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.”

McElligott’s are hosting The Kia 261 Preview Event on Saturday, October 11 from 10am to 5pm.

The one-day-only showcase will feature five of Kia’s newest and most anticipated models for 2026.

McElligott’s will be the first Kia dealership in the country to showcase these brand-new models.

This exclusive event offers visitors the chance to get up close with Kia’s latest innovations in both design and technology.