Celebrations to continue with Samhain in the Heartlands across Longford and Westmeath

Longford and Westmeath County Councils are preparing celebrations of Ireland's ancient traditions, as Samhain in the Heartlands continues.

The autumn festival celebrates the Celtic origins of Halloween across County Longford and Country Westmeath in Ireland's hidden heartlands.

Halloween in the Heartlands started on October 2, and will continue until November 8. It features 50 events celebrating Irish folklore, mythology, and tradition.

Events in Longford range from a Halloween cruise on Lough Ree Access for All's boat sailing three times throughout the day, as well as a Samhain procession through Longford town, bringing fire, music, shadows and spectacle to the streets on October 31. The celebrations continue on November 4, with a five-course Spirit of Samhain tasting dinner at Skelly's Bar, Ballymahon, pairing locally produced food, including Clothrinn Droimeann beef, with selected Irish whiskeys from Lough Ree Distillery and limited-edition wild beers.

On November 7, in Temperance Hall, Diwali - the Festival of Lights - will be celebrated with Longford's Indian community. The town will come alive with light, colour, music, food and festive traditions.

As for Westmeath, October 31 sees events such as When The Veil Thins at The Hallow, College Park. An afternoon and evening of free family entertainment including face painting, youth bands and and a craft markets. The festival finale will take place on November 7 and 8 at the Hill of Uisneach for two days of music, storytelling, performances and ancient Samhain traditions. The experience promises a torchlit procession, and the lighting of the sacred Samhain Fire.

For more information, visit samhainheartlands.ie