Spirit of Samhain Halloween Event Youghal

This festival transports you back in time to the ancient Celtic traditions of Samhain. This mystical event unfolds in the historic town of Youghal, a town steeped in legends and folklore.  An Bhean Uisce will once again walk through the streets  collecting the hopes, dreams, and wishes of her town’s people. Youghal Library itself will come alive as storytellers weave haunting tales of spirits, lost souls, and eerie encounters.The highlight of the Samhain festival will be the Witches’ Ritual.

Guests are welcome to observe this ritual from the Mall walls, witnessing the blending of ancient traditions with our modern day ones.  We will say a fond farewell as  An Bhean Uisce returns to the Otherworld for another year.

30th October 

1.00pm - 3.00pm Witchling School of Arts and Crafts at Chill (Slice and Ice)

Hocus Pocus let's all focus, crafty witches join together, witches’ pumpkins crafts galore, come, create, enjoy, explore.

Craft kits: Witch €7 (7-12yrs+) Pumpkin €5 (4-7 yrs) Family discounts available.

7.00pm - 9.00pm Tales by Candlelight Meeting at Youghal Tourist Office

Tales by Candlelight is an immersive storytelling event in the medieval town of Youghal, where ghosts step out of the shadows to share their chilling tales from their past lives. Tales of love, betrayal, and tragedy. Hear Moll Goggin speak about how she waits and longs for her husband who never comes home, or Florence Newtons story of torture for being proclaimed a witch. Taking place the night before Halloween, the town transforms into a hauntingly atmospheric setting, with the glow of candlelight flickering against the centuries old stone walls. We hope you leave this walking tour with tales to tell and memories that linger long after the candles have extinguished!

Free Event (all ages)

31st October

11.00am -12.00pm Spooktales at Youghal Library

Spooktales is a special storytelling event for children held at the library. Perfect for small and big kids who enjoy spooky stories, the event features a selectin of fun and scary Halloween tales that spark the imagination and celebrate the season. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and join in the festive atmosphere.

Free Event (big and small kids!)

2pm - 2.30pm Bridewell Prison Youghal: A Brief History at Youghal Library

Join Shirley Lougheed local storyteller and historian as she takes us on a journey of prison life in Youghal in the 1840's during the famine years.

2.30pm - 5.00pm Halloween Face Painting Extravaganza Cromwell's Arch

Join us for our stress-free Trick or Treat face painting event. A special event designed to give parents a break while their kids get into the Halloween spirit! Our talented face painting artists will be on hand to create amazing, Halloween inspired designs for the kids. So, come out and let us make your Halloween preparations easier with some festive, creative fun.

€2 donation

2.30pm - 5.00pm Trick Or Treat Street At Cromwell's Arch

We are thrilled to unveil "Trick or Treat Street". A one-of-a-kind event where we have completely transformed Cromwell's Ach into a spooky fun- filled adventure for children to enjoy. Designed to bewitch kids into the Spirit of Samhain, the event promises an afternoon of treats, costumes, and playful frights, making it the ultimate Halloween Street in Youghal!

5.00pm - 7.00pm While the town of youghal is bustling with children trick-or-treating another scene begins to unfold

Amidst the darkness, cloaked figures converge on the Mall Beach making preparations for the Samhain Celebrations "See you at the ritual at 7pm" they call......

7.00pm - 8.00pm Witches of Youghal Samhain Celebrations at the Mall Beach

As darkness descends, the shoreline transforms into a mystical landscape where the veil between the two worlds thins. The air is charged with an otherwordly energy as the Witches, Shamans, and Druids prepare to celebrate Samhain. An Bhean Uisce comes alive at Halloween and walks amongst the living once more. Witness the Handfasting of the Dagda, the god of earth and magic, with The Morrigan the goddess of war and sovereignty. Watch the witches perform their favourite broom dance!

8.00pm 8.30pm The Grim Reaper Procession at the Mall Beach

Brace yourself for the Grim Reaper comes to Youghal, riding his white horse "Luna". Join in the procession as he ventures through the town. For whom does the bell toll on Halloween night?

8.30pm Farewell to an Bhean Uisce Mall Beach

Witches gather to say a beautiful farewell to an Bhean Uisce.