Exciting Samhain experience to light up Turlough Park this Hallowe’en

THE National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is inviting people to see the grounds of Turlough Park in a whole new light this Hallowe'en on a guided Samhain Creepy Crawl.

The museum, in the grounds of Turlough Park, is developing an exciting, unique and immersive experience to explore the origins of Samhain and modern day Hallowe’en.

Suitable for everyone, but especially families with children aged three to 10 years, the Samhain Creepy Crawl will feature light displays, installations, tricks, treats, traditional games and more.

It runs from 5.30 to 9.30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30. Admission is free and no booking is required.

Guests are invited to come along on the night and be greeted by a traditionally dressed Mummer who will guide them along a ‘spooktastic’ trail of tricks and treats. Winding through the museum grounds, each family will receive their own map to further explain each of the stops and illustrate how nature has so heavily influenced the traditions of Samhain - all most powerful in the approach to the darker half of the year.

Visitors old and young can enjoy the exciting lights and decor along the way and see the wonderful gothic mansion that is Turlough Park House illuminated like never before.

In keeping with the traditions of old, the Samhain Creepy Crawl will end with a breath-taking fire display to ward off any evil spirits, offer protection to all and celebrate moving into a new phase of the natural year.

At the end of this immersive experience, participants are invited along for the judging of the evening’s fancy dress competition and some traditional games.

Lynn Scarff, director of the National Museum of Ireland, said the NMI - Country Life is a perfect place to host a celebration of Samhain for families: “The wonderful gardens and grounds of Turlough Park are an ideal setting for this unique event and we are really looking forward to seeing the grounds of our Country Life site animated with such a vibrant display and open to visitors at night. We are looking forward to developing more creative and engaging events for the rural night-time economy.”

Limited parking will be available on site and booking is required for museum carpark tickets on www.museum.ie. The museum is encouraging visitors to use a free park and ride service from Horkan's Garden Centre on the evening and to check the website in advance to plan their arrival. Visitors with accessible or blue badge parking requests can contact access@archetype.ie.

Follow the National Museum of Ireland on Facebook or Twitter for news and updates about the Samhain Creepy Crawl experience.

The event is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to drive and encourage diversity in the night-time economy.

Visit https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home for further information.