Discover the Soul of Samhain at:
The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre
A month of Samhain events at TSEAC, each deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of storytelling, folklore, and mythology.
About Samhain at TSEAC
This October, The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre proudly joins the 'Fingal Home of Halloween' celebrations with a month-long journey into the heart of Ireland’s ancient festival, ‘Samhain’.
Rooted in the rich traditions of storytelling, folklore, and mythology, our program offers an immersive and authentic experience that honours the legacy of Séamus Ennis, whose life’s work preserved the songs, stories, and customs of communities across Ireland.
From the whispering winds of Fourknocks megalithic passage tomb, to the fireside tales of wandering musicians, Samhain marks a time when the veil between worlds thins and stories come alive. Through Ennis’s lens, we explore the voices of the past and celebrate the enduring spirit of Irish culture with a modern twist.
Our Samhain Series begins with our vibrant Harvest Food Fair, showcasing local produce, artisan goods, and live music that echo the communal gatherings of old. Families can dive into tradition through creative kids workshops, crafting owl logs and dreamcatchers, or enjoy a cosy Halloween film afternoon. Adults are invited to step deeper into the lore with an exclusive evening of whiskey and folklore, singing sessions, and historical talks, including a special presentation by history of goth author, John Robb and archaeological insights into the Fourknocks Tomb.
Every event is designed to connect you with the true essence of Samhain, its rituals, its stories, and its magic.
Whether you're a curious traveller or a local soul, this is your invitation to experience Samhain as it was meant to be: raw, real, and rooted in the land.
Samhain events at The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre will run from Sunday 5th October to Sunday 2nd November. In keeping with the intimate nature of our gatherings, and to honour the quiet magic of the turning year, places at these exclusive events will be strictly limited. We invite you to book early and secure your place among the fireside stories, ancient echoes, and spirited celebrations that await.
Samhain Events
Check out our upcoming Samhain Events here at TSEAC.
Please note, spaces are extremely limited so early booking is strongly advised.
Harvest Food Fair
Sunday 5th October | 11:00 - 16:00
Step into the spirit of Samhain with a cosy celebration of harvest and hearth at TSEAC. Our courtyard comes alive with artisan stalls, local produce, and autumnal treats with everything from pumpkin bakes to soul-warming soups. Enjoy live music, good company, and the magic of the turning year.
Herbs, Hexes, and Halloween - Samhain Traditions & Irish Herbal Lore
Sunday 5th October | 14:00
Join Denise Dunne from The Herb School for a magical Samhain workshop exploring native Irish herbs and ancient healing traditions. Discover how wise women once used plants like elder, mugwort, and yarrow for ritual and protection. Enjoy wild herb tea, learn folklore, and watch demos on crafting a Samhain Parshall cross and mugwort smudge stick. A sensory journey into the herbal roots of Halloween!
TSEAC Singing Sessions
Thursday 16th October | 19:00
Celebrate Samhain through the art of song at TSEAC’s candlelit Singing Session. Featuring special guest singer, Róis Ní Mhurchú, this free, informal evening welcomes singers and listeners alike. Join us in person or online for a soulful night of music, community, and seasonal magic.
Death in the Neolithic: Fourknocks & the Ancestors
Friday 24th October | 20:00
As the season of Samhain draws near and the veil between worlds grows thin, join Dr. Jessica Smyth (UCD) for an exploration of death, memory and the ancestors in Neolithic Ireland. This immersive talk invites you to journey into the ancient world of Fourknocks, a Neolithic passage tomb where communities once gathered to make sense of death
Kids - Fused Glass Workshop
Monday 27th October | 11:00
Celebrate the season with a hands-on fused glass workshop at TSEAC! Kids aged 8+ can create Samhain-themed sun catchers or coasters with artist Eddie, learning the magic of glass fusing in a fun, relaxed setting. All materials provided. Younger children welcome with adult supervision.
Kids - Animal Sculpture Workshop
Tuesday 28th October | 11:00
Get hands-on with sculptor Sally Ann Morgan in this fun clay workshop where kids sculpt hedgehogs, sheep, or magical creatures using terracotta and coloured clays. A creative way to connect with nature and the season, and take home a handmade sculpture to treasure!
Kids - Owl Log Workshop
Tuesday 28th October | 15:30
Join Andrew from OWLS Charity for a fun, hands-on workshop crafting owls from logs, feathers, and natural materials. Learn about these mysterious night creatures and their habitats, perfect companions for Samhain, when the veil thins and nature whispers its secrets.
Kids - Dreamcatcher Workshop
Wednesday 29th October | 11:00
Inspired by ancient traditions, this creative workshop invites kids to craft their own dreamcatchers using willow, feathers, and beads. As Samhain opens the door to dreams and mystery, we’ll weave webs to catch the bad ones and let the good ones flow. A beautiful way to connect with the season through craft and story.
The Secret of Kells - Family Film Event
Thursday 30th October | 20:00
Enter the mystical world of Irish folklore with a special Samhain screening of The Secret of Kells at TSEAC. This beautifully animated tale weaves ancient legend, art, and adventure, perfect for families looking to celebrate the season through story and imagination.
Kids - Drawing and Clay inspired by Fourknocks and Newgrange
Thursday 30th October | 20:00
Join Alison for a hands-on drawing and clay workshop inspired by the ancient art of Fourknocks and Newgrange. Kids will recreate megalithic designs using chalk and paper, then imprint their creations onto air-drying clay using fun textures and tools. Suitable for ages 6+, and don’t forget to wear old clothes or bring an apron!
An Taibhse – An Irish Horror Film Night
Thursday 30th October | 20:00
This Samhain, gather for a haunting film experience rooted in Irish folklore and ancestral echoes. An Taibhse invites you into a world where the veil is thin and the past lingers in shadow. Atmospheric, eerie, and steeped in myth, this is a night for those drawn to the darker side of storytelling. Join us for a screening that stirs the spirit and awakens the old fears.
Uisce Beatha – Monks, Moonshine and Mythical Mashbills
Saturday 1st November | 20:00
Celebrate the spirit of Samhain through an expert whiskey tasting to unlock the dark side.
Embrace the dark on a whiskey-fuelled journey through the origin story of Uisce Beatha. Rosi Goswell, the designer of Ireland’s official whiskey glass, the Tuath, and Gary Quinn author of the Harper Collins Irish whiskey guide, invite you to celebrate Samhain with a premium whiskey tasting.
John Robb with Richard Jobson (The Skids)
Sunday 2nd November | 16:00
Step into the shadows of Samhain and Goth with music legend and author John Robb, joined by punk icon Richard Jobson. Through stories, conversation, and cultural insight, explore the art, rebellion, and spirit that shaped generations. A powerful afternoon of spoken word, memory, and myth.