Samhain – Oíche Shamhna – Halloween. An ancient festival which marked the beginning of winter. A time of gathering, celebration, mischief and feasting. Part of how the Irish understood the world around them and its seasonal changes. This event will incorporate storytelling from our early Irish literature, coupled with an introduction to Rathcroghan and why Roscommon can claim such deep associations with Halloween. The event will culminate with the launch of a new artistic installation inspired by Ireland’s goddess of War – the Mórrigán – whose ‘abode’ is located at one of the portals to the Sídhe, the cave now known as Oweynagat, a focal monument of the Rathcroghan plateau.
Join us this Samhain time, to be regaled with the legends of our ancestors, to be (re)introduced to the internationally-significant Rathcroghan Archaeological Landscape, and to claim back the origins of Halloween for the people of Roscommon!
Suitable for Ages 12+
Daniel Curley (speaker) is a native of Taughmaconnell. He holds a PhD in Archaeology from the University of Galway. Daniel is the manager of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, the information hub and interpretive resource for the internationally-significant Rathcroghan Archaeological Landscape, and has published widely on matters relating to Rathcroghan, and medieval Connacht more generally.
Mike McCarthy (seanchaí) qualified and worked in Community Pharmacy before a love of history, folklore and mythology brought him to Rathcroghan, where he works as a Tour Guide, Research Assistant and Deputy Manager of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.
He has co-authored a number of publications pertaining to Rathcroghan, including ‘Slí Seandálaíochta Ráth Cruachan’ – the Rathcroghan Archaeological trail and ‘Rathcroghan – The Guidebook’, published in 2018, with a second edition in 2023.
The Morrigan Samhain Procession is supported by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme 2024. Samhain at Cruachan Ui is supported by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme 2024.
