Colcannon, carving turnips and Barmbrack: Your favourite Irish Halloween traditions
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Colcannon, carving turnips and Barmbrack: Your favourite Irish Halloween traditions

FROM Colcannon to carving turnips and making barmbrack, it's all part of Halloween festivities in Ireland. 

Earlier this week, we asked you what you remember from your childhood Halloweens at home, and what you still do today to celebrate.

Take a look... 

"When I was younger a tradition in my family like most others was the barnbrack. Myself and my three sisters would wait in anticipation as each slice was cut to see who would get the ring. My parents would giggle at our antics. Halloween was the only time of year that brought out our innocent and playful imaginations on getting married." - Helen Hanrahan 

It was believed that a glass of water and bread would be ..... for souls. (Picture: iStock) It was believed that a glass of water and bread would be offered to souls so they could pass into Heaven. (Picture: iStock)

"Leaving out a glass of water and bread for the souls in Purgatory. It was believed they passed through the homes of the living and the offer of water and bread was a remembrance for the souls and could help them pass into Heaven. I still do it in London." - Cathal McNally 

One person said their father set off fireworks at Halloween. (Picture: iStock) One person said their father set off fireworks at Halloween. (Picture: iStock)

"My family's Halloween parties were renowned in our local village in north Longford. We had party games like bobbing for apples, the cherry and flour dunking game, proper masks and my dad did fireworks. My parents were teachers so we always got targeted for egg on the door." - Shane Reid

"My mam used to make us colcannon, and hide money wrapped in tinfoil. I've carried on this tradition with my own kids." - Aisling Madden

Mixed nuts and coconut always came out at Halloween in Irish households. (Picture: iStock) Mixed nuts and coconut always came out at Halloween in Irish households. (Picture: iStock)

"No pumpkins then, but looked forward to ma getting in all the different nuts in particular the coconut. Great craic on the night with da putting an apple in a bowl of water, then having to fish it our using mouth only. Simple things, with the family together and no fancy dress." - Fiona Jones

"Black bag costumes! Mam made myself and my sister into witches every year with a few simple holes for our arms and heads! Our friends' mam down the street did the exact same." Lauren Ní Chadhain

Bobbing for apples was the main Halloween game played for readers. (Picture: iStock) Bobbing for apples was the main Halloween game played for readers. (Picture: iStock)

"I remember playing games at Halloween, like The Five Plates where one child covers their eyes and you guide them to the plates each plate has certain things in it such as earth, water, and a ring. Pending which one you placed your hands on, for example, the ring meant you would be married by the end of the year, earth meant you would die and water meant you would cross the sea. It was very funny, and we'd also do apple dunking and roasting chestnuts. Once, my brother put on a white sheet and went down the road with his fiddle and frightened my sister who was coming home late with her boyfriend when she got out of car to open the gate alone. My father would tell ghost stories and frighten us, we had so many fun times." - Breda McKenna 

Colcannon is ever popular with an Irish mammy around Halloween time. (Picture: iStock) Colcannon is ever popular with an Irish mammy around Halloween time. (Picture: iStock)

"Making a cold tea back, and having colcannon and pork chops for dinner as my mam always cooked this and hid money in the colcannon. Of course my son will dress up this year too. Love Halloween." - Siobhán Browne 

The Halloween festivities in Derry are legendary, with thousands of people taking part in the parade annually. (Picture: Derry Halloween/Facebook) The Halloween festivities in Derry are legendary, with thousands of people taking part in the parade annually. (Picture: Halloween Derry Strabane/Facebook)

"I go back home to Derry for Halloween. It is now and always has been a big thing there. Last year I took some friends over and they loved it. It gets bigger every year, the town centre closes at midday and the family fun begins then as the whole town dresses up and there's a big parade followed by the fireworks." - JJ Thompson 

"Wearing the same costume year after year - none of this fancy going out and buying a whole costume. That didn't exist in our day - it was a black sack and a mask. Not really scary but it was fun." - Ciara Murphy 

What is your favourite part of an Irish Halloween? Let us know in the comments below...