Halloween has some intense Irish roots with stories of hell caves, evil fairies and even animal sacrifice.

Samhain traditionally was the new year celebration which was observed by the Irish Celts for thousands of years before Christianity arrived in the 6th century. 

Marking the end of the summer and the sunnier and brighter time of the year, this was a move into darkness, black evenings and stormy, gloomy weather. As the ‘new year’ celebration, it was believed that this was a time of year when between worlds was at its thinnest and there were possibilities to cross over from one world to another.

Evil Fairies
Many people think of Disney, magical happiness and colour and music when it comes to fairies, but this was certainly not true in the tradition of the old Irish Halloween.

The very malicious and devious Sídh were the version of fairies spoken about and they were not to be trifled with, as they were nasty creatures and devils that might burn down your house or cause all your crops to wither and die.

Feasting and Fires
The ancient capital of Rathcroghan was situated in Roscommon and is well known worldwide as a site for sparking many of Ireland’s myths and legends. At this time of year huge numbers of Celtic people would gather here to pay their taxes to the king and bring in their livestock from the fields. There were rowdy celebrations, and this was the time that animals were sacrificed in often gruesome scenes.

Ghost Stories and Ghouls
Hell Caves come up time and time again in stories of ancient Halloween ghost stories. It’s thought that the term ‘hell caves’ is an early mention of a large cave system near this important site in Rathcroghan. Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats), was said to be the home of nasty, mean fairies and they would come out at Samhain.

Macabre Masks  
There are many different interpretations and explanations for why to this day people dress up at Halloween and transform themselves with ghoulish and macabre outfits. Aside from the fact that this has an endless appeal through the centuries, it’s thought that the ancient Celts disguised themselves as fellow ghouls so they wouldn’t be attacked, harmed or dragged into the other world.

While the jury’s out on exactly what the exact origins of trick or treating are and there are many interpretations, it looks like the scary costumes and ghost stories that first emerged from the Celtic times in Ireland are very much here to stay for Halloween.