The Irish Roots of Halloween
Over 2,000 years ago, long before carved pumpkins and trick-or-treating, the ancient Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in”), marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on the night of October 31st, the veil between the living and the spirit world grew thin. A time when ancestors could visit and restless spirits might wander among the living.
To protect themselves, people lit bonfires, wore disguises to confuse spirits, and left out food to appease wandering souls. Sound familiar? These customs evolved over centuries and, mixed with Christian traditions, became All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween.
The Irish Influence Around the World
When Irish emigrants travelled abroad in the 19th century, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. From carving turnips into lanterns to telling ghost stories by the fire. Before long, what began as a Celtic festival had become a global celebration of costumes, candy, and creativity. But at the heart of it, it remains unmistakably Irish.
Halloween at Molloy’s
Here on Talbot Street, Molloy’s has stood since 1866, serving Dubliners through every season. From early-morning pints to late-night laughter. On a night like Halloween, it’s easy to imagine the echoes of old Dublin drifting through the door: the stories, the songs, and the spirits.
This year, we’re keeping the tradition alive with a full day of Halloween fun at Molloy’s:
Live trad session in the morning kick off the day with toe-tapping tunes and a lively atmosphere. Starts at 10:30.
Live music at night stick around after dark for good craic, great pints, and a few surprises along the way. Starts at 22:00.
There’s something fitting about celebrating Ireland’s oldest festival in one of Dublin’s most historic pubs. Just as Samhain once gathered people around the fire to share tales and toast the changing season, Molloy’s brings people together to mark the moment with good company, great music, and a perfectly poured pint.
Raise a Glass to the Original Halloween
Raise your glass to Samhain, to Dublin’s stories, and to the spirits (seen and unseen) that make this city what it is.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Molloy’s Pub.
