Samhain Festival 26 at Fringe Venues

The Samhain spirit spreads across Carlow...

22 October – 1 November 2026

Beyond the walls of the festival’s main venues, Samhain Festival 26 spills out across Carlow, bringing live music, traditional sessions, folklore, film and family fun to venues throughout the county.

The Carlow Beo! programme keeps the music flowing, with free gigs, talks and sessions at Teach Dolmain, The Irishmans Bar, Lamberts Coffee House, Tully’s Bar and Scraggs Alley. From the opening session at Teach Dolmain to the final session at Tully’s Bar, expect a lively celebration of Carlow’s traditional music scene, with local musicians and performers coming together throughout the festival.

For a different kind of Samhain story, head to Askea Community Centre for Béaloideas Oíche Shamhna – Halloween Folklore, bringing the traditions and tales of Halloween to life.

Over at Carlow Town Hall, settle in for a Movie Night in partnership with the Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership and funded by Healthy Carlow. Designed as a safe and welcoming Halloween experience for families, the evenings will feature spooky movies, Halloween decorations and seasonal treats. Costumes are encouraged, but spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

Then, over Halloween weekend, head into the countryside for the Big Barn Bash at Coppenagh Farm – a family farm experience celebrating Carlow’s winter harvest, with the high-speed thrill of the Coo Race and cosy coffee in the wood-heated barn.

From traditional tunes and tales to spooky cinema and farmyard fun, Samhain Festival 26 at Fringe Venues brings the Samhain spirit into the heart of the community.

Thursday 22 October

9pm | The Carlow Session @ Teach Dolmain - Free

Friday 23 October

6pm | Carlow Beo! Gig with Laura Doherty and Bran Murphy and Session @ The Irishmans Bar - Free
7.30pm | Carlow Beo! Session @ The Irishmans Bar - Free

Saturday 24 October

3pm | Carlow Beo! Gig with Yvonne Bolton, Tricia Hutton and Claire Dunne @ Lamberts Coffee House - Free
5pm | Carlow Beo! Gig with Lisa De