Step Into the Magic with Lú Festival of Light 23-26 October 2026
Drogheda’s historic streets and landmark buildings will be transformed by light, colour and ancient storytelling when Lú Festival of Light returns from Friday 23 to Monday 26 October 2026.
Taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend, the free four-day festival will invite visitors to follow an atmospheric evening trail through the heart of one of Ireland’s most historic towns. Transforming Drogheda into an enchanted, open-air gallery, this free, four-day autumn festival promises an unforgettable adventure for families, culture seekers, and domestic and international travelers alike. Prepare to step into a world where history and magic collide.
Located at the gateway to the Boyne Valley, Drogheda provides a dramatic setting for a festival rooted in the landscape and mythology associated with the origins of Samhain and Halloween. Visitors can follow a mesmerizing, self-guided evening walking trail through the town's historic heart. Landmark heritage buildings including St Peter’s Church, St Laurence’s Gate the Old Abbey and will come alive with breathtaking, large-scale 3D projection mapping, telling the gripping tales of Celtic gods, goddesses, shape-shifting creatures, and legendary mortal heroes
The projections will form a free, self-guided trail suitable for families, residents, cultural visitors and anyone looking to experience Drogheda after dark. “Lú Festival of Light gives people an entirely different way to experience Drogheda and its extraordinary heritage,” said Trevor Connolly, Chief Executive of Love Drogheda BID. “This year, we are inviting audiences to step into the story and discover more about the seasonality of the Celtic Calendar and authentic traditions that have shaped this part of Ireland for generations. By combining ancient storytelling with contemporary animation, we are looking to showcase and present the stories of our place in a truly memorable way.”
Beyond the illuminating digital canvas, the festival atmosphere will spill directly onto the bustling streets. Audiences will be treated to additional on street events including the Spooks Parade which weaves its way across the town to launch the festival, as well as performances from Drogheda Classical Music. Local cafes, traditional pubs, and restaurants will keep their doors wide open to welcome crowds, while a separate program of premium, ticketed indoor musical and cultural events will ensure the town buzzes with energy long into the evening
“Lú Festival of Light brings together tourism, heritage, culture and creative technology in the historic heart of Drogheda,” said Mark Davies, Night Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda.
“There’s something special about Drogheda after dark. Lú takes the town’s extraordinary buildings and ancient stories and shows them in a completely different light. There are streets to explore, places to eat, music to find and people to meet. Sometimes the best thing you can do is wander”.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Dolores Minogue welcomes the Home of Halloween festival and its impact for the county “Lú Festival of Light is a wonderful celebration of Drogheda's unique heritage, creativity and sense of place. By bringing our ancient myths and traditions to life through innovative light projections and cultural experiences, the festival offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to connect with the rich stories that have shaped this region for generations. Events such as this showcase the very best of County Louth, support our local economy, and reinforce our position as the gateway to the Boyne Valley and the authentic Home of Halloween”
Lú Festival of Light will run from 23–26 October 2026. The outdoor projection trail is free to attend, with no advance booking required.
For the festival trail, performance times, ticketed events, accommodation and visitor information, visit www.lufestivaloflight.com
Follow @lu_festival_of_light_drogheda on Instagram for festival announcements and behind-the-scenes updates.
Lú Festival of Light is delivered by Love Drogheda Business Improvement District and funded by Louth County Council, with strategic support from Fáilte Ireland. The 2026 projection experience is being created in collaboration with Visual Spectrum Studio. The festival forms part of the wider programme celebrating Ireland as the authentic Home of Halloween.
