Tickets for Footsteps in the Forest go on sale 1 October

Footsteps in the Forest is returning to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co Armagh, from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October 2026. The extremely popular Newry, Mourne and Down District Council event brings lantern-lit woodland trails, storytelling and mythical characters to the forest, drawing on the traditions of the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain.

The festival traditionally marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the veil between worlds was believed to be at its thinnest. Visitors will follow woodland trails and encounter theatrical performances and stories drawn from the folklore of Slieve Gullion and beyond, with ancient legends, woodland spirits and traditional Samhain customs combining to create an immersive Halloween experience.

Sessions will take place each evening throughout the event. Sensory-friendly sessions, offering a calmer experience with adjustments to lighting and sound, will run daily at 4pm and 4.30pm. Main sessions will follow at 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. A dedicated Irish Language Night will take place on Friday 23 October, bringing the stories, folklore and traditions of Samhain to life through the Irish language.

On Monday 26 October, 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, the 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 the event. These sessions will feature mythical characters, performances and Samhain-inspired storytelling within a comfortable and welcoming environment, running at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, with a British Sign Language interpreted session at 6pm.

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."

Cllr Hanna continued, "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 of 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 go on sale next Thursday 1 October at 12 noon, priced at £10 per vehicle, admitting up to seven seats. Visitors are advised to check their chosen date, session type and time carefully when booking. For tickets, accessibility details and full visitor information, go to www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com

A wider programme of Halloween events will also take place throughout the district this autumn, celebrating the area's culture, heritage and seasonal traditions with information on these closer to the time.