Step Into the Magic: Lú Festival of Light Returns to Drogheda This October
Running from Friday, 23 October to Monday, 26 October 2026, over the October Bank Holiday weekend, the free four-year-favourite festival will once again invite residents, families, and cultural explorers to embark on an atmospheric evening walking trail through the heart of one of Ireland’s oldest towns.
Positioned brilliantly at the gateway to the Boyne Valley—the authentic Home of Halloween—Drogheda provides a dramatic, living canvas rooted deep in the landscape and mythology surrounding the origins of Samhain.
Ancient Stories Told in Modern Light
As darkness falls, major heritage landmarks including St Peter’s Church, St Laurence’s Gate, and the Old Abbey will burst into vibrant life through cutting-edge 3D projection mapping. Created in collaboration with Visual Spectrum Studio, the stunning displays recount gripping sagas of Celtic deities, shape-shifting creatures, and legendary heroes.
🌟 Festival Highlights
- Free Outdoor Trail: A mesmerizing, self-guided evening walk through Drogheda’s historic core, suitable for all ages. No advance booking is required.
- The Spooks Parade: A lively community procession winding through town to officially launch the festival weekend.
- Live Music & Culture: Special performances from Drogheda Classical Music alongside a vibrant street atmosphere.
- Local Hospitality: Traditional pubs, bustling restaurants, and local cafés keeping doors open late, complemented by indoor ticketed gigs.
Trevor Connolly, Chief Executive of Love Drogheda BID, highlighted the festival’s unique appeal: “Lú Festival of Light gives people an entirely different way to experience Drogheda and its extraordinary heritage. By combining ancient storytelling with contemporary animation, we are showcasing the stories of our place in a truly memorable way.”
Celebrating County Louth’s Heritage
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, welcomed the return of the festival and its immense economic and cultural footprint across the county.
“Lú Festival of Light is a wonderful celebration of Drogheda’s unique identity,” Cllr Minogue stated. “By bringing our ancient myths and traditions to life through innovative light projections, the festival offers everyone an opportunity to connect with the rich stories that have shaped this region for generations. Events such as this reinforce our position as the authentic Home of Halloween.”
Mark Davies, Night Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda, added: “There’s something special about Drogheda after dark. There are streets to explore, places to eat, music to find, and people to meet. Sometimes the best thing you can do is wander.”
Delivered by Love Drogheda Business Improvement District and proudly funded by Louth County Council with strategic support from Fáilte Ireland, the festival forms a centerpiece of Ireland’s autumn tourism calendar.
For schedule details, performance times, ticketed indoor events, and visitor guides, visit the official website at www.lufestivaloflight.com.
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