The origins of Halloween can be traced back to The festival of Samhain (sow-an), which was a pagan celebration of a new harvesting season in Ireland. With it’s rich history of mythology and story telling, along with the fewer hours of daylight, it is no wonder that the landscape of Ireland lends itself well to the feelings around Halloween.
If you’re looking for somewhere to soak up the new harvest feelings in Ireland this halloween, then check out some of these places that conjure up a spellbinding hiking experience.
1. Massey’s wood and the Hell Fire Club, Dublin
Perched atop Montpelier Hill, the Hell Fire Club is infamous for its supposed 18th-century satanic meetings. Just across the road is Massey’s wood, containing the ruins of the estate once owned by the Massey family – a famous Dublin Wine merchant from the 18th and 19th century. Today, a 7 km hike leads you through the eerie ruins, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Dublin at the site of the Hellfire club and a dose of ghostly folklore. Just be prepared for a few chills along the way.
2. St. Kevin’s Way
Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland,” has its dark side too. St. Kevin’s Way is a 19-mile pilgrimage route with a ghostly past. Legend has it that St. Kevin himself haunts the trail, guiding or scaring away hikers.
3. The Dingle Peninsula, Kerry
Explore the ancient ruins and rugged coastline of the Dingle Peninsula. Amid the scenic beauty, you might stumble upon hidden cemeteries and age-old beehive huts. Local legends speak of ancient spirits and the peninsula’s Halloween-like festival of “Samhain.”
4. Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Armagh
Home to the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland, Slieve Gullion offers a variety of trails. The 14 km hike around the mountain is filled with archaeological wonders and tales of the “Cailleach Beara,” an ancient hag believed to influence the weather.
5. Slieve Folye, The Cooley Mountains, Louth
Immerse yourself in the epic tales of the Táin Bó Cúailnge as you traverse the Cooley Peninsula. This mountain range is steeped in mythology, including the story of the great Irish hero Cú Chulainn. Hiking here is like walking through the pages of an ancient manuscript.
6. The Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair, Donegal
Discover the magic of Tullan Strand with its Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair. These natural rock formations are steeped in folklore, with locals believing that fairies inhabit the area. While not exactly spooky, there’s a mystical atmosphere that aligns perfectly with Halloween.
7. Killarney National Park, Kerry
With its deep forests, mysterious lakes, and ancient ruins, Killarney is a hiker’s dream. During Halloween, the park takes on an ethereal beauty. Explore the trails leading to Ross Castle or Muckross House and keep an ear out for ghostly whispers.
8. The Giant’s Causeway, Antrim
Last but not least, the Giant’s Causeway, with its interlocking basalt columns, is a geological wonder. The legend of Finn McCool adds a mythical layer to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt for a guided tour at dusk to experience the site’s full Halloween potential.
Ireland’s trails offer more than just exercise; they provide a gateway to the past, teeming with folklore, history, and, of course, a ghost story or two. Remember, the real charm of these hikes lies in their ability to connect us with Ireland’s ancient roots, making every step an adventure. Enjoy your Halloween hike, and who knows, maybe you’ll have a supernatural encounter of your own!
