Celebrate Samhain by Lough Ree at Hodson Bay Hotel. Enjoy spooky storytelling, pumpkin picking, local folklore, festive dining and magical autumn experiences in Ireland’s Home of Halloween
Samhain by the Shores of Lough Ree
Autumn has arrived at Hodson Bay Hotel, and the misty mornings across Lough Ree bring with them a touch of magic. The leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the nights grow longer, making it the perfect time to celebrate Halloween in Ireland’s heartlands. Longford and Westmeath are renowned as the Home of Halloween, offering a rich tapestry of folklore, fire and feasting that dates back thousands of years. Staying at Hodson Bay Hotel places you in the perfect spot to experience all of it while returning each night to lakeside comfort and warmth.
The Celtic Roots of Halloween
Long before pumpkins and trick or treating, Halloween in Ireland was known as Samhain, a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest. Families lit fires to protect themselves, carved turnips to ward off wandering spirits, and shared hearty feasts to prepare for the darker months ahead. Today, Samhain lives on in modern Halloween traditions, but the essence of fire, folklore and storytelling still lies at the heart of the season.
Experience the Home of Halloween
Longford and Westmeath bring Samhain to life with the Fire, Folklore and Feasting festival. Across the region, you will find candlelit processions, storytelling by ancient ruins, and community gatherings that honour Ireland’s rich mythical heritage. From rituals at the Hill of Uisneach, an ancient sacred site, to explorations at Dún na Sí Moate, there is a sense of enchantment around every corner.
Halloween at Hodson Bay Hotel
Here at Hodson Bay Hotel, we have embraced the spirit of Samhain with experiences that capture both magic and comfort. Families can join in pumpkin carving sessions, guided night walks around our estate, and storytelling evenings by the fire, where tales of Irish myths and local legends come alive. For adults, our festive dining experiences offer rich flavours inspired by the harvest season in a cosy, candlelit setting.
Children are invited to join our Halloween-themed activities, including costume contests and safe indoor trick or treating, creating memories that will linger long after the leaves have fallen.
Lukers Pumpkin Patch
The Shannonbridge Pumpkin Patch at Lukers is now a staple of the season. Just outside Athlone, this family-friendly experience offers the chance to pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, carve it in the Halloween Hay Barn, and enjoy donkey viewing, face painting and even a magician’s show.
Plan Your Stay
Halloween at Hodson Bay Hotel runs throughout October and into the early days of November. Families and couples alike can enjoy special packages that include festive dining, event tickets, and overnight stays. To make the most of your visit, we recommend booking early, bringing warm clothing, and setting aside time to explore both the hotel and the wider Samhain festivities in Westmeath and Longford.
This Halloween, step into a world of fire, folklore and feast by the shores of Lough Ree. From candlelit evenings to stories whispered by the wind across the water, Hodson Bay Hotel invites you to celebrate the season in style, comfort and a touch of Irish magic.
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