The Irish Origin Of Halloween

Discover the Irish origin of Halloween, from the ancient festival of Samhain to bonfires, costumes, turnips, and the traditions we celebrate today.

When we think of Halloween, we think of carved pumpkins, bobbing for apples, trick-or-treating, decorations and spooky costumes. But did you know that, before Halloween became a global celebration, many of its traditions have Irish origins?

Long before children dressed up and went door-to-door looking for sweets, people in Ireland were celebrating Samhain (An tSamhain), an ancient Celtic festival marking one of the most important turning points of the year.

What was Samhain?

For the Celts, the 1st of November marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The celebrations traditionally began on the evening of 31st October and continued through the night into 1st November.

Samhain was much more than simply a change of season. The Celtic year was closely connected to agriculture, nature and the changing seasons, and this was a significant moment in the calendar. The harvest had been gathered, livestock were brought in from their summer pastures, and preparations were being made for the long winter ahead.

A Night Between Worlds

Samhain was also believed to be a time when the boundary between the natural world and the Otherworld became bridged.

The Celts believed that supernatural beings and the souls of the dead could cross into our world during Samhain. People took part in customs intended to protect themselves, their families and their homes from potentially harmful supernatural forces.

The Celts carved turnips and other root vegetables into lanterns and added candles to ward off evil spirits. It is believed they also disguised themselves during Samhain to protect themselves from supernatural beings and wandering spirits, which were thought to roam the earth during the festival. By disguising themselves, people hoped to avoid being recognised or harmed.

Food and hospitality were also an important part of Samhain. With the harvest complete, communities gathered to share food and mark the beginning of winter. In later Irish traditions, families were said to set an extra place at the table or leave food out for deceased loved ones and visiting spirits.

The Irish Origin of Bonfires

Bonfires had a practical purpose, providing warmth and creating a focal point for communities to gather at the beginning of winter. They also held symbolic significance. The flames were associated with protection and purification and were believed to help ward off harmful supernatural forces. Some accounts indicate that cattle were led around or between fires before being taken to their winter pastures, a practice thought to have been intended to protect the livestock. In some traditions, people also brought embers from the communal fire back to their homes and used them to relight their hearths, symbolically carrying the protective fire into the new season.

From Samhain to Halloween

Over time, Samhain became intertwined with Christian traditions, with All Hallows’ Eve falling on 31st October, the evening before All Saints’ Day. The name eventually evolved into Halloween.

Irish immigrants carried their Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century, where they continued to evolve. The traditional Irish turnip lantern was replaced by the larger, easier-to-carve pumpkin, giving us the Jack-o’-lantern we know today.

From the Irish Origin of Halloween to Modern Ireland

Halloween is now celebrated all over the world, but it remains particularly significant in Ireland. Bonfires, costumes, storytelling, and supernatural folklore are still part of Halloween celebrations in communities across the country. While the traditions have changed considerably over the centuries, the connection with the changing seasons remains.

With Halloween’s Irish roots in mind, why not embrace the traditions this year? Carve your own pumpkin, enjoy some Halloween treats, and cosy up beside a warm WillowWarm fire for the perfect autumn evening. Check out our Halloween movie blog for recommendations on what to watch while you’re curled up by the fire.

Halloween Movies & Where to Stream Them for a Cozy Halloween Night in

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Halloween movies, along with where you can watch them.

We’ve split our picks into two lists. First up are family-friendly favourites that everyone can enjoy. Then, for those who like their Halloween a little scarier, we’ve got our horror picks for the more daring viewers.

If you are brave enough to tackle the second list… Don’t blame us if you are checking under your bed afterwards.

