Portlaoise Samhain Folk Festival 2026 to continue celebrations for Halloween weekend

The Portlaoise Samhain Folk Festival will continue their celebrations through Halloween weekend, with a unique celebration of folklore, myth, history and traditions.

Organised by the Laois City Council, the festival brings 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," reads a statement.

The celebrations kicked off yesterday, with events taking place across local spots including Portlaoise Library, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Midlands Park Hotel and Kavanagh's Bar & Venue.

Highlights include a Myths, Monsters & Magic Illustration Workshop today, with David Butler hosting the creative folklore art event. Tomorrow, visitors can enjoy the Step Inside the Story Dome event - guests will join storyteller Vicky McFarland inside a "magical portable dome" for live storytelling and projected animation.

The festivities continue on Saturday, with Plámásing with Fionn Phelan, a cozy evening of wonderful storytelling, music and great conversation with special guests. Then, the festival closes on Sunday with Laois: Its Dark Histories, a discussion of local mysteries, superstitions and legends, complete with special musical and character performances.

"Samhain is one of Ireland's most important cultural traditions, with roots that stretch back centuries and connections that can be found across Europe," said festival coordinator David Broderick.

"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."

More information and the full programme is available here.