Halloween spirits alive in Meath!

Samhain, the ancient Celtic Festival that we now call Halloween, originated in County Meath more than 2,000 years ago. Samhain marks the end of the old Celtic Year and the beginning of the New Year. One of the main spiritual centres of the ancient Celts was located at the top of the Hill of Tlachtga, now called the Hill of Ward, near Athboy. Meath Tourism, along with several Meath attractions which will host Halloween events, came together on the Hill of Ward to re-enact the ancient tradition of Halloween and launch a series of the spine-tingling events which are happening from 21st October to 6th November throughout the county as part of the Spirits of Meath festival. The ancient Celtic tradition at Tlcahtga has been revived by the local community in Athboy. Every 31st October, Joe Conlon of Athboy Heritage Group leads a torchlit procession from the Fair Green in Athboy to the Hill of Ward at 7pm. Cllr John V Farrelly, chairman of Meath Tourism, said: "I am thrilled that the traditions of Halloween have been revived at Tlachtga. This is completely unique event to County Meath which has massive appeal on an international level. "County Meath has world-class attractions that need no introduction such as the UNESCO World Heritage complex of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. However, with over 6,000 years of heritage, I am constantly surprised by how little Meath people know about the county; for example, we have the world's only 'inland lighthouse', the Spire of Loyd and Meath at one time hosted Ireland's version of the Olympics called the Tailtean Games. The list is simply endless. The festival is a great opportunity to clarify that Meath is beyond doubt Ireland's Heritage Capital." For the third consecutive year, Meath Tourism will promote Ireland's biggest Halloween festival, bringing children and adults alike over 35 terrifying events. From house of horrors to scary scarecrow workshops, from friendly witches to spooks and spells, from crafty witches to creep crazy cuisine, from fancy dress to candlelit tours, from pumpkin carving to Halloween trick or treat days - there is something for everyone in Meath this Halloween with 'scarily' good accommodation offers - and lots of the events are free of charge. Kevin Stewart, director of services with Meath County Council, said: "The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival is a great boast to the county on a variety of levels. It encourages businesses to diversify which in turn opens up previous untapped markets. Businesses are networking as a result of the festival and have created excellent overnight packages which will generate revenue in the local economy. "On a community level, it has boosted morale; people can attend events free of charge which is essential in these recessionary times. On a global level, Halloween has a huge appeal that Meath people are exceptionally of the fact that it originated here." With the support of Failte Ireland and Boyne Valley, this year's festival sees over 35 spine-tingling events taking place in every corner of the county, making Meath the official 'Home of Halloween'.