Halloween celebrations stretch far beyond the 31st October in Kilkenny with events taking place throughout the month to mark the harvest season, culminating in the ancient festival of Samhain where it all began. The theme is ‘Fire, Feast, Folklore’ with each element being represented throughout our packed programme of library events. Expect scarily good fun rooted in Irish tradition in our libraries this Halloween. Here is a preview of what’s to come this witching season…
22nd October Ellen Ryan Author event in Ferrybank Library
Ellen Ryan, author of Girls who slay Monsters: Daring tales of Ireland’s forgotten Goddesses and Gods Don't Cry: Unsung Stories of Ireland's Forgotten Immortals will provide a Story Reading, with Q&A and interactive quiz in Ferrybank Library on Wednesday 22nd October from 4-5pm. This workshop will include an introduction to the importance of Irish and all indigenous mythology;1–2 story readings from Ellen’s books and “Which God Are You?” multiple-choice quiz. This is suitable for ages 9 years and upwards.
To book please phone Ferrybank Library on 051-897200 or email ferrybank@kilkennylibrary.ie
Tuesday 28th October in the Mayfair Library
The School of Irish Archaeologyhttps://sia.ie/ Medieval Bread Making Workshops https://www.facebook.com/reel/473917522276983
Join us in the Mayfair Library for an interactive, hands on and engaging experience led by The School of Irish Archaeology, where history, folklore, and food come together in a celebration of ancient traditions. Learn how bread was integral to the development of human societies. Our interactive display will feature traditional tools, cutlery, foodstuffs, and quern stones—used for grinding grains by hand, just as our ancestors did. Gather around our fire pit to help shape and cook simple flatbreads, made the old-fashioned way. This workshop is suitable for families and children please note that children must be supervised by an adult. The workshop is drop in with sessions commencing at 11am, no booking is required.
30th October - in the Mayfair Library
Blaise Butler-Dressed for the Harvest! Samhain Mask Making Workshop. Join us in the Mayfair Library on October 30th @ 11am where children can make their own Samhain mask based on their own ideas or provided inspiration, all based on creatures from Irish folklore & history. Templates and materials will be provided.
This workshop is suitable for children ages 7-12 and will last for two hours.
To book a slot please phone Mayfair on 056-7794174 or email mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie
Fabian Erlinghäuser Animation Workshops
Join Cartoon Saloons Fabian Erlinghauseras we take a dive into the areas of character design, visual language and animationinspired by the Kilkenny Witch Trials. This workshop is a 90-minute crash course on the exciting essential principles of animation.
- Saturday October 18th Ferrybank Library: 7-11 years 11am-12.30pm
- Friday October 24th Loughboy Library: 12-15 years 6-7.30pm
- Saturday November 1st Mayfair Library: 7-11 years 11am-12.30pm & 12-15 years 2-3.30pm
- Saturday November 8th Castlecomer Library: 7-11 years 11am-12.30pm
Please phone or email the library to book a slot https://kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/contact_us/
Tuesday 4th November in the Mayfair Library - Candlelit Tales Folklore Storytelling performances
Candlelit Tales was founded by sibling storytellers Aron and Sorcha Hegarty. Their enthusiasm and expertise drives the rhythm of the storytelling, weaving through the tale and sweeping the listener away. Step back in time to 1324 and uncover the chilling tale of Ireland's first Witchcraft Trial. Dame Alice Kyteler was the first woman to be condemned for witchcraft in Ireland. Alice, was tried and convicted of heresy but, being a very wealthy woman, was rumoured to have escaped Ireland. Her maid Petronella de Meath was not so fortunate and confessed to crimes of heresy after she was tortured, found guilty and was the first person in Ireland executed for witchcraft in Kilkenny on the 3rd of November 1324.
- Tuesday 4th November - Mayfair Library Folklore storytelling with music for children 6-12 years from 5.00-5.45 pm
- Tuesday 4th November – Mayfair Library Folklore storytelling with music for adults from 6.30 to 7.15 pm
- To book a slot please phone Mayfair on 056-7794174 or email mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie