Laois - It’s Dark Histories was a night of discussion, music and stories hosted by Laois broadcaster Ann Marie Kelly at Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise during the Samhain Folk Festival 2026 over the Halloween weekend.
The event featured storyteller Michael Creagh, didgeridoo player Adam Tahraoui and harpist Tríona Marshall and panellists Ann Moylan, Pat Critchley, Prof Henry O’Connell and Nuala Hayes
The festival featured connections between Irish and European folklore, myth, history and tradition.
The festival was funded through Cultúr 2026 - the national cultural programme supporting Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and supported by Creative Ireland Laois, in partnership with Laois County Council.
9. Krystal Poobalan with Prof Henry O’Connell (panelist), Tadhg and Maria Delaney.
Picture: Julie Harvey.
10. Acclaimed Irish harpist Tríona Marshall.
Picture: Julie Harvey.
11. Brianna O’Sullivan with Owen Joyce.
Picture: Julie Harvey.
12. Nuala Hayes (panellist) with Matt Doyle, Pat Critchley (panellist) and Festival coordinator David Broderick (Creative Ireland Laois) at Laois - It’s Dark Histories, panel discussion and entertainment, hosted by broadcaster Ann Marie Kelly at Dunamaise Arts Centre, during the Samhain Folk Festival 2026.
Picture: Julie Harvey