the Double Bastion on the Walls, a spellbinding Witchy Woodland awaits, and the Cathedral Quarter will be alive with the eerie antics of a Zombie Circus and Flying Time Travellers.
Listen for the haunting cries of Wailing Nuns on Pump Street, and don’t miss the return of the enchanting Luxe Elemental Garden at Ebrington in the Waterside.
Haunted Harvest Market
Every year, the city’s historic centre is also transformed into a Halloween village, with live music pop-up markets selling everything from Halloween-themed snacks to spooky souvenirs.
This year, Guildhall Square has spine-chilling daily performances by local artists on a stage set for thrills. Fans of the Game of Thrones series (largely filmed in Northern Ireland) can also sit on the legendary Iron Throne, which will be displayed in the square.
Parade and fireworks
The Halloween parade is the highlight of the entire week. This is no ordinary parade; it’s an explosion of creepy creativity, with costumed performers, giant puppets, and pyrotechnics lighting up the streets of Derry.
The parade winds through the city, with thousands lining the streets to glimpse the spectacle, which grows more elaborate and impressive yearly. You’ll see everything from giant skeletons and grotesque monsters to traditional Celtic symbols brought to life with fun and theatricality.
Around 650 performers will conjure a spellbinding spectacle this year as the Carnival of the Dead winds its way through Derry’s city centre on Halloween night, October 31st, starting at 7 pm.
A vibrant mix of schools, sports clubs, arts groups, and local organisations from across the community will unite for this magical event to bring the ghostly figures of Samhain folklore to life.
The parade will begin at Queen’s Quay carpark, beside the Council offices, and snake its way up Strand Road, past the City Hotel, and along Queen’s Quay before looping back to its starting point for a grand finale.
The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the night sky above the River Foyle and creating an eerie, magical backdrop to Derry’s Halloween celebrations.
Family-friendly frights
For families, Derry Halloween goes the extra mile to ensure that little ones have as much fun as the grown-ups. This year’s “Little Horrors” program has many activities to delight children while keeping the spooky factor right for younger audiences.
Set in locations across the city, including Guildhall Square and Ebrington Square, these events offer everything from interactive storytelling sessions to craft workshops where kids can create their ghoulish masterpieces to take home.
One highlight is the “Monster Fun with Professor Fluffy”, where kids can enjoy a playful blend of spooky science and hands-on experiments.
Families can also head to The Little Horrors Pumpkin Patch, a dedicated space filled with family-friendly activities like pumpkin carving, face painting, and fancy-dress competitions.
The storytelling performances bring local folklore to life, introducing children to the myths and legends that inspire Halloween in Ireland.
Stay at The Ebrington Hotel
If you plan to stay in Derry for the Halloween festival, stay at The Ebrington Hotel, which offers luxury, comfort, and an unbeatable city location.
Situated in the historic Ebrington Square, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from many of the festival’s key events, including the famous Awakening of the Walls and family-friendly activities in Guildhall Square. Housed in a beautifully restored military barracks, the hotel combines modern amenities with heritage charm.
After a long day of parades, ghostly tours, and spooky fun, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s spacious rooms, stylish décor, and exceptional service.
The Ebrington’s rooftop bar offers epic views over the city—an ideal spot to relax with a drink and watch the fireworks light up the sky. With its prime location, impeccable service, and welcoming atmosphere.
Plan your visit to Derry Halloween 2024
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Dates: The festival runs from 25th to 31st October 2024, with events happening all week, culminating in the epic Halloween night celebrations.
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Getting There: Derry is well connected via the City of Derry Airport or Belfast International Airport, which is just 90 minutes away. Direct buses and trains from Belfast and Dublin make travel easy.
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Accommodation: Book early! Hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses fill up quickly. Consider staying near Ebrington Square or the city centre to be close to the action.
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Festival Hubs: Key locations include Guildhall Square, Ebrington Square, and along the historic city walls. Don’t miss the Awakening of the Walls for stunning light displays.
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Family Fun: From pumpkin patches to spooky science, check out the Little Horrors events for kids in Guildhall and Ebrington Squares.
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Don’t Miss: The legendary Halloween Parade and fireworks display on the 31st, capping off a week of ghostly excitement!
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Tickets & Info: Most events are free, but check online for specific activities. Full details can be found at derryhalloween.com
Getting to Derry
Reaching Derry for the Halloween festival is easy with several convenient travel options from the UK:
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By Air: You can fly directly into the City of Derry Airport from select UK airports such as London Stansted, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Alternatively, fly into Belfast International Airport, around 90 minutes by car or bus from Derry, with frequent flights from cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
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By Ferry & Car: Take the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin with Irish Ferries for a scenic road trip. Once you arrive in Dublin, it’s a picturesque drive north, approximately three hours to Derry. The added flexibility of having your car lets you explore the surrounding areas at your leisure.
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By Train/Bus: Direct trains and buses from Belfast take under 2 hours, with regular services available throughout the day. You can also catch a bus from Dublin for an easy journey.
