2pm - 5pm | Scavenger Hunt

Set by artist Niamh Moriarty, this Scavenger Hunt is fun for all ages with lots of spooky surprises and creepy clues. Families can drop-in at the front of VISUAL to pick up a treasure hunt map and follow the hunt around the grounds of VISUAL and Carlow College. There are fantastic art prizes to be won!

2pm-5pm | Drop-in Art Workshops - Main Gallery + Link Gallery

Families with children of all ages are invited to join art workshops in the galleries. Explore different materials creating masks, ghosts, weird beasts and spooky characters. Be inspired by the other worldly artwork in our exhibitions. Free, drop-in workshop!

2pm-5pm | Early Years Play Area

The Early Years Play Area is for Little VISUAL visitors, aged 1 - 4 years, to play and explore with some “not-too-spooky” materials, and for parents to relax. Free, drop-in anytime!

2pm-5pm | Straw Craft Workshop in Carlow College

Carlow Heritage Office will host Straw Craft Workshops in Carlow College. Learn to work with straw, inspired by traditional Mumming garb, make terrifying headpieces, dolls, crosses and chat about the history of using straw in traditional Samhain celebrations in Ireland. Free, drop-in workshop, all ages welcome!

2pm-5pm | Costume Prize Judges awarding prizes

Costumes Essential!!! Judges will be roaming the venue and grounds awarding prizes throughout the day. These discerning judges are professional spooks and ghouls and they’ll be looking for the most creative and terrifying costumes. There are some fabulous prizes to be won for: BEST HOMEMADE COSTUME, MOST CREATIVE, MOST TERRIFYING TODDLER, BEST THEMED TEAM and THE PUNNIEST COSTUME!

2pm-5pm | Halloween Disco

DJ Leigh is back by popular demand and the Digital Gallery at VISUAL will be transformed into a cool, unearthly disco. Show us your sweetest moves and be in with a chance to win prizes for THROWING THE WEIRDEST SHAPES, MOST TERRIFYING, THE SILLIEST MOVER, THE SASSIEST MOVER, THE MOST GHOULISH GROOVE

2.15pm-5pm | Storytelling in The Theatre

At this time of year when shadows are darkest and you might hear a devilish shriek on the breeze, enter the theatre if you dare, for some terrifying tales from The Storyteller. No tickets required, drop-in.

Samhain Festival 2023 has been made possible thanks to the support from Fáilte Ireland and Carlow County Council under the Festivals, Events and Tourism Venue Fund and the Arts Council of Ireland.