Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed that Footsteps in the Forest will return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co Armagh, from Wednesday 21 to Tuesday 27 October 2026.

As the evenings draw in, the ancient woodland will host eerie encounters, spellbinding storytelling and otherworldly moments, giving families, residents and visitors a richly atmospheric way to celebrate autumn.

Rooted in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, which marked the close of the harvest and the onset of winter, the event will guide visitors along lantern-lit paths to meet mythical characters and enjoy theatrical performances inspired by the folklore of Slieve Gullion and beyond. Ancient legends, woodland spirits and time-honoured Samhain customs will combine to create an immersive Halloween experience in 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."

Evening sessions will run throughout the week. Sensory-friendly sessions are scheduled daily at 4pm and 4.30pm, with adjusted lighting and sound to support visitors who prefer a calmer environment.

Main sessions take place at 5pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. A dedicated Irish Language Night on Friday 23 October will bring Samhain's stories, folklore and traditions to life through Irish. On Monday 26 October, Footsteps in the Forest Accessible Sessions will be held in The Walled Garden at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Set on level ground close to the main event area, these sessions remove the challenges of the woodland trail and mountain ascent while preserving the event's core atmosphere, characters and storytelling.

The Accessible Sessions will include mythical characters, performances and Samhain-inspired storytelling within a comfortable, welcoming setting. Sessions run at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, with a British Sign Language interpreted session at 6pm.

Chairperson Councillor 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 across the Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins, there is so much to discover as part of an autumn visit."

Tickets go on sale at 12 noon on Thursday 1 October. Priced at £10, each ticket admits one vehicle of up to seven seats. Visitors are advised to carefully check their chosen date, session type and time before booking.

A wider Halloween programme will also run across the district, showcasing local culture, heritage and seasonal traditions, and offering further reasons to visit Mourne Gullion Strangford this autumn.

For tickets, accessibility details, full visitor information and travel inspiration, visit: www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/giant-adventures/footsteps-in-the-forest