Halloween Movies for the Whole Family

1. Hocus Pocus (Disney +)

Hocus Pocus is perhaps one of the most iconic Halloween movies and has truly stood the test of time. Follow the Sanderson sisters in this fun, witchy Halloween classic.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 42%
Rated:PG

2. Scooby–Doo (Disney +)

Join Scooby and the gang to solve mysterious cases involving spooky creators and strange happenings.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 32%
Rated: PG

3. The Haunted Mansion (Disney+)

This 2003 film stars Eddie Murphy as a family man who finds himself trapped in a haunted mansion filled with ghosts and plenty of spooky surprises.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 14%
Pated: PG

4. Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney +)

This Tim Burton classic follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring a little Christmas to Halloween Town.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Rated: PG

5. Casper (NOW TV/Sky Cinema)

This 1995 classic tells the story of a friendly ghost who befriends a young girl while trying to uncover the mystery and secrets of a haunted mansion.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 59%
Rated: PG

6. The Addams Family 2 (RTE Player)

The Addams Family are on another bizarre adventure. Expect strange characters and spooky surprises along the way. This animated spooky comedy is perfect for the whole family.

This film opened a whole can of worms for me, and I had to go back and watch the original 1991 and 1993 movies! Such a fun franchise, and while the original films are a little darker, they’re still PG and suitable for older kids and families.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 28%
Rated: PG

7. K-pop Demon Hunter (Netflix)

Not technically a Halloween movie, but this modern animation has plenty of supernatural elements and is very, very popular with the kids — for good reason! Join K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey as they secretly battle supernatural spirits while protecting their fans. This animated musical is packed with action, catchy music and plenty of fun, and has taken the world by storm.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Rated: PG

8. Hubie Halloween (Netflix)

This family-friendly comedy stars Adam Sandler as the lovable, slightly eccentric Hubie, who finds himself caught in a mystery Halloween Adventure as strange things start happening in his hometown.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 54%
Rated: 12

9. Monster High: The Movie (Paramount +)

This family-friendly animation follows Clawdeen the wolf as she arrives at Monster High and discovers a who’s new world of monsters, adventure and friendship.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Rated: PG

Halloween Movies for Adults. Beware!

1. The Shining (HBO Max)

A true classic. A family is isolated in a sinister hotel, with psychological terror, supernatural elements and plenty of unsettling moments.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
Rated: 18

2. The Blair Witch Project (Netflix)

Another classic. Three filmmakers head into the woods to investigate a local legend, only to become increasingly lost and terrified.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Rated: 15

3. Hereditary (Prime)

This is a deeply unsettling modern horror that’s not for the faint of heart. Following the death of their grandmother, a family begins uncovering terrifying secrets about their ancestry.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Rated: 16

4. The Conjuring 1 & 2 (Prime)

These are your classic supernatural horror films filled with plenty of jump scares. These films follow paranormal investigators who help families whose homes are being haunted by supernatural beings.

The Conjuring Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
The Conjuring Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
Rated 15A

5. The Menu (Disney+)

This psychological thriller follows a couple visiting an exclusive restaurant, where an extravagant dinner takes a very dark and sinister turn. As the evening unfolds, the chef serves up a series of increasingly unusual courses using some very wild ingredients…

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
Rated 16

6. Ready or Not (Disney +)

This gore thriller follows a newlywed who discovers her in-laws have a deadly wedding-night tradition, forcing her into a terrifying game of survival.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
Rated: 16

Now that you’ve got your Halloween movie recommendations, all that’s left to do is grab some snacks, light a cosy WillowWarm fire, and cuddle up on the sofa for a spooky night in.  Top tip: If you’ve chosen a truly spooky movie, you might want to grab a few extra blankets too — perfect for hiding behind when things get a little too scary!

Daylight Saving Time Changes – When Are the Clocks Going Backwards?

It’s that time of the year again, when everyone spends a week asking: “Are we gaining or losing an hour?” 

So, to answer your question once and for all: the clocks go backwards on Sunday, the 25th of October 2026. That means we will gain one hour in bed, and the clock will jump from 2 am back to 1 am. 

Why Do the Clocks Change?

The concept of changing the clocks, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST), was first introduced to make better use of natural daylight and as a result, reduce energy consumption. 

