- Derry Halloween is Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, turning the city into a multi-day celebration of the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain—the origin of Halloween.
- The festival draws global visitors with parades, live music, fireworks, themed zones, and an immersive atmosphere where costumes are a must.
- The city’s walkability makes it easy to explore the festival’s zones, parades, and pop-up events without missing a thing.
Derry, officially known as Londonderry, is notable for a few reasons. Not only is it Northern Ireland’s second-largest city—Belfast takes the top spot—but it’s also the setting of the hit Lisa McGee-written comedy Derry Girls. And, every year, it hosts what’s become the largest Halloween festival in Europe: Derry Halloween.
“Derry Halloween is a four-day festival at the end of October each year that celebrates the ancient Irish festival of Samhain,” David Douglas, a senior tour guide and the owner of Derrie Danders Walking and Audio Tours, tells Travel + Leisure. The Celtic spiritual tradition of Samhain (pronounced “saw-when”) welcomes the harvest season and, as Sam Denning, the general manager at the Everglades Hotel, explains, it marks “the change from summer to winter.”
“Derry Halloween is something you have to see to believe,” Denning adds. “The whole city transforms, the streets, the walls, the people, and everyone throws themselves into the festivities… You’ll find parades, light shows, music, fireworks, and thousands of people in costumes.”
While Samhain celebrations have been around for millennia, Derry Halloween’s official roots go back about four decades. What began as a “fancy dress,” or costumed, event in a pub eventually turned into a multi-day program of festivities, one that people from around the world travel to the walled city of Derry to experience.
What to Expect
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“My favorite aspect is the fireworks display on the last night, the 31st, which is preceded by the parade,” says Douglas. The iconic Carnival Parade is billed as the “beating heart of the festival,” as it brings together tens of thousands of people, all dressed in their Halloween finest, floats, performers, and a sense of community spirit. The following fireworks serve as the finale to the grand event, and onlookers witness Derry’s landmarks and the River Foyle lit up in bright colors; it’s certainly a sight to behold.
“I love the parade and the fireworks, but nothing beats the evenings when the city fills with people in costume. Music plays in the streets, lanterns are lit, and it’s great to be among the crowd,” says Denning. Live music takes place on the Samhain Stage and the Cathedral Quarter Stage. The latter setting is particularly majestic as this part of the city is known for its historic buildings and old churches.
The lineup of activities goes beyond live music, though. This year, attendees can expect fun in every “zone” along the Awakening The Walled City Trail. In the Shipquay Shriek Red Zone, you’ll find fire pits and a Samhain serpent; in the Purple Zone, there will be dancers, disco music, UV lights, and skeletons. The Orange Zone, or “Pump’kin Street,” will have a harvest market, face painting, fortune telling, giant pumpkin photo ops, puppets, and more family-friendly fun.
It may seem like a lot to take in, but Derry’s size is on your side. “Derry’s small enough to walk around, so it’s easy to take in the festival as you go,” says Denning. “It does get busy, so leave yourself a bit of extra time, especially if you’ve got kids. Most importantly, get stuck in—this isn’t a festival you just watch, you’re part of it as soon as you step into the city.”
Tips for Attending the Festival
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Taking place from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31, Derry Halloween is a marathon, not a sprint—and both Douglas and Denning have a few tips for first-timers. “It can get very busy, especially on Oct. 31, so come on one of the earlier days if you can, when it’s less busy, or as early as you can on the last day,” says Douglas, adding that visitors should also “consider using public transport as car parking in the city soon fills up.”
You’ll also want to plan your trip as early as possible. Leaving bookings until the last minute could result in a less-than-desirable experience. “Get organized early; the hotels and restaurants book up fast, so it’s worth planning,” says Denning. Part of your planning should also involve deciding what you’re going to wear; a costume is basically mandatory. “The more effort you put in, the more fun you’ll have because everyone dresses up,” Denning says.
Other Things to Do in Derry
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Derry Halloween is certainly a major reason to plan a trip to this part of Northern Ireland, but the dynamic city also has a plethora of other things to do all year round. For Denning, walking the City Walls for “brilliant views” is a must. Originally built between 1613 and 1619, the walls that enclose the city have seen a great deal of Derry’s history. According to the Friends of the Derry Walls, they serve as “the most complete circuit of ramparts of any surviving town walls in Ireland.”
Within the 400-year-old walls is the neo-Gothic Guildhall, which comes recommended by both Douglas and Denning, in Guildhall Square. “The Guildhall is a beautiful building, usually done up for Halloween as well,” says Denning. Dating back to 1887, the building is a backdrop to the Derry Halloween events, as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival and the City of Derry Jazz Festival; the latter takes place in late April and early May. The focal point of the Guildhall, however, is its stained-glass windows that tell the story of Derry.
Douglas also recommends walking the Peace Bridge. The 771-foot bridge, a short stroll from the Guildhall, connects Ebrington Square with the city center. Its design is curved, and it’s said to symbolize unity and connection—linking the historically divided communities on either side of the River Foyle.
No matter when you choose to visit Derry, there’s one final traditional activity you’ll want to take part in: pub culture. “I’d always say make time for a pint and some live music in one of the local pubs,” says Denning. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for Dungloe Bar, Tinneys Bar, and Tracy’s Bar.
Places to Stay
Everglades Hotel
Bishop’s Gate Hotel
If you’re looking for a cozy, elegant hotel experience in Derry, Douglas suggests Bishop’s Gate Hotel. Located in Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter, the hotel puts its guests in the heart of Halloween activity. The boutique property has 31 rooms—including suites and apartments—and the on-site Wig and Gown Champagne Bar & Restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Shipquay Hotel
Shipquay Hotel also comes recommended by Douglas. This 21-key boutique hotel, housed in an Italianate-style listed heritage building built in 1895, has some of the best views of Derry’s landmarks—including the City Walls and the Guildhall.
Everglades Hotel
While the Everglades Hotel sits outside of the 17th-century walls, it’s still within walking distance of Derry’s main attractions—so it’s ideal for those travelers who want to be a bit removed from the Halloween revelry. It has 64 guest rooms, ranging from executive rooms to suites with super king-size beds, as well as a bar and restaurant; the afternoon tea, served daily from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m., is a real treat.
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