Ireland, as many of you may not know, is the true birthplace of Halloween! That’s right — long before costumes and candy took over the world, the ancient Celts were lighting fires and celebrating Samhain, the original Halloween, right here in the heart of Ireland. Recently, as part of my Story of Ireland series, I took a trip to the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in County Meath, the very site where Halloween began. Let me take you along on that journey, and maybe you’ll see Halloween in a whole new light.
Discovering the History of Halloween at the Hill of Ward
As I climbed the hill, filming my walk along the way (check out the video below!), I couldn’t help but think about what this place represents. The Hill of Ward is where the ancient Druids lit the first great Samhain bonfire, marking the end of the harvest and the start of the darker half of the year. This was no ordinary festival — it was a time when the veil between the world of the living and the Otherworld was at its thinnest. Spirits were believed to walk the earth, and bonfires were lit to protect the people and their animals from these wandering souls.
Samhain, which eventually evolved into what we now call Halloween, was celebrated right here at the Hill of Ward. The massive bonfire lit at this very spot would be the first of many fires across the land. People would bring their cattle to be blessed by the flames and gather to honour the spirits of the dead. When you stand at the top of the hill, looking out over the rolling fields of Meath, it’s easy to imagine the firelight flickering in the distance as the ancient Celts gathered to mark this sacred time.
The Magic of the Hill
As I reached the top of the hill, I was struck by the quiet beauty of the place. Visitors had left offerings, as they’ve done for thousands of years. Among them was a small St. Brigid’s Cross, a symbol of Ireland’s spiritual heritage. The cross felt like a perfect reminder of how Ireland’s ancient pagan traditions have merged with Christianity over time. Samhain may have started as a Celtic celebration, but it’s left a lasting legacy that still influences how we celebrate Halloween today.
When I stood at the top of the Hill of Ward, with the wind blowing and the fields stretching out before me, I felt a real connection to the past. This is where Halloween began, where the first fires were lit, and where our ancestors believed they were communicating with the spirit world. And now, Halloween has spread across the globe, but its true origins are right here in Ireland.
Ireland: The Home of Halloween
So, next time you’re dressing up or lighting a candle for Halloween, remember — you’re continuing an ancient Irish tradition! What started as Samhain, a celebration of the cycle of life, death, and the harvest, has evolved into a festival celebrated worldwide. But its roots will always remain here in Ireland.
If you ever find yourself in County Meath, I highly recommend taking a trip to the Hill of Ward. There’s something magical about walking in the footsteps of the Celts and knowing you’re standing where the very first Halloween fires were lit.
Check out my video below for a closer look at my journey up the hill, and don’t forget to scroll down to see some photos I snapped at the top!
And for those of you who love a bit of Irish history and heritage, make sure to check out our Gifts of Ireland collection. We have a range of beautiful items inspired by Irish history, perfect for celebrating your own connection to Ireland.
Sláinte and Happy Halloween, ☘️🎃
Aidan