Here’s how it works: 

• In spring, we move clocks forward to enjoy longer evenings, with more sunlight. 

• In autumn, we move them back to get brighter mornings and an easier wake-up. 

When the mornings get lighter, our bodies produce less melatonin (the sleep hormone) and more serotonin (the “feel good” hormone), giving us a subtle energy boost. 

Not Everyone Changes Their Clocks 

While most countries in Europe and North America participate in Daylight Saving Time, plenty of others have said “no thanks.” 

Countries that don’t change their clocks include: 

• China – operates on one standard time zone year-round. 

• Japan – stopped using daylight saving time after World War II.  

• India – sticks to Indian Standard Time all year. 

• Iceland – so far north, daylight saving time barely makes a difference. 

• Most of Africa and South America don’t change their clocks at all. 

Meanwhile, the European Union has discussed ending clock changes altogether, but for now, Ireland still takes part. So, we’ll continue to gain and lose an hour for a little while longer!

The Positives

It’s easy to focus on the hassle of changing your clocks each year, but there are actually plenty of positives to look forward to: 

• Brighter mornings – ideal for early risers. 

• Cosier evenings – perfect for lighting a fire and slowing down after a long day. 

• A healthier routine – that extra hour of sleep when the clocks go back can do wonders for your energy and mood. 

In October, the clock change marks the start of the WillowWarm season, when homes glow brighter, nights get longer, and everyone craves a bit more comfort.

How to Avoid the Classic ‘Wrong-Time Wake-Up’ 

Every March and October, WhatsApp groups fill with confessions like “I showed up to brunch an hour early” or “my oven still thinks it’s summer.” Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 

• Update manual clocks before bed – phones and smart devices will sort themselves out. 

• Enjoy the extra hour when they go back – slow mornings are the best kind of mornings. 

No matter what the clock says, it’s always the right time for comfort and warmth.  

Stock up on WillowWarm briquettes today.

6 Simple Ways to Cut Your Heating and Electricity Costs This Winter

As the colder months arrive, keeping your home warm can have a noticeable impact on your household bills (especially with the rising costs of oil and gas).  The good news is that there are plenty of small changes you can make around the home to reduce unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort. Here are six simple ways to save energy and cut your heating and electricity costs this winter.

2. Reducing Heating Bills

There is little point fully heating rooms that aren’t being used. Rooms such as spare bedrooms, hallways or other spaces that are rarely occupied can use energy unnecessarily.

Turning down the radiators in these rooms can help reduce your heating costs. Using your heating controls or radiator thermostats can also help you manage the temperature in different rooms and avoid accidentally leaving the heating running longer than necessary.

While radiator covers can look great, they can prevent heat from circulating effectively around the room. The same applies to drying clothes directly on your radiators. Wet clothes can block the heat from escaping into the room, meaning your heating system may need to work harder to warm the space.

Bleeding your radiators is another quick and simple way to help them work efficiently. When the heating is on, feel the top and bottom of your radiator. If the top is noticeably colder than the bottom, there may be trapped air inside the radiator and it may need to be bled.

2. Stop Draughts Before They Start

Keeping warm air inside your home is just as important as heating it in the first place.

Check the seals around your doors and windows for signs of wear or gaps. Replacing damaged seals can be a simple and inexpensive way to reduce draughts and help keep your home warmer.

Draught excluders are another easy way to prevent cold air from coming underneath external doors. They can be particularly useful in older Irish homes, where doors and windows may have small gaps that allow cold air in. And they don’t have to be boring! There are plenty of decorative draught excluders available that can add a cosy touch to your home.

Don’t forget your curtains either. Closing your curtains as the sun goes down can help keep the warmth in, particularly if you have heavier or thermal curtains.

3. Reduce Electric Bills: Using Washing Machines and Dishwashers Wisely

Your washing machine and dishwasher can be significant electricity users in a typical Irish home, so it’s worth being mindful of how and when you use them. Where possible, avoid running either appliance with only a small load. Waiting until you have a fuller load means you’re getting more from each cycle and avoiding unnecessary washes.

