Spooky fun guaranteed at Samhain events in Carlow libraries
Zoe Comerford and Blaithin Shortall get into the Halloween spirit at Carlow library
CARLOW Libraries have released a full timetable of free spooky creative and storytelling events for all the family as part of the Samhain Festival 2025.
Between 28 and 31 October, the Borris, Bagenalstown, Tullow and Carlow libraries will host art camps, kids cooking classes, archaeological talks and storytelling sessions.
“Libraries have always been spaces where people gather to learn, imagine and explore – and during Samhain, that mission takes on an especially magical quality”, said John Shortall, county librarian with Carlow County Council. This year’s programme of events is “rich and engaging”, he said.
Jean Robertson is running a Halloween art camp and Deirdre Doyle of The Cool Food School will be hosting kids’ cooking classes involving chocolate apple mummies. There will be creepy crawlies at Dave’s Halloween Jungle and clay monsters will emerge from the sculpting workshop with artist Liga Valge.
Spooky Musical Tales with Ali will entertain children with songs and ghostly narratives. Archaeologist Caoimhe Ní Thóibín is offering a talk about the chilling truths buried in ancient bones called ‘From murder to miscarriage’.
Cllr Daniel Pender, leas-cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said he would “strongly encourage families, children and adults alike” to explore these unique events and embrace the magic that happens when people come together through creativity and shared stories.
The fun line-up of events is as follows:
• 10am to 2pm, Halloween art camp with Jean Robertson
• 3pm and 4.30pm: Kids cooking classes with The Cool Food School
• 6.30pm: From Murder to Miscarriage with Caoimhe Ní Thóibín
• 10am to 12.30pm: Clay monster workshop at Carlow Library
• 2.30pm to 4pm: Halloween art workshop at Borris Library
• 10am to 12.30pm: Clay monster workshop at Tullow Library
• 11am: Dave’s Halloween Jungle at Carlow Library
• 11am: Spooky Musical Tales with Ali at Bagenalstown Library
• 11am: Spooky Musical Tales with Ali.
All events are free and open to the public but spaces are limited and booking is essential.
