Ireland’s history with Halloween and how it originated

One of the most significant claims to Halloween’s origins comes from County Meath at the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga).

This site is believed to have been a major centre for Samhain celebrations.

The Celts would light ceremonial fires to welcome the new year and to guide the spirits.

The bonfire at Tlachtga was said to be the largest in Ireland, with flames visible for miles around.

The fires of other communities were lit from its embers, symbolising unity and protection as winter set in.

Archaeologist Dr Steve Davis, from University College Dublin, was one of a team who spent the summer of 2014 working at Tlachtga, about 12 miles from the Hill of Tara.

He told the BBC in 2014 that “there are very few monuments in Ireland that we consider comparable to this”.

“It is a magical and mystical place,” he said..

“We have found evidence of intense burning there, whether you want to equate that with Samhain or not.

“This monument is associated with fire. The medieval texts would associate this very strongly with an annual fire festival.”