If you’re on a day/night or time-of-use electricity tariff, check when your cheaper electricity period starts. You may be able to save by running energy-hungry appliances such as your dishwasher and washing machine during these cheaper periods.

For many Irish households with night-rate electricity, this can mean running appliances after 11pm. However, electricity tariffs vary, so check the specific rates and times offered by your supplier before changing your routine.

4. Reduce Electricity Usage: Only Use What You Need

Small habits can make a difference when it comes to your electricity usage.  The kettle is a good example. Rather than filling the kettle every time, only boil the amount of water you actually need. If you’re making one cup of tea, there’s no need to boil enough water for six!

It’s also worth switching appliances off at the socket when you’re finished using them, where appropriate. Unplug chargers and other devices that don’t need to remain plugged in 24/7. While an individual appliance may only use a small amount of electricity on standby, these small amounts can add up across your home over the course of a year.

A simple rule to remember: if you’re not using it, switch it off.

5. Never, Ever Forget the Immersion

If you grew up in Ireland, you’ll probably know all about the importance of remembering to switch off the immersion! Leaving your immersion heating water unnecessarily can use more electricity than you need, so make sure you’re only heating the water when you actually need it.

Get into the habit of checking that the immersion is switched off once you’ve finished using it. If you have a timer or a smart heating control system, use it to help manage when your hot water is heated.

6. Only Heat the Rooms You’re Using

One of the simplest ways to make your heating work harder for you is to think about where and when you actually need heat. Rather than heating the entire house to the same temperature all day, consider which rooms you’re actually using. If the family is settling down together in the living room for the evening, lighting a fire can help create a warm, welcoming space for everyone to gather, rather than heating the whole house when you’re only using one room.

This is where WillowWarm briquettes can help create that perfect cosy atmosphere. With a long, steady burn, they provide lasting warmth to your living space, making them ideal for family evenings spent relaxing together. Whether you’re settling in for a film, catching up after dinner or simply enjoying the warmth of the fire, WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes help make the living room feel warm, comfortable and inviting.

And for the ultimate cosy evening, add a few extra comforts — a soft blanket, warm socks and a hot drink can all make those cold winter nights feel that little bit more inviting.

Energy Saving Changes Can Add Up

You don’t need to make huge changes to your daily routine to reduce your energy use. Turning down an unused radiator, stopping a draught, waiting for a full dishwasher load or simply remembering to switch off an appliance can all help.  This winter, a few small changes around the home could help you use your energy more efficiently and cut your heating and electricity costs while keeping your home warm, comfortable and cosy.

Winter & Heating Costs

As winter approaches, many families will feel the impact of rising energy costs. Pressure to keep central heating use low is increasing as gas and oil prices continue to fluctuate, making budgeting more difficult.This has led to an increase in demand for solid fuels.  Irish households are using central heating alongside their wood-burning stoves and open fires to have more control over energy bills.

Why Solid Fuels Give You More Control of Your Energy Usage

Solid fuels give you more control over where, when, and how much heat you use. With solid fuels like WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes, you have greater control over where you are heating. Lighting a stove in the living room, when the family is gathered around enjoying an evening together, is ideal because you are burning fuel in the only room in use. With central heating, you may be heating the whole house, including bedrooms and hallways. This often means you are spending money heating spaces that aren’t being occupied.

Conscious About Energy Consumption

Using solid fuels encourages people to be more conscious about their energy consumption. Adding fuel to a stove is tangible. You can see exactly how much fuel you are using and then decide if you need more. In comparison, when you turn on your central heating, it’s a simple push of a button, and many people have very little insight into how much energy they are using and the associated cost.

