Where did Halloween originate?

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to several places across the island

As the leaves turn and nights grow longer, Halloween approaches.

Typically a celebration steeped in mystery, folklore and ancient tradition.

While today’s festivities may include costumes, pumpkins and trick-or-treating, the origins of Halloween trace back to Ireland.

Several regions across the island lay claim to the birth of this globally celebrated event.

Why are pumpkins carved?

Pumpkin carving was originally turnip carving across the island of Ireland

As Irish immigrants settled abroad, particularly during the 19th Century famine, they brought with them the customs of Halloween.

In America, these traditions transformed, eventually giving rise to the modern-day practices of carving pumpkins (originally turnips in Ireland) and trick-or-treating.

County Meath: The Hill of Ward

The Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) is believed to have been a major centre for Samhain celebrations

One of the most significant claims to Halloween’s origins comes from County Meath at the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga).

This site is believed to have been a major centre for Samhain celebrations.

The Celts would light ceremonial fires to welcome the new year and to guide the spirits.

The bonfire at Tlachtga was said to be the largest in Ireland, with flames visible for miles around.

The fires of other communities were lit from its embers, symbolising unity and protection as winter set in.

Archaeologist Dr Steve Davis, from University College Dublin, was one of a team who spent the summer of 2014 working at Tlachtga, about 12 miles from the Hill of Tara.

He told the BBC in 2014 that “there are very few monuments in Ireland that we consider comparable to this”.

"It is a magical and mystical place," he said..

"We have found evidence of intense burning there, whether you want to equate that with Samhain or not.

"This monument is associated with fire. The medieval texts would associate this very strongly with an annual fire festival."

The Celtic festival of Samhain

Halloween’s roots can be found in Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in”), an ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter.

Celebrated over 2,000 years ago, Samhain was a time when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest.

Spirits were thought to roam the earth, and the Celts lit bonfires and donned disguises to ward off malevolent entities

Londonderry’s stake in Halloween

Derry’s ties to the ancient festival are celebrated through parades, fireworks and storytelling

Derry is another location claiming ties to Halloween’s origins.

Known today for its spectacular Halloween celebrations, the city has built a reputation as one of the world’s best places to experience the holiday.

Derry’s ties to the ancient festival are celebrated through parades, fireworks and storytelling.

While its claim may be more modern, Derry’s emphasis on folklore and tradition keeps the spirit of Samhain alive and vibrant.

County Roscommon: Ireland’s gate to hell

The entrance to the Gate to Hell does not look very scary

Nestled away in a field full of sheep in County Roscommon is what some people believe is the origin of Halloween - a cave known as Ireland's Gate to Hell.

It is located near Rathcrogan, the ancient capital of Connacht and a major archaeological area, home to 240 sites dating back 5,500 years.

Local archaeologist Daniel Curley told BBC News in 2022 that “at least as long as 2,000 years ago locals believed that the gate between the worlds opened on 31 October".

"Monsters and manifestations would emerge, led by the goddess Morríghan, to create a world ready for winter, including birds with foul breath that would strip leaves from trees," added Dr Curley.

"Locals would stay indoors in fear of being dragged into the other world when the ghouls had finished ravaging the land.

"If you had to go outside you wore a costume and mask to look hideous.

"That way you would be left alone and not dragged into the otherworld."

Inside Ireland's so-called Gate to Hell, which does like rather ominous

Though several places across the island of Ireland lay claim to the origins of Halloween, the truth is that the festival’s heritage is a shared one.

Whether it’s the fire ceremonies at the Hill of Ward, evil spirits escaping from the Gate to Hell or the modern celebrations in Derry, each place adds a unique layer to the story of Halloween.