Samhain Chiarraí Returns To Kerry This Autumn

KERRY is set to come alive with fire, folklore, food and festivity this autumn as Samhain Chiarraí returns from October 15 to November 1, offering an immersive county-wide celebration inspired by the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

Running throughout the autumn mid-term break and bookended by the much-loved Dingle Food Festival and Listowel Food Festival, Samhain Chiarraí celebrates the harvest season through a vibrant programme of storytelling, music, street spectacles, ritual and family-friendly events, creating a unique cultural experience across County Kerry.

Building on the success of recent years, Samhain Chiarraí continues to evolve as one of Kerry’s signature cultural festivals, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience the county’s rich traditions in a contemporary and engaging way.

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At the heart of Samhain Chiarraí is the enduring story of An Cailleach Chiarraí – the ancient and powerful Goddess of Winter.

According to local legend, she was born on the Dingle Peninsula and shaped Kerry’s dramatic landscape. Each year, her return marks the end of the harvest, the beginning of winter and the turning of the Celtic year.

This year’s programme features an exciting mix of new commissions and returning favourites, including:

• A specially commissioned street performance inspired by An Cailleach Chiarraí, curated by MÓTU – Street Arts & Spectacle, the renowned West Kerry Gaeltacht-based street arts company.
• Award-winning storyteller Aindrias de Staic, bringing his unique blend of folklore, humour and performance.
• The Kerry premiere of The Biddys documentary as part of the Kerry International Film Festival.
•The return of the hugely popular Fire Rituals and Super Céilí, inviting audiences of all ages to celebrate together through music, dance and ancient traditions.
• A programme of family-friendly workshops, performances and interactive experiences taking place across the county.

The signature Cailleach Chiarraí events will centre on Killarney from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October, before moving to Tralee from Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November, bringing spectacular street performances, fire rituals and immersive experiences to both towns.

Kerry County Council is also delighted to support a growing programme of aligned community festivals that celebrate local heritage and creativity, including Féile Éile, Killorglin, the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival, Castleisland, and Kerry Film Festival alongside many other local initiatives taking place throughout the festival period.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Mikey Sheehy said: “Samhain Chiarraí has become a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Kerry unique – our stories, our traditions, our creativity and our communities.

“The festival continues to grow each year, bringing together local people, artists and visitors in a shared celebration of our heritage. By combining authentic folklore with contemporary cultural experiences, Samhain Chiarraí offers something truly distinctive for families and visitors while supporting communities and extending the tourism season across the county.”

Declan Murphy, Fáilte Ireland, Wild Atlantic Way, said: “Samhain Chiarraí is a fantastic example of how authentic local culture can create compelling visitor experiences. As part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween programme, the festival showcases Kerry’s unique heritage through storytelling, performance and community participation, encouraging visitors to discover the traditions that make Halloween in Ireland unlike anywhere else in the world.”

The full programme will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit: www.discoverkerry.com/SamhainChiarrai