Using Solid Fuels Alongside Central Heating

You don’t need to choose between oil and gas or solid fuels. The best savings come when consumers understand their energy usage and needs. With this understanding, consumers can make informed decisions about which fuels work better during different times of the day. For example, in the morning, when the family wakes up and is preparing for their day, central heating is usually the better choice. During the day, when the house is empty, the heating can be turned off. Early evening, when the family returns home and is preparing dinner or perhaps completing homework, it may be a good idea to have the central heating on, as many different rooms are in use. Late evening, when the family is all settled in the living room, is an ideal time to use the stove.

Budgeting Oil vs Solid Fuels

Buying solid fuels such as WillowWarm briquettes or logs can be helpful for budgeting. WillowWarm briquettes can be purchased in various quantities, such as bags, bales or pallets, depending on your family’s needs. Households can also bulk-buy solid fuels when there is an attractive offer. Having the choice to order a small or large quantity can be particularly useful before payday. You can simply purchase the amount you need at the time. This allows you to manage your budget without committing to a large expense.

With oil, consumers are generally required to purchase a larger quantity in one delivery, which means a significant expense all at once and can make it more difficult to manage the household budget. With the ever-changing price of oil, you also have to pay the price at the time you need your tank refilled. By comparison, with solid fuels, you can choose how much you buy and when you buy it, giving you greater flexibility to manage your spending and heat your home according to your needs.

Enjoy Warm, Cosy Winter Nights with Solid Fuels

Lastly, using solid fuels during cool winter nights creates a warm and cosy environment for the whole family to share quality time together. These simple moments can create magical memories for the whole family to treasure. WillowWarm Carbon Neutral Briquettes are a fantastic choice for your solid fuel needs. They are 100% Irish and made from a blend of renewable forestry and biomass. The high-quality briquettes have a low moisture content, meaning they produce powerful heat and burn for about 180 minutes.

Coming into the autumn/winter season, the most ideal plan is to book a cosy staycation and appreciate Ireland’s beautiful countryside. Autumn’s natural beauty is unmatched and sometimes underappreciated. Rather than dreading the cold months ahead, we at WillowWarm believe you should celebrate and romanticise the changing of seasons and appreciate the natural wonders all around us.  Here are 5 of our favourite autumn/winter getaway rentals in Ireland.

1. Dreamy Romantic Escape at Copper Cove at Lough Sillian

This dreamy cabin getaway is perfect for a romantic escape. Copper Cove has three restored 200-year-old cottages that have all your modern luxuries, including a stunning and cosy wood-burning stove.

The cottages are surrounded by nature, located on tranquil Lough Shercock in Co. Cavan. These adults-only cabins are the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, with a private lakeside spa featuring hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunges in the lake. The cottages also have access to kayaks and paddleboards for those who are more adventurous. For the full-on cosy cabin immersion, the cottages also have BBQs and pizza ovens for the full glamping experience. To top off the romantic getaway Copper Cove offer prosecco and nosecco and lush robes and toiletries.

2. Family Getaway on The Wild Atlantic Way

The Lough View Annex in Moville, Co. Donegal, is located right on Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way. The bungalow has stunning views of Lough Foyle, making it a beautiful spot for a peaceful escape.What we love most about this location is the wood-burning stove, which feels like the heart of the home and would be the perfect backdrop for a night spent with family and loved ones around the fire.

The bungalow has two bedrooms: the upstairs bedroom has a double bed and a large HD TV, while the downstairs bedroom has a large triple bunk bed.This bungalow’s location and amenities, such as the outdoor fire pit, hot tub, and hammock, make it feel like the perfect location for a family-friendly weekend escape, with some quality time spent exploring and enjoying wholesome fun around the fire.

An extra bonus that makes the bungalow extra homely is the fresh bread and a bottle of wine provided by the hosts.

3. Adventures escapes in Noah’s Lookout Treehouse

Noah’s Lookout Treehouse is definitely one of the coolest cabins on our list. The treehouse is located in Macroom, Co. Cork. This adults-only retreat is a mixture of a romantic escape and a fun adventure. The treehouse features a bridge and a secret passage to make your way to the cabin. The treehouse features panoramic views of the forest and mountains and is the perfect place to enjoy some stargazing at night.

