€300,000 has been allocated to Halloween tourism in Longford and Westmeath over the next three years. The counties will receive €100,000 per year to support the development of Halloween festivals rooted in local folklore, community involvement and cultural heritage. Longford Westmeath is one of only five regions selected for the Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme, which will see a total of €1.5 million invested across the country.
The festivals supported under the scheme are expected to attract 270,000 visitors and support over 500 jobs nationally over the three-year period. Longford Councillor Niall Gannon volunteers at the Longford Dead of Night Festival each year. He says these events have many benefits for the people and businesses of the region:
