Halloween in Ireland

When I was a child we used to dress up for Halloween however here in Ireland this behavior was seen as a little odd and only tolerated as my Mother was Canadian. I remember going trick or treating only once and the reaction I received at most doors was a little bemused and I came home with more money than sweets. In those days Halloween was more commonly known as All Souls Eve and was a religious holiday first and foremost. How things have changed! Already there are decorations up everywhere, the kids are making jack-o-lanterns at playschool and chocolate, candy and costumes are flying out the doors in all the shops. If you want to experience Halloween in Ireland at it’s best there is nowhere better than the City of Derry in Northern Ireland. Their Halloween Carnival is the best I’ve seen – if you want to feel strange at Halloween in Derry DON’T dress up. Seriously the whole town is in costume! As I mentioned in a previous post, Derry is the 2013 European City of Culture so no doubt this year will see the Carnival bigger and better than ever. I can’t wait to see the fireworks display which takes place on the Foyne River making it easy to get a spectacular view from anywhere in Derry. Check out their facebook page to keep up to date with all the spooky goings on in Derry.