The interior of the cabin is designed just as thoughtfully as the exterior. The central point of the treehouse is the stove, which creates a warm, cosy, and peaceful atmosphere for autumn/winter escapes.

4. A Romantic Retreat at The Hidden Haven at Derry Duff

This farm stay in Bantry, Co. Cork, has 109 5-star reviews for good reason. The Hidden Haven at Derry Duff has panoramic views of lakes and mountains and is the perfect place to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in silent nature.

The thoughtfully designed farm stay is light and bright and truly celebrates the stunning landscape, with beautiful views of its surroundings. The escape also celebrates Irish living with Irish-made crafts and a cosy wood-fired stove, ideal for curling up for a cosy night in. The BBQ area also features a fire pit with locally made chairs.

The wood-fired hot tub also makes this stay the most amazing place to watch the sun go down over the mountains.

5. Family Friends Adventure in Carlingford

The Pilot’s Cottage sleeps 8 and is located on the Cooley Peninsula, about 5km from beautiful Carlingford in Co. Louth. The cottage overlooks the lough and has panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and mountains. It has an amazing outdoor spa area with a hot tub and infrared sauna, perfect for rest and relaxation during your getaway.

The cottage’s size and location make it a beautiful location for families or groups of friends seeking a mix of cosy evenings in and hiking and outdoor adventures. The Carlingford Adventure Centre has a wide range of half-day activities within the beautiful surrounding woodlands, on the water in Carlingford Lough, and in their Skypark, which is guaranteed fun for all the family.

What makes this cottage the ideal venue for an autumn/winter getaway with family or friends is its warm and inviting living room, which is the perfect setting for game nights, movie nights, and catching up with loved ones. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the wood-burning stove creates a cosy centrepiece.

Why an Open Fire or Wood Burner is Essential for an Autumn or Winter Escape

There’s something undeniably magical about an autumn or winter getaway in Ireland. Crisp mornings, misty woodland walks, cosy cabins and evenings spent wrapped up warm by a crackling fire.  Whether it’s a romantic treehouse getaway or a family adventure in the countryside, having a cosy stove or open fire makes a stay feel that little bit more special. After a day exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to your cabin, lighting the fire and settling in for the evening.  The warmth and glow of a wood-burner creates the perfect atmosphere to slow down, switch off and enjoy the simple moments — whether that’s chatting over a cup of tea, playing games, reading a book or simply watching the flames.  It’s all about relaxing, reconnecting and making memories together.

Keep Your Cabin Cosy with WillowWarm Briquettes

WillowWarm Guaranteed-Irish briquettes work perfectly in wood-burning stoves and open fires. WillowWarm’s long burn time is due to their low moisture content of less than 7%.  Our briquettes produce a strong, powerful flame for one hour, followed by steady heat for two hours, meaning you can stay cosy by the fire without having to fuss over it.  WillowWarm briquettes are carbon neutral thanks to our hero crop, willow. The willow plant absorbs more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it releases when it burns.  WillowWarm briquettes are also completely natural, with no nasty chemicals added during the growth or production of our briquettes, so there are no nasty chemicals released when you burn them in your home.

Find a stockist today and enjoy a cosy night by the fire this autumn.

We’re delighted to announce that the WillowWarm team will be returning to the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show, taking place from 16th – 18th October 2026 at the RDS, Dublin.

Following a fantastic experience last year, we’re looking forward to once again welcoming visitors and sharing more about how WillowWarm is helping Irish homes stay warm with a more sustainable approach to solid fuel.

Experience the Warmth of WillowWarm

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about our carbon-neutral briquettes, made using Irish-grown willow and locally sourced biomass.

At WillowWarm, we believe staying warm at home should not mean compromising on sustainability. Our briquettes are designed to provide reliable, renewable heat while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Ireland.

