How the Irish Invented Halloween: Samhain, Turnip Lanterns, Barmbrack and the Best Festivals in Ireland
Halloween grew out of Samhain, the Irish festival at the start of winter. Here’s the real story, with folklore and history kept apart: the Hill of Ward fire, the púca, Stingy Jack’s turnip jack-o’-lantern, the barmbrack ring, how emigrants took it all to America, traditions to try at home, and the four Halloween festivals in Ireland worth travelling for in 2026.