This Halloween, Howth Castle will come alive for Samhain, the ancient Gaelic harvest festival, when the boundary between this world and the next was said to open. To mark Samhain 2026, we’ve joined forces with Explore Fingal as part of Ireland Home of Halloween.
Join us as we celebrate all things Samhain with a full programme of events across the castle and the cookery school: Daily Samhain Tours of the Castle with Daniel, Feast of Samhain Evening Cooking Classes, Foraging, Botanical Remedies & Sorcery Workshop with Mary Bofin (Wild Mary)! and for the little ones, we are running a Teen & Tween Halloween Cooking Class. For food lovers who want to simply arrive and dine, we are running a very special Feast of Samhain Supper Club on Halloween night. We will also have a fire breather at our front doors to mark the evening, a special treat for all. Lara O'Brien from Hooks and Reels will be hosting a very special Howth Writing Workshop taking place over 4 mornings (Wednesday - Saturday) as well as a special story telling evening with Claire McKenna.
There's something here for everyone, from families to food lovers to those simply looking for an atmospheric evening in one of Ireland's most iconic settings. Explore what's on below, and book early; places are limited.
Step inside the historic castle as darkness falls and uncover centuries of mystery and legend. Our resident historian will lead you through the castle’s shadowy hallways and grounds whilst sharing chilling tales of ghostly encounters, ancient folklore, and the characters who once called the castle home. Perfect for families and lovers of local history.
Dates: Wednesday 28 October – Sunday 1 November 2026, evenings
Tickets: Adult €15 · Child €7 · Concession (over 65) €12 · Family (2+2) €33
Come along to an evening of story and song to mark the harvest season. Hear tales of ghosts and ghouls from Howth Writing Workshop, with special guest author and broadcaster Clare McKenna, and MC'd by author and documentary-maker Dearbhail McDonald.
Enjoy the haunting music of rising star Martello and friends and be wowed by our fire-breathing castle guards while we remember those who came before us and those who still linger in the shadows.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 7.00 pm (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
Tickets: €22.42
Hooks & Reels: Howth Writing Workshop
The Power of the Prompt with Lara O’Brien
4 mornings | 10am–1pm
Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st October
Explore the themes of Samhain & cultural heritage
Write stories, share, receive feedback
Walk to Aideen’s Grave
Music and craic
Workshop cost: €400
To book: Email laraobrienbooks@gmail.com
Feast of Samhain: Evening Cookery Class
We’re inviting you to a hands-on evening class celebrating Ireland's harvest and culinary heritage.
Get stuck in with fresh local ingredients and explore the rich flavours of autumn through hearty root vegetable dishes and comforting seasonal recipes with a contemporary twist. You will be guided through the class by our professional chefs and then sit down to enjoy your autumn feast in the beautiful surroundings of the castle. Perfect for food lovers and home cooks.
Dates: Wednesday 28 October & Friday 30 October 2026, 7.00 pm (2 hours)
Tickets: €95 (€105 with Castle Tour) · Adults
Feast of Samhain: Autumn Foraging, Botanical Remedies & Sorcery Workshop
Join renowned foraging expert Mary Bulfin aka Wild Food Mary for an immersive workshop in the grounds of Howth Castle. Enjoy a guided foraging walk, discover the healing properties of native plants and herbs, and embrace a little light-hearted Halloween witchery inspired by Celtic folklore.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 10.00 am (2.5 hours)
Tickets: €95 · Adults
Includes light refreshments and a demonstration of botanical remedies.
Feast of Samhain: Spooktacular Teen & Tween Cookery Class
A fun-filled, hands-on cooking experience for young chefs and an accompanying adult. Prepare a selection of spooky seasonal recipes alongside our professional chefs in the Georgian kitchen, then sit down together to enjoy your creations. A memorable family experience and a halloween you won’t want to forget.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 11.00 am (2 hours)
Tickets: €75 per person (€150 per adult-and-child booking)
Feast of Samhain: Candlelit Supper Club
An exclusive candlelit dining experience in the magnificent 18th-century Georgian kitchen. You will enjoy a five-course seasonal autumn feast inspired by Irish tradition and the Halloween harvest, with rich flavours, warm hospitality and a truly magical castle atmosphere. Perfect for couples and friends.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 7.00 pm (3 hours)
Tickets: €100 per person · Adults only
Feast of Samhain: Sunday Brunch Cookery Class
Round off the Samhain weekend with a hands-on autumn brunch in the historic kitchen. Prepare a seasonal menu inspired by the harvest, roasted squash, warming spices, and freshly baked treats, then relax and enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings of the castle to enjoy.
Date: Sunday 1 November 2026, 11.00 am (3 hours)
Tickets: €105 (€120 with Castle Tour) · Adults only
All events must be booked in advance using the links above. Thank you.
For private and corporate events, please contact: Howth Castle at info@howthcastle.ie and Howth Castle Cookery School at info@howthcastlecookeryschool.ie
Howth Castle's Samhain programme is part of Ireland Home of Halloween, a national campaign celebrating Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween.
Fingal was selected as one of just seven hubs nationwide following a competitive application process, part of a pilot scheme developed collaboratively by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Throughout October 2026, the county will come alive with witches and warlocks, fireworks and food fairs, ghouls and ghosties, from family-friendly fun to the darker side of Samhain, as venues across Fingal, from libraries and arts centres to its historic castles, merge ancient traditions with modern celebration. Many events are free, and everyone is welcome.
Posted on 7 Sep 2026.