Whether you are already familiar with WillowWarm or discovering us for the first time, our team will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer your questions and tell you more about what makes WillowWarm different.

Championing Irish Made Sustainability

WillowWarm is proudly produced in County Meath, using Irish-grown willow and locally sourced biomass to create a renewable alternative to traditional solid fuels.

As more Irish households look for ways to make environmentally conscious choices at home, sustainable heating solutions continue to play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Events such as the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the importance of homegrown, renewable energy and to speak directly with homeowners who are looking for practical ways to create warmer, more sustainable homes.

Join Us at the RDS This October

We’re excited to be part of another fantastic weekend at the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show and look forward to meeting homeowners, families and visitors from across Ireland.

Come and visit the WillowWarm team from 16th–18th October 2026 at the RDS, Dublin, and discover how you can bring warmth and sustainability into your home.

To learn more about WillowWarm and our carbon-neutral briquettes, explore our Sustainability page and discover how our products are helping to create a cleaner energy future for Ireland.

It’s nearly summer in Ireland, which means we finally have some dry days ahead……maybe even some warm ones! It’s finally time to extend your summer evenings outside and enjoy the warm glow of a WillowWarm fire.

Many people across Ireland are already using and loving our carbon-neutral briquettes in their stoves and fireplaces, but did you know that WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes also work great in outdoor fire pits and BBQs?

Why WillowWarm Briquettes?

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes are the perfect fuel source to extend your summer evenings as they burn cleaner, contain no artificial chemicals, and leave behind little ash content.

Because they are made from 100% willow and biomass, there are no harmful chemicals released from your fire pit or onto your food when they burn in your BBQ.

They have a long burn time and produce a strong heat for up to 3 hours to keep you toasty long after the sun sets.

How to use WillowWarm Briquettes in your fire pit

1. Prepare Your Fire Pit

Before lighting your fire, make sure your setup is safe.

• Place your fire pit on a flat, non‑flammable surface, such as stone, brick, or gravel.
• Keep it at least 10 feet away from your house, sheds, trees, or any overhanging flammable materials or decorations.

Remember: many fire pits conduct heat and can become extremely hot on the outside, leaving space reduces the chance of accidental burns.

2. Build the Fire

Build your fire as you normally would:

• Use a small amount of kindling and a firelighter to create your starter flame.
• Add no more than two to three WillowWarm briquettes at first. Because they are dense and heavy, adding too many too soon can choke the fire and reduce airflow.

WillowWarm briquettes are designed to burn slowly and steadily, producing a high heat for a consistent amount of time.

3. Maintain the Fire

Once your fire is established:

• Allow each briquette to burn through naturally. A single briquette can burn for well over an hour, with heat output lasting up to three hours.
• When you feel the heat beginning to ease, add one or two more briquettes as needed. Everyone’s comfort level is different, so adjust based on how warm you like it.
• Place new briquettes horizontally on the glowing bed for the best burn and most efficient airflow.
• Avoid overloading the fire pit; too many briquettes at once can reduce oxygen flow and weaken the flame.

4. Safety

• Never leave your fire pit unattended.
• Store your WillowWarm briquettes somewhere completely dry; they must be kept bone dry for the best performance.
• When finished, fully extinguish the fire with water and stir the ashes to ensure no embers remain.

For more information on how you can use WillowWarm briquettes in your BBQ, check out our blog “Hosting a Zero-Waste BBQ”.

Key Tips for a Great Burn

• Keep it Dry: Always use fully dry briquettes.
• Less is More: WillowWarm briquettes are more efficient than traditional wood; you’ll need fewer to maintain a consistent, powerful heat.
• Minimal Ash: WillowWarm briquettes produce less than 3% ash, making cleanup quick and easy.

For ideas on how to reuse your ash after the fire, check out our blog “How to Repurpose Fire Ash” for creative and practical uses.

If you’d like to enjoy our carbon‑neutral briquettes outdoors in your fire pit to extend your summer evenings, you can find WillowWarm in over 1,500 stockists across Ireland.

