Halloween is fast approaching, and seeing as it was the Irish who brought this frightening festival to the world, IrishCentral is starting a month long series of dark and dastardly tales. From the origins of the Celtic festival Samhain, the ghouls and monsters the Irish have made famous, to our own special pick of Sinister Samhain Scoundrels our Halloween section will have you fully prepped for October 31.

You can follow all our horrid horror stories of Halloween here

Halloween or Samhain falls between Oíche Shamhna (October 31) and Lá na Marbh (November 2). Oíche Shamhna is Halloween and Lá na Marbh, is the Day of the Dead, or All Souls Day, when those who have passed away are remembered. It marks the beginning of the “darker half” of the year as the winter approaches. It was the Irish who brought the jack-o-lantern and dressing up in costumes to the world and this month will be exploring the history and mythology behind the ancient Celtic holiday.

This October we’ll also be taking a look at dark figures of the spooky season from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to banshees and a famous Irish ghost stories to the dark criminals and ne'er do wells such as Billy the Kid, Chicago May, and a mass serial killer Jane Toppan. By the end of the month we’ll have you inspired to dress up as a figure from Irish history or at least quaking in your boots.

Of course Halloween as well as being a time for ghost and scares is also a time for parties, fun and games. Throughout the month we’ll be filling you in on strange traditions from Halloweens of yesteryear as well as some traditional recipes for the season and some fun finger food for your celebrations.

This October if you’re looks for scares, history, recipes and of course dark and haunting tales we’ve got you covered!

From all of us at IrishCentral…..BOO!