Footsteps in the Forest Brings the Magic of Samhain to Slieve Gullion
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce the return of Footsteps in the Forest to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, County Armagh, from Wednesday 21st to Tuesday 27th October 2026.
As the nights grow darker, the mystical woods of Slieve Gullion will come alive with eerie encounters, spellbinding storytelling and otherworldly wonders, offering families, residents and visitors an atmospheric way to embrace the magic of autumn.
Inspired by the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, which traditionally marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, Footsteps in the Forest will explore a time when the veil between worlds was believed to be at its thinnest.
Visitors will follow lantern-lit woodland trails and encounter mythical characters, theatrical performances and stories drawn from the folklore of Slieve Gullion and beyond.
Ancient legends, woodland spirits and traditional Samhain customs will combine to create an immersive Halloween experience within one of Ireland’s most storied landscapes.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said: “Footsteps in the Forest has become a much-loved part of the district’s autumn programme, offering families a memorable way to experience the stories, folklore and traditions associated with Samhain.
“Slieve Gullion Forest Park, at the heart of Mourne Gullion Strangford, provides an outstanding setting for the event. Its ancient landscape, atmospheric woodland and rich mythology create the perfect backdrop for a Halloween experience filled with mystery and imagination.”
Sessions will run each evening throughout the event. Sensory-friendly sessions will take place daily at 4pm and 4.30pm, offering a calmer experience with adjustments to lighting and sound for visitors who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation.
Main sessions will take place at 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. The programme will also include a dedicated Irish Language Night on Friday 23rd October, bringing the stories, folklore and traditions of Samhain to life through the Irish language.
On Monday 26th October, the Footsteps in the Forest Accessible Sessions will take place in The Walled Garden at Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
Set on accessible, level ground close to the main event space, these sessions remove the challenges of the woodland trail and mountain climb while retaining the atmosphere, storytelling, characters and sense of wonder at the heart of Footsteps in the Forest.
The Accessible Sessions will feature mythical characters, performances and Samhain-inspired storytelling and folklore within a comfortable and welcoming environment. Sessions will take place at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, with a British Sign Language interpreted session at 6pm.
Chairperson Councillor Glyn Hanna said: “We want more people to have the opportunity to connect with the stories and traditions of Samhain. The sensory-friendly sessions, Irish Language Night and Footsteps in the Forest Accessible Sessions will provide different ways for visitors to experience the event.
“The Accessible Sessions in The Walled Garden will offer the atmosphere, characters and storytelling associated with Footsteps in the Forest on accessible, level ground, with no mountain climb required.
“Visitors can also make the most of their time in the area by exploring Slieve Gullion Forest Park and the wider Ring of Gullion.
“From tranquil woodland trails and family attractions to panoramic views across the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins, there is so much to discover as part of an autumn visit.”
Tickets for Footsteps in the Forest will go on sale on Thursday 1 October at 12 noon. Tickets cost £10, with each ticket admitting one vehicle of up to seven seats to the event. Visitors are advised to check their chosen date, session type and time carefully when booking.
A wider programme of Halloween events will also take place across the district, celebrating the area’s culture, heritage and seasonal traditions and providing even more reasons to visit Mourne Gullion Strangford this autumn.
For tickets, accessibility details, full visitor information and inspiration on where to stay, eat and explore during your visit, go to:
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/giant-adventures/footsteps-in-the-forest
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