And remember, WillowWarm briquettes aren’t just for winter.

Modern heating technology has transformed the way we keep our homes warm. From classic wood-burning stoves to convenient pellet stoves, let’s discuss the difference between the stove types.

The main types of stoves can be broken down into three categories: 1) Wood-burning, 2) Multifuel and 3) Pellet.

1. Wood-Burning Stoves

Also known as wood burners or log burners, these are the most popular choice for solid fuel heating. They burn wood fuel (such as firewood or WillowWarm briquettes) to create a cosy, strong heat.

Tip: Make sure to use ready-to-burn wood fuel such as WillowWarm briquettes. Burning wet, treated, or waste wood can cause dangerous waste deposits and increase the chance of fire hazards.

2. Multifuel Stoves

Multifuel stoves offer flexibility. They can burn wood fuel like a wood-burning stove, but can also handle smokeless fuels thanks to their unique design. A built-in grate allows airflow for efficient combustion of many different fuel types.

Tip: Never burn multiple fuel types at the same time, as this can damage your stove.

3. Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves combine warmth with convenience. They burn compressed wood pellets and feature digital controls for easy temperature regulation. Pellets are fed automatically from a hopper, maintaining consistent heat without any manual effort, saving you a trip up from your cosy couch!

No matter which stove you choose, WillowWarm has you covered.

Our carbon-neutral briquettes work perfectly in wood-burning and multifuel stoves, while our premium pellets are ideal for pellet stoves.

Check out our full range of WillowWarm products here.

Whether you love Irish music, literature, folklore, or simply the joy of coming together, here are some of this year’s standout Irish events and traditions to mark on your calendar.

Main Gatherings and Festivals

TradFest (Jan 21–25, Dublin)

A winter celebration of traditional and folk music in Dublin’s historic venues.

St. Patrick’s Festival (Mar 14–17, Dublin)

Ireland’s national festival with parades, performances, and buzz throughout the city centre.

Bloomsday Festival (Jun 11–16, Dublin)

Step into Irish author James Joyce’s world with readings, performances, and costumed events.

Music Festivals

All Together Now (Jul 30–Aug 2, Waterford)
A boutique blend of music, art, and wellness on the scenic Curraghmore Estate.

Electric Picnic (Aug 28–30, Stradbally)
Ireland’s landmark music and arts festival with big headliners and creative zones.

Cork Jazz Festival (Oct 23–27, Cork)
Jazz legends and emerging artists take over Cork City.

Cultural & Literary Highlights

Galway International Arts Festival (Jul 13–26)
World-class theatre, music, and installations in Galway.

Rose of Tralee (Aug 14–18, Kerry)
A cultural celebration of Irish communities worldwide.

Food & Outdoor Adventures

Taste of Dublin (June, Dublin)
Chef demos, tastings, and gourmet pop-ups in the heart of the city.

Galway Oyster Festival (Sep 25–27)
Oyster-shucking championships and seafood tastings by the waterfront.

Connemara Mountain Walking Festival (May 1–3)
Guided walks through stunning Atlantic landscapes.

These events aren’t just celebrations, they’re a reflection of Ireland’s rich, vibrant culture and deeply rooted community spirit.

Stock up on WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes today.

It’s nearly summer in Ireland, which means we finally have some dry days ahead, maybe even some warm ones. It’s finally the perfect time to enjoy being outside with friends, family and a delicious BBQ. If you’re interested in hosting a guilt-free event or looking to make your BBQ a little more sustainable, why not try hosting a zero-waste BBQ using the following tips:

Ditch Single-Use Plastics

Encourage Your Guests to Carpool or Walk

A wood-burning stove is the perfect way to heat your home, especially during the colder winter months. But to keep it running safely and efficiently, regular cleaning is essential. Neglecting this task can lead to soot-stained glass, poor airflow, and even excess smoke. Follow our step-by-step guide for deep cleaning your stove to keep it in top condition.