Funding Secured for Kilkenny’s New Halloween Festival – Urgent Update

BREAKING: Funding has been officially secured for a thrilling new Halloween festival in Kilkenny, with €100,000 allocated to kick off festivities starting on October 10, 2023. Fáilte Ireland confirms that Kilkenny County Council has been selected under its ‘Home of Halloween’ Pilot Destination Development Scheme, aimed at establishing Ireland as the authentic global hub for Halloween celebrations.

This initiative, part of the broader ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy,’ is designed to deliver vibrant, culturally immersive experiences that celebrate Ireland’s rich heritage. The festival aims to not only extend the tourism season into October and November but also stimulate sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

Kilkenny’s Halloween program will unfold over four exciting weeks, featuring a dynamic lineup of events that spotlight the region’s local food culture and eerie folklore. Attendees can look forward to captivating tales of witches, ghostly legends, and historic trials that will animate the city and showcase Kilkenny’s unique charm.

The funding, part of a highly competitive pilot scheme, reflects a surge of interest from local authorities. Each successful project will receive up to €100,000 annually, allowing communities to develop their Halloween festivals rooted in local culture and community engagement. The initiative is expected to draw in an additional 337,000 visitors over three years, generating an estimated €28 million in economic impact for local communities.

The successful local authorities benefiting from this funding 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 new festival builds on the success of the Púca Festival, co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019, which has become a flagship Halloween event. In 2024, the Púca Festival attracted 49,050 attendees, creating a remarkable €7.11 million economic impact and supporting 174 jobs.

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

As Kilkenny gears up for this exciting new festival, the community is buzzing with anticipation. Local businesses and residents are encouraged to participate, ensuring the city fully embraces its Halloween heritage.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Kilkenny prepares to enchant visitors with a celebration that promises to be both thrilling and culturally enriching. **This is an event you won’t want to miss!**