Samhain | Halloween

Wed Oct 29 2025 at 10:00 am to 04:00 pm UTC+00:00

Ulster Folk Museum | Holywood

Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra
Publisher/HostUlster Folk Museum, Cultra
Samhain | Halloween
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Long before fireworks and trick-or-treating, there was Samhain - the ancient Celtic festival that originated in Ireland, where Halloween truly began. This October, experience Halloween for real at the Ulster Folk Museum.
In times past, it was believed that during Samhain the veil between worlds grew thin, allowing spirits, fairies, and other supernatural beings to slip into our realm. Masks were crafted and worn to ward off these malevolent forces. Create your own nature mythology mask with Anann's Arch using foraged natural materials and specialised fabrics. Will your mask keep the ghouls away?
Discover the origins and traditions of Samhain, meet suspicious characters and encounter their uncanny tales. You can also help us solve a murder mystery! Listen to Irish language storytelling (Scéalaíocht i nGaeilge) with Aodán ‘Jaff’ Mac Séafraidh. Get hands-on at our craft stations, hear spooky stories for the little ones, and look out for the Armagh Rhymers, dressed in traditional masks and costumes.
As always, you can explore our authentic exhibit buildings and meet our makers who will be demonstrating their crafts. We’ll also have traditional food to taste - colcannon in Tea Lane, barmbrack in Bank House, and apple pie in the Parochial Hall.
Explore our Hallowe'en activities at the Ulster Folk Museum on the following dates and times:
Wednesday 29th October – 10:00 to 16:00
Thursday 30th October – 10:00 to 16:00
Friday 31st October – 10:00 to 16:00
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ulster Folk Museum, Ballycultra Tearoom, Holywood, BT18 0, United Kingdom

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