Spirits of Samhain - Kids' illustration workshop

1pm-2:30pm, Sunday, 19th of October, Rothe House & Gardens

This Halloween season, young artists are invited to step into the world of Samhain and bring its spirits to life through drawing and imagination. Guided by artist Blaise Butler, children will hear stories of folklore creatures and seasonal legends before illustrating their own Samhain-inspired characters or inventing magical beings of their own.
With plenty of inspiration material, guidance, and themed colouring pages for younger participants, this workshop offers a fun and creative way for children to explore the spirit of Samhain.
All materials provided.
Age group: 7-12 years.
Price: FREE but please book using the Book Now button.

Púcas, Piseógs & Prints! Folklore inspired linocut printmaking workshop

5:30-7:30pm, Thursday, 23rd October, Butler Gallery

Join artist Blaise Butler for a creative evening exploring Ireland’s rich folklore and the ancient traditions of Samhain. In this beginner-friendly linocut printmaking workshop, you’ll learn how to carve and print your own design inspired by the spirits, creatures, and legends that have shaped Halloween as we know it today. Blaise will guide you through each step of the process — from sketching ideas, to carving your lino block, to printing your finished piece — with plenty of room for creativity and experimentation.
Part of Kilkenny’s Home of Halloween celebrations, this workshop is a chance to get hands-on with traditional printmaking while connecting with the stories and imagery of Ireland’s most mystical season.
No experience is needed and all materials are provided.
Age: 18+ years.
Price: FREE but please book using the Book Now button. SOLD OUT!!

The School of Irish Archaeology Medieval Bread Making Workshop

From 11am, Tuesday, 28th of October, the Mayfair Library

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.
Price: Free and no booking is required.

Sip & Sketch with Alice Kyteler

7-9pm, Wednesday, 29th October, Kyteler's Inn

Join us for a special Sip & Sketch evening at the historic Kyteler’s Inn with Dame Alice Kyteler — Ireland’s first condemned Witch! For one night only, she returns as our live model in the very place she once called home.
Artist Blaise Butler will guide you through a relaxed evening of drawing as you capture Alice’s likeness using charcoal, pencils, pastels, or whatever inspires you most. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of witchcraft, intrigue, and Kilkenny’s legendary trial that secured Alice her place in history.

No experience needed — just bring your imagination, enjoy a drink, and unleash your inner artist in this unique Halloween event.
Included:
- All drawing materials (charcoal, pencils, pastels, paper)
- A pint of “The Witches Brew” or a glass of wine
Price: €25 + booking fee. Places are limited.

Dressed for the Harvest! Kids Mask Making workshop

11am-1pm, Thursday, 30th October, Mayfair Library

Get ready to create your very own Samhain disguise! In this fun, hands-on workshop, kids will design and make colourful masks inspired by Ireland’s Halloween traditions — from magical creatures to spooky spirits. Using a mix of templates and materials, artist Blaise Butler will guide children through the process as they imagine, build, and decorate their own unique mask to take home. A playful, creative way to celebrate the season!
All materials provided.
Price: FREE but booking is essential, so please phone Mayfair on 056-7794174 or email mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie.

David Keenan: Chasing Myth Irish Tour

8pm-10pm, Thursday, 30th October, Rothe House

Ahead of the release of his new album, David Keenan is taking to the road this October to play hidden gems & hallowed rooms.
With 11 gigs planned across every province in Ireland, the tour is all about the stories, the people and the joy of playing live in some truly special places.
"I’m chasing myth around Ireland, seeking out local stories and folklore as I go. They say the Irish pub is dying and that magic doesn’t exist in venues anymore? I’m setting out to prove this wrong in October. It’s not about the size of the room or the fee, it’s about the people, the place and the music."
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music in one of Kilkenny’s most iconic venues. Tickets are limited and are going fast— secure yours today!
Price: €25 + booking fee. SOLD OUT but you can join the waitlist by clicking Book Now.

Discover seasonal flavours and festive atmosphere of Halloween at the Barrel Yard, Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny

6pm-8pm, Thursday, 30th of October, and 5pm-7pm Friday 1st of November, Smithwick's Barrel Yard

This Halloween, step into the heart of Kilkenny’s brewing legends and seasonal charm at the Barrel Yard, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. As part of the Home of Halloween programme, we’re celebrating autumn with a limited-edition beer launch inspired by the shadowy tales of Kilkenny’s medieval past, Grey Friary, a bold seasonal ale brewed exclusively for these Autumnal festivities, and two nights of live music, all set against a backdrop of medieval mystery and festive décor.
Thursday: Bad Moon Blues Band
Experience raw energy and soulful sound as Bad Moon Blues Band takes the stage. This powerhouse quartet delivers a gritty blend of blues, rock, and rhythm—perfect for the season when shadows grow longer and Halloween spirits stir. Expect fiery guitar riffs, deep grooves, and vocals that echo through the autumn air.
Friday: The Broken Spokes
Get ready for a foot-stomping, soul-lifting night with The Broken Spokes, Kilkenny’s honky-tonk heroes. Their high-octane blend of blues, rock, and southern swagger brings a unique energy to the Halloween weekend. With twangy guitars and driving rhythms, they’ll have the Barrel Yard dancing into the night.

Toil and Trouble: On the Mile

6:45pm-9pm, Saturday, 1^st November, The Medieval Mile Museum

Toil and Trouble – An Evening of Fire, Light, Storytelling and Music.
This November discover the Medieval Mile Museum after dark for an unforgettable evening of local witches lore, fire, stories and music as part of the Kilkenny Home of Halloween Toil and Trouble programme. 
The evening will begin with a a dramatic outdoor spectacle of fire and drumming. Inside the museum the renowned Candlelit Tales will transport the audience into a world of witches, ghosts, and eerie folklore through their spellbinding storytelling, mixing ancient stories with live music. 
The evening will finish on a high note with the extraordinary musical duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, whose blend of dazzling fiddle and guitar, rooted in Irish tradition, has earned them praise as “one of the best folk duos on the planet.”
Don’t miss this unique Halloween experience at the Medieval Mile Museum!
Price: €7.50 per child, €15 per adult.

Shadows of the Past: A Haunted Heritage Evening

8pm-9:30pm, Saturday, 1^st November, Rothe House

Join us after night falls at Rothe House for an evening exploring the darker side of Kilkenny’s history.
Uncover the chilling tales of former residents and their ghostly echoes that still linger within the walls. Hear the tales of treachery, injustice and deadly deeds straight from the pages of history.
This isn't just a tour; it’s a journey into the dark side of Kilkenny's past, blending historical facts with eerie folklore.

Due to the nature of the heritage building, the space is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for anyone with mobility issues.

This event is held indoors but comfortable footwear and warm clothing are a must.
This event is for over 18's only.
Price: €25 plus booking fee.

Toil and Trouble Family Afternoon

2pm-5pm, Sunday, 2nd of November, Rothe House

Rothe House is set to be transformed into a spine-tingling Halloween funhouse for Toil and Trouble Festival this November!
Families can uncover the science behind witchcraft in interactive performances, groove to live music at a thrilling Halloween concert, join workshops and eerie storytelling sessions, and let kids’ imaginations run wild with spooky face painting.
When it’s time for a break, everyone can warm up with delicious treats from the cozy seasonal market in the Rothe House Gardens.
Book your tickets now!

Candlelit Tales Folklore Storytelling performances 

5pm-7:15pm, Tuesday, 4th of November, the Mayfair Library

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.
Price: Free, but please book a slot by phoning the Mayfair on 056-7794174 or email mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie .