The Great Carlow Folklore Resurrection explores the folklore and characters of County Carlow through story telling workshops, character development and costume making. The project brings to life a series of characters synonymous with folktales from this region; An Buile Suibhne, Larry Loinsigh, The Scallionater, An Cailleach, An Seanchaí, The Last Wolf and a Carlow Devil.

These characters were animated, you could say resurrected during a series workshops of workshops with a group of local participants who came together through an open call. The project was facilitated by Costume Maker Amie Egan and the VISUAL Learning team. Writer Clifton Redmond and Storyteller Aideen McBride led writing workshops to explore the Carlow's folktales and encourage contemporary tellings.

The costumes created during the workshops were worn by actors and participants of the project during Samhain Festival 25 at VISUAL. New texts written were performed alongside the costumes. The costumes can now be left in perpetuity for the community for years to come in Carlow and inspire a continued programme of storytelling, costume making, performance and the sharing of traditions across cultures.

There was no experience needed to attend this project, but many brought significant skills like embroidery, lace making, mask making and storytelling. Weekly workshops facilitated the opportunity to learn new processes and share skills.

The costumes were created using a sustainable approach to fabrics and materials using recycled materials where possible.

The programme was attended by people from the region including new members of the community from Ukraine and Nigeria.

Artist and Designer Sinead Kennedy created a poster and visual identity for the project. A photoshoot of the costumes will take place in the coming weeks.

The Great Carlow Folklore Resurrection is supported by Carlow County Council and Creative Ireland Carlow.