Spooktacular plans have been unveiled to bring Derry’s Halloween festival to Donegal for the first time.
This year, Derry Halloween will unfold across five different Worlds, each representing a different spirit of Samhain. Three of the Worlds are located in the city itself, one in Donegal and one in Strabane.
Swan Park in Buncrana will undergo a frightfully fun transformation for the celebrations.
And spooky shenanigans are in store for the ancient heritage site of An Grianán of Aileach, a fort that was once the seat of the High Kings O’Neill.
So legend says, that the ancient Red Branch Knights of Ulster (An Croabh Rua) lie sleeping in full battle armour under the hill, ready to ride forth at Ireland’s moment of greatest need. This year they will ride forth to Swan Park Buncrana, in a stirring display of strength.
Locals are being told to be prepared to experience legends, lore, and characters associated with the Red Branch Knights.
Imagine how they might march again towards Lough Swilly on Halloween night, telling and reliving their stories.
Now in its 35th year, Derry Halloween has become the ‘go to’ festival for Halloween aficionados from around the world. As always Derry Halloween will also feature delicious food trails, fabulous live music and amazing firework displays. The events are being managed to ensure social distancing. Events will take place from 29–31 October and a full programme can be viewed at: derryhalloween.com
Derry Halloween is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Tourism Northern Ireland, Donegal County Council and the North West Development Fund.
