Storms fail to dampen fiery start of Samhain festival

DESPITE the best efforts of storms Austen and Boelo to put a dampener on proceedings, Samhain Festival got off to a fiery start over the bank holiday weekend.

Over 2,000 people packed out the grounds of Carlow College on Friday for the flagship event of Samhain Festival calendar, fire night.

Carlow College was transformed into a setting inspired by myth, folklore and the traditions of Samhain.

Irish spectacle company VolkiDána – founded by spectacle artist and designer Bridget Ní Dhuinn and contemporary circus artist and director Polina Shapkina – presented their new outdoor production, Ephemera. It followed the story of an ancient deity awakening for one final journey, surrounded by fire, movement and music.

Samhain festival continues until 1 November, with more events taking place across the county, including a Dragon Festival (pictured) that continues today, Tuesday at The Exchange, Potato Market, Carlow.

Venues are being transformed for the week, inspired by the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.

At Visual, a free spooky scavenger hunt takes place from 11am to 5.30pm every day this week. The evening programme includes live music, storytelling, films and more.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, Active Carlow is hosting free Halloween games at The Exchange from 2.30-5.30pm, with face painting, dancing and more.

Elsewhere in the county, visitors can take a wander through the Ghosts in the Gardens exhibition at Delta Sensory Gardens or immerse themselves in folklore and history at Duckett’s Grove.

For the full programme of events, visit www.visualcarlow.ie.