DIY Halloween costumes, inspired by Irish Mythology

Written by Clíodhna Ní Chorráin October, 2024
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Every year, as Halloween approaches, that last-minute panic hits us when choosing a Halloween costume. We see the same options every single year! A witch? A vampire? A clown? How about a cowboy? An angel? A devil? A pumpkin, perhaps?! This is your chance to take on a new challenge this year. Let your creativity run wild and create your own outfit! But let’s not get stuck with the same old ideas. Instead, let’s showcase Ireland’s rich heritage and draw inspiration from the stories, heroes and various characters from Irish mythology.

DIY Halloween costumes, inspired by Irish Mythology

Here you’ll find some inspiration, ideas and ways to be creative!

An Chailleach Bhéarra / The Hag of Béarra

Out with the old, traditional witch, in with the Hag of Béarra! One of Irish folklore’s oldest mythological characters, she was the goddess of winter. Find yourself a dark, hooded cloak, and you’ll be ready to go!

Manannán mac Lir

Manannán mac Lir was the sea-god of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Horse-riding over the waves, as though they are land, sword in your hand, you’ll be unstoppable!

An Púca

A mischievous shape-shifter, who comes in many forms! Be creative and decide your own appearance – animal form one minute, human form the next. Your unpredictable nature means you’ll be playing a lot of tricks and moving between realms of existence.

An Bhean Sí

The Banshee is a well-known figure in Irish folklore and following the success of the film The Banshees of Inisherin, she has been popularized again. She may appear in the form of a beautiful, magical woman, as an old keening woman, or even as a ghostly figure. Whichever appearance you choose, she’s sure to be extremely powerful!

Gráinne Mhaol

The Pirate Queen! A fierce and independent figure in Irish history who was a trailblazer for leadership, women's rights, bravery, and resistance. Grab some baggy clothes, a bandana, or a pirate hat, and you’ll be ready to set sail!

The Morrígan

If one goddess isn’t enough, here are three goddesses in one! Associated primarily with war, fate, and sovereignty, each of the three figures within the Morrígna has distinct attributes and roles, whether it be Morrigan, Badb, or Macha. Through and through, she is a symbol of the complexity of war and conflict, as well as the importance of our land. Surround yourself with crows, ravens, and symbols of nature to embody her!

Cú Chulainn

Cú Chulainn is one of the most famous heroes in Irish mythology and was renowned for his strength and heroism, and also for being a phenomenal hurler. Grab your hurley and you’ll be ready to go!

Balor of the Evil Eye

Hailing from Tory Island, he was the leader of the Formorians, the rival tribe of the Tuatha Dé Danann. He was a fierce and vicious giant, with a large eye in the middle of his face – a magic, poisonous eye that could kill people just by looking at them! The scarier your costume, the better!

Halloween is certainly a very important festival in the Gaelic calendar, and a lot of superstitions related to it can be found in Irish folklore. But it is not only at this time of year that you can learn about the folklore of the country! If you are interested in learning more about Irish folklore, you can read about the stories, superstitions, and traditions associated with it and their connection with the supernatural world in Gaelchultúr’s popular folklore courses.

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