Portlaoise Samhain festival will celebrate rich European folklore
Portlaoise will host a vibrant four-day celebration exploring ancient myths, shared European traditions, and local heritage from 29 October to 1 November 2026. This exciting cultural showcase will feature engaging workshops, live storytelling, and seminars across welcoming local venues.
Source:
Laois County Council
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⏱️ 1 min read
Portlaoise is set to host a spectacular four-day celebration of folklore, myth, history, and tradition from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Funded through Cultúr 2026 as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this year’s inspiring theme, "Ireland, Europe and the Stories That Bind Us," will highlight the beliefs and cozy traditions that unite communities across the continent.
Events will take place across welcoming local spots including Portlaoise Library, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Midlands Park Hotel, and Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue. Festival highlights will feature the Myths, Monsters & Magic Illustration Workshop with David Butler, an interactive talk with author Ellen Ryan, immersive Story Dome adventures with Vicky McFarland, and the thought-provoking Myth & Memory Seminar at the Midlands Park Hotel.
Festival Coordinator David Broderick emphasised that the gathering will celebrate the unique stories of Laois alongside the broader customs linking European communities. Advance booking will be essential for all events, with full schedules available on the official Creative Laois and Laois Libraries social media pages, and enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Events will take place across welcoming local spots including Portlaoise Library, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Midlands Park Hotel, and Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue. Festival highlights will feature the Myths, Monsters & Magic Illustration Workshop with David Butler, an interactive talk with author Ellen Ryan, immersive Story Dome adventures with Vicky McFarland, and the thought-provoking Myth & Memory Seminar at the Midlands Park Hotel.
Festival Coordinator David Broderick emphasised that the gathering will celebrate the unique stories of Laois alongside the broader customs linking European communities. Advance booking will be essential for all events, with full schedules available on the official Creative Laois and Laois Libraries social media pages, and enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
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