Youghal's Spirit of Samhain Festival Returns with Witches, Druids and Celtic Magic

Youghal will transform into a mystical celebration of ancient Irish traditions this Halloween, as the Spirit of Samhain festival returns on 30th and 31st October with an authentic blend of heritage, culture and modern festivities.

Organised by Spirit of Youghal Events, a dedicated group of volunteers, the two-day festival promises everything from authentic witches' rituals on the Mall Beach to interactive scarecrow fun for families, bringing the Celtic Otherworld to life in the historic coastal town.

The festival's centrepiece takes place on Halloween night itself, featuring an authentic witches' ritual on the Mall Beach, followed by the March of the Otherworld through Youghal's main street. Local practicing witches will bring their magic to the shoreline, joined by druids and otherworldly visitors in a spectacular parade.

Grace O'Mahony, Spirit of Youghal Events, said the festival focuses on heritage and culture with a blend of modern traditions, creating "a truly magical event" for the community.

Visitors can experience Tales from the Otherworld, where Celtic characters including an Púca, the Banshee and Queen Meadbh will appear throughout the night to share their personal stories, promising to enthrall, spook and thrill audiences.

The festival caters for all ages, with activities specifically designed for families. Scarecrow Row offers an interactive area where scarecrows come to life to cause mischief, whilst Youghal Library hosts spooky storytelling sessions. Arts, crafts and face painting aim to take the stress off getting ready for trick or treating.

Wednesday 30th October kicks off at 3pm with a Land Art Workshop on the Mall Beach, where acclaimed sand artist Sean Corcoran, stone balancer Sarah Roberts and land artist Mary McGrath will guide participants in creating beach art using natural materials. The free workshop runs until 4:30pm and welcomes all ages.

That evening from 7pm to 9pm, Tales from the Otherworld takes over the Jail Gardens by Tesco, inviting brave souls to step beyond the old jail walls and discover the mysteries of the Otherworld, complete with stories of the Waterford Vampire and other curious creatures.

Halloween day, Thursday 31st October, begins with CreepTales at Youghal Library from noon to 1pm, featuring spooky stories and Halloween craft making for children aged four and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this free event.

At 1:30pm, visitors can meet An Bhean Uisce, the witch of the sea, on the Mall Beach. Attendees can have their photo taken with her and drop their hopes, dreams and wishes into her enchanted cauldron, which she will carry back to sea to work her magic throughout the year.

From 2:30pm to 5pm, two simultaneous events run at Cromwell's Arch. The Boo-tiful Faces face painting extravaganza offers Halloween designs for a €2 donation, whilst Scarecrow Row provides free entertainment with trick or treat bags for participating children.

At 3pm, local storyteller and historian Shirley Lougheed presents Before Halloween, There Was Samhain at Youghal Library, exploring the ancient fire festival's secrets and comparing them to modern celebrations through local ghost stories and shared memories.

As darkness falls and trick or treaters fill the streets, cloaked figures will gather on the Mall Beach from 5pm, preparing for the evening's Samhain celebrations. The Witches of Youghal Samhain Celebrations begin at 7pm, as An Bhean Uisce walks amongst the living and the Cailleach, the Crone of Winter, heralds in the dark season.

The Otherworld March commences at 8pm, led by witches, druids and visitors from the other side, processing through Youghal's streets in what organisers promise will be a wondrous spectacle.

The festival concludes at 8:30pm with a farewell to An Bhean Uisce on the Mall Beach, as the witch of the sea returns to the tide for another year.

All events are free unless otherwise stated. For updates and further information, visit Spirit of Youghal Events on Facebook, the dedicated Spirit of Samhain Facebook page, TikTok, or Instagram.