Celebrate Samhain this weekend in Roscommon

 Roscommon Town is the place to be to welcome in the winter in style this October 31st and November 1st.

As the dusk descends on the night of Samhain, honour the traditions of the ancestors by getting indoors, and keeping out of sight of the creatures who come from Oweynagat Cave to make the world ready for winter. Roscommon Arts Centre is your safe haven, to be regaled with the ancient tales that created the celebration that we now know as Halloween.

First up on Friday, October 31st at 6.30 p.m. is a screening of the award-winning documentary Oweynagat by local filmmaker Dara McManus, where we hear and see the stories of this famed cave told by the people who know it best, the local community. Exclusive footage from archaeologists, linguists, and the Rathcroghan farmers come together to weave a centuries old narrative, which is still visible in the burial mounds and ringforts of Cruachan Aí.

This is followed up on the night by chief storyteller, Mike McCarthy of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, who will bring you back in time, into a medieval feasting hall. Before television and Netflix existed, the poet and the storytellers captivated us with the lore of old Ireland. Mike will entertain you with the swirling stories and ancient sagas which inspired this now global festival, a festival which has its origins in the ancient heritage that still survives in the fields of County Roscommon today. Hear of giant boars, vicious birds, wild cats, werewolves, three-headed monsters, Queen Medb of Connacht, the dread battle Goddess Morrigán, and the heroes, villains and armies who once strode the vast royal capital of Connacht at Rathcroghan.

Armed with this new knowledge, and a wonderful night of family entertainment, you can go home to celebrate Samhain the proper way, the Roscommon way. This is a free event but booking is essential via Roscommon Arts Centre on 0906625824/www.roscommonartscentre.ie On Saturday, November 1st stories will be brought to life with the annual Samhain Procession, from 5.30 p.m. on Roscommon’s Market Square. Having heard the tales, see them with your own eyes. Led by the excellent artistic eye of local artist Orla Clogher, join Medb’s army as it descends by lantern light through Roscommon Town, with wild boars, the Morrigan, fire performers and drumming troops to guide our quest to keep the spirits at bay as it arrives back at Roscommon Arts Centre. Come dressed in your most fearsome costume and help us mark this most ancient of Irish festivals in style.