Laois to host four-day Samhain Folk Festival to celebrate stories and traditions 

PORTLAOISE is preparing to host a unique four-day celebration of folklore, myth, history and tradition from 29 October to 1 November.

Bringing together wonderful storytellers, historians, artists and neighbours alike, the Portlaoise Samhain Folk Festival invites everyone to explore the magical connections between Laois, Ireland and the wider European community.

Funded through Cultúr 2026 ‒ the national cultural programme supporting Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union ‒ this year’s theme of Ireland, Europe and the Stories That Bind Us celebrates the shared stories, beliefs and cozy traditions that unite us all.

Events will take place locally, including Portlaoise library, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Midlands Park Hotel and Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue.

Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss: Beware the Fairy Fort, Thursday, 5.30pm, Portlaoise library. Discover why our ancestors revered, feared and carefully avoided fairy forts and how these age-old tales still shape Irish storytelling today.

In person with author Ellen Ryan, Friday, 4.30pm, Portlaoise library. Meet the author of They Called Us Witch for an interactive look at true stories of historical women labelled as witches, priestesses and healers.

Myths, monsters and magic illustration workshop, Friday, 11am, Portlaoise library. A fun, creative, folklore illustration workshop with David Butler.

Step inside the story dome, Saturday, Portlaoise library. Join storyteller Vicky McFarland inside a magical portable dome featuring live storytelling and projected animation full of heart and imagination.

Myth and memory seminar, Saturday, 3pm, Midlands Park Hotel. A gathering of leading minds exploring shared traditions, protective charms and European folklore.

Plámásing with Fionn Phelan, Saturday, 9pm, Kavanagh's Bar & Venue. A cozy evening of wonderful storytelling, music and great conversation with special guests.

Laois: Its Dark Histories, Sunday, 3pm, Dunamaise Arts Centre. A fascinating closing discussion on local mysteries, superstitions and legends, complete with special musical and character performances.

Festival co-ordinator David Broderick said: "Samhain is one of Ireland's most important cultural traditions, with roots that stretch back centuries and connections that can be found across Europe. This festival celebrates not only the unique stories of Laois but also the shared folklore, customs and beliefs that link communities across Europe. Through storytelling, discussion, music and performance, we hope to inspire people to rediscover the stories that shape our identities, our sense of place and our cultural heritage."

Full festival schedule ‒ Thursday 29 October: Portlaoise library, 3pm, Biddy Aghaboe: Wise Women, Wells and Water with Michelle Quirke; 5.30pm, Beware the Fairy Fort: Tales from Ireland's Otherworld with Erika Lewis; 7pm, Haunting Echoes of Ireland's Past with author Colm Donnelly, exploring Ireland's rich and forgotten ruins; all day, repeated screenings of the film The Elder Days; Friday 30 October, 11am, Myths, Monsters and Magic illustration workshop with David Butler; 4.30pm, They Called Us Witch, an interactive talk (13+) with author Ellen Ryan; all day, immersive story dome adventures with Vicky McFarland plus repeated film screenings.

Other events: 3pm, family-friendly heritage walking tour with Michael Parsons; 8pm, screening of the short film Poulastore, The Heath community hall; 8pm, Witches in art, a multimedia art talk, Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Saturday 31 October: 10am to 3pm: Myth and Memory seminar, Ireland, Europe and the Folklore of Laois, Midlands Park Hotel, featuring talks by David Broderick (The Evil Eye), Tony Delaney (Our Past), Aaron Grimes (Witch Hunting in Britain and Europe versus Ireland) and Nuala Hayes (Collecting Folklore in Laois); 9am to 11pm, Plámásing with Fionn Phelan, Kavanagh's Bar & Venue, featuring guests Cormac Strain, Aileen Donovan and Alannah Murray.

Sunday 1 November: 3-5pm, Laois: Its Dark Histories, hosted by Ann-Marie Kelly, Dunamaise Arts Centre. A panel discussion with Nuala Hayes, Teddy Fennelly, professor Henry O'Connell and Pat Critchley, accompanied by Michael Creagh (as Canon O'Hanlon) and musician Adam Tahraoui.

Brochures are available to pick up from Portlaoise library.

Programme updates and full event details can be found on the Creative Laois and Laois Libraries Facebook and Instagram pages.

Advance booking is essential for all events; check the brochure for specific booking instructions.

For any questions, email creativelaois@laoiscoco.ie.

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme