‘Embrace the magic’: Carlow’s Samhain festival promises fire and fun
Samhain Festival will getunderway from October 22nd until November 1st in Carlow
Carlow is preparing to “embrace the magic” of Samhain Festival next month.
It’s a countywide celebration inspired by the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of harvest and the beginning of winter.
Taking place from 22 October to 1 November, the festival will transform venues in Carlow with an immersive programme of folklore, music, performance, storytelling, visual arts, family entertainment and Halloween-inspired experiences.
Presented in partnership with VISUAL, Delta Sensory Gardens, Carlow Libraries, The Exchange, Duckett's Grove and a range of community and fringe venues, Samhain Festival 26 invites visitors and residents to “step beyond the ordinary” and experience Carlow through the lens of myth, tradition and imagination.
At VISUAL, audiences can enjoy a programme featuring storytelling, live music, cinema, fire spectacles, family events, art workshops and the hugely popular Spooky Scavenger Hunt.
Highlights include the powerful theatrical production ‘The Last Witch Bridget Cleary,’ the spectacular FIRE NIGHT featuring VolkiDána, family fun days, traditional music, storytelling and a host of creative activities for all ages.
Visitors can also wander through Ghosts in the Gardens at Delta Sensory Gardens, discover dragons and theatrical adventures at The Exchange, enjoy creative workshops and spooky storytelling at Carlow Libraries, and immerse themselves in folklore and history at the atmospheric setting of Duckett's Grove.
The Fringe Festival programme will extend the celebrations into towns, villages and rural communities across the county through traditional music sessions, folklore evenings, family farm experiences and Halloween movie nights.
"Samhain Festival has become one of Carlow's most distinctive cultural celebrations, connecting contemporary audiences with the rich traditions, stories and folklore that have shaped our communities for generations. This year's programme is our most ambitious yet, creating memorable experiences across multiple venues and bringing together artists, performers, families and visitors in a unique celebration of the season. Whether you're drawn by fire, folklore, music, theatre or family fun, there is something for everyone to discover,” Niall Scully, Director of VISUAL, said.
From ancient traditions and local legends to spectacular performances and family adventures, Samhain Festival 26 promises ten days of unforgettable experiences where the familiar becomes strange and stories come to life.
Full programme details, booking information and event schedules are available at www.visualcarlow.ie.