Kilkenny to Transform into Halloween Hub with €100,000 Funding

Fáilte Ireland has announced that Kilkenny County Council will receive funding through its new ‘Home of Halloween’ Pilot Destination Development Scheme. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy,’ designed to position Ireland as the authentic global hub for Halloween celebrations. The scheme aims to create immersive experiences that celebrate the country’s rich heritage while extending the tourism season into October and November. It also seeks to stimulate sustainable economic growth within local communities.

Funding and Festival Plans

The pilot scheme encourages collaboration between local authorities, tourism businesses, and cultural organisations. Successful applicants will receive funding of up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals that reflect local culture and folklore. Kilkenny County Council will kick off its Halloween programme with a dynamic schedule of events starting on October 10. This four-week series will showcase the region’s harvest, local food culture, and eerie folklore, including tales of witches, trials, and ghostly legends.

The initiative aims to enliven Kilkenny, providing visitors with immersive experiences that highlight the county’s unique heritage and charm. The pilot programme has generated considerable interest from local authorities, leading to additional funding from Fáilte Ireland, thanks to the strong proposals received.

Projected Economic Impact

Over a three-year period, the seven supported projects are expected to attract approximately 337,000 additional visitors, resulting in an estimated economic impact of €28 million for the local communities involved. The successful local authorities include:

• Galway City Council
• Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project)
• Meath County Council and Louth County Council (joint project)
• Kerry County Council
• Fingal County Council
• Limerick City and County Council
• Kilkenny County Council

This pilot scheme builds on the success of the Púca Festival, which was co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019. Rooted in the ancient tradition of Samhain, the Púca Festival has become a flagship Halloween event, drawing thousands of visitors with its vibrant mix of spectacle, music, and culinary offerings. In 2024, the festival welcomed 49,050 attendees, generating €7.11 million in economic impact and supporting 174 jobs.

In addition to the new funding scheme, Fáilte Ireland has also introduced fire and shadow processions in Limerick, Longford, and Waterford to further solidify Ireland’s position as the ‘Home of Halloween.’

As Kilkenny prepares for its Halloween festivities, the community looks forward to a season that promises to blend culture, heritage, and economic opportunity, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of celebration.