The Derry Halloween Story: 40 Years of Magic, Mystery and Mischief

When Brian Doherty asked the regular customers at his city centre bar to dress up for Halloween night back in 1985, they didn’t let him down. By eight o’clock, Doherty’s Bar in Derry~Londonderry was packed with revellers in the finest fancy dress. They came from far and wide to listen to live music, enjoy the banter and compete for the best-costume prize.  

“In the 1980s, it was probably one of the busiest bars, if not the busiest bar in the city centre,” recalls Brian. “We had a late licence, we had live music two or three times a week, and back then there wasn’t too much nightlife in the city, so it was a popular place. It still is.” 

With the bar full of people in costumes, a security alert meant that merrymakers were evacuated onto the street. Suddenly, Derry~Londonderry city centre filled with people in fancy dress, all looking for other venues to keep the celebrations going.  

"They brought their colour and their fun into those other pubs, and it lifted the atmosphere,” says Brian. “The following year, every bar decided to have a fancy-dress party. That was very successful and year-on-year it's gotten bigger and bigger." 

That first small, impromptu Halloween parade 40 years ago was the start of what is now Europe's largest Halloween festival. This year, Derry Halloween will attract over 120,000 visitors. Its 40th anniversary promises to be an unforgettable four-day festival of fun and fireworks, with dynamic street performances by both local and international artists. 

Ireland, the Home of Halloween 

The island of Ireland is, of course, the Home of Halloween. Its roots trace back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest, the start of winter and the time of year when the threshold between worlds was thinnest, and spirits roamed the land. 

With its 400-year-old City Walls and a history that dates back to the 6th century, Derry~Londonderry is a particularly atmospheric place to celebrate Halloween. There are cobbled streets and charming pubs, Gothic buildings and centuries-old city gates.  

When the festival kicks off with “Awakening the Walled City Trail” on October 28th, many will emerge from the darkness of the netherworld to haunt the 17th-century fortifications. The trail, part of which takes place on the City Walls, will feature dozens of spectacles and shows, from aerial acrobatics to a vibrant New Orleans-style jazz funeral.   

“Back in 2018 we decided to take what is probably our greatest asset, the City Walls and create a Halloween event within them, and that’s how Awakening the Walled City Trail came about,” says Jacqueline Whoriskey, Head of Culture for Derry City & Strabane District Council.  

“The city really lends itself to the feel of Halloween, and it’s a beautiful space. The other advantage is that everything is within walking distance, so you can really immerse yourself in the festival. No part of the city isn’t touched by it.” 

Derry Halloween performer, Image courtesy of Derry City and Strabane District Council 

Community spirit 

​Much of what gives Derry Halloween its unique appeal is the community spirit on display at the festival. It seems everyone gets involved and gets creative.  

Artistic Director Kevin O’Neill has been involved with Derry Halloween for over 20 years. Since early August, much of his focus has been on the “beating heart of the festival”: the Carnival Parade. Featuring dramatic artistic creations and giant puppets, dancers, street performers and drummers, the parade starts at 7pm on Halloween Night, runs past the Guildhall and along the River Foyle. It culminates in a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the whole city and surrounding countryside. 

As well as his own team of six, Kevin is involving members of three local community groups to contribute to this year’s special 40th anniversary parade. 

“They’re all doing their own workshops,” he says. “They’re making headpieces and lanterns, puppets and so on. It’s a great way to give people a chance to get involved at their own level but also allows them to learn from more skilled artists. They're getting a chance to be creative on different levels and have an input, so it’s a huge part of the whole event.” 

Any surprises in store for this year? 

“I think the big thing this year is that there will be a significant increase in the number of large props on the street,” says Kevin. “I hope people will be quite impressed by the sheer number of those. It promises to be quite a show.” 

Derry Halloween performers, Image courtesy of  Derry City and Strabane District Council 

It’s all about the people 

Over the years, the parades have grown bigger, shows more spectacular and fireworks a little brighter, making Derry Halloween a major highlight of Ireland’s festival calendar.  

“It really has become an international event now,” Jacqueline says. “In recent years we have seen a growth in visitors from Europe who are looking for something different from the classic sun holiday. They want to experience Ireland at a unique time of the year and get that autumnal feel.” 

But in a city that is known for its “LegenDerry” hospitality, it’s no surprise that the warmth of the people and the community spirit are what leave a lasting impression.  

“Everyone who visits tells us it all looks great,” Jacqueline explains, “but it’s the interactions with the people, the cultural venues, the staff and the hundreds of volunteers that they remember most fondly and go away with. It’s great for bringing people together. It’s more than just an event in this part of the world.” 

While it’s now a far cry from its humble and serendipitous beginnings in Doherty’s Bar back in 1985, Derry Halloween has retained its integrity and kept a community spirit at its heart. The result? One of the most unique and genuine festivals in Ireland, and indeed, the world. 

Derry Halloween takes place from October 28 – November 1, 2026. Note: Tickets are required for entry to the City Walls section of the Awakening the Walled City Trail only. The remainder of the trail does not require a ticket. Tickets are free of charge and must be booked in advance at https://derryhalloween.com