A new Halloween festival is coming to Kerry this year with events being planned in Killarney, Tralee and Listowel to celebrate the spooky season.

Samhain Chiarraí will run from October 16 to November 9, and it aims to celebrate the county’s ancient traditions and cultural spirit.

Kerry was selected as one of the destinations for Fáilte Ireland’s ‘Home of Halloween’ pilot scheme.

The initiative forms part of the national strategy to establish Ireland as the home of Halloween.
Samhain Chiarraí is a celebration, rooted in Ireland’s authentic Samhain heritage drawing inspiration from the Cailleach, the wise and wild Goddess of Winter who emerges each year to mark the end of the harvest and the turning of the Celtic year.

Three new Samhain experiences will take place in Killarney, Tralee, and Listowel, and these family events will tell the story of the Cailleach Chiarrai.

It will take the form of Street Processions, Awakening Spectacles, Fireworks, Céilis, Willow Workshops and Treasure Hunts.

Samhain Chiarraí intends to transform towns and villages into immersive landscapes of fire, light, and story, connecting visitors and locals with Kerry’s dúchas, its heritage, belonging, and sense of place through a variety of workshops, street spectacles, light projections and rituals.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mike Foley explained that Samhain Chiarraí is about much more than celebrating our past, it’s about bringing families, schools, and communities together to create new memories and experiences.

He said: “From spectacular parades to community gatherings, Samhain Chiarraí will highlight the county’s rich traditions while introducing new and engaging experiences for both residents and visitors. This festival is a chance for Kerry to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and showcase the warmth and creativity of our communities.”

The Europe Hotel & Resort, Ard na Sidhe Country House, Killarney Royal Townhouse and Killarney Park Hotel were ranked among the annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Europe Hotel & Resort was ranked No. 10 in the “Top Resorts in Europe” category, while Ard na Sidhe Country House earned the No. 3 position in the “Top Hotels in Ireland” category.

The Killarney Royal Townhouse was placed at 12th in Ireland as while Killarney Paek Hotel was awarded No.4 Best hotel in Ireland. 

The Europe Hotel is renowned for its contemporary luxury, comprising 180 elegant rooms and suites, many with private balconies overlooking the lakes, gardens, and mountains.

Ard na Sidhe Country House offers an intimate escape in a luxurious Victorian country manor set on the shores of Caragh Lake. Nestled within 32 acres of private gardens originally designed by Lady Edith Gordon, the property has just 18 bedrooms across the main house and garden house.

The Kilalrney Royal Townhouse is a boutique retreat where over a century of family hospitality meets a fresh, design-led style. 

The Killarney Park is one of Ireland’s leading five-star hotels in the heart of Killarney.

More than 182,500 survey responses were collected from readers rating their travel experiences across the globe, which offers a comprehensive look at the places they have visited / aim to return to.

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveller’s website at cntraveller.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards and celebrated in the November issue, showcasing the best in travel from around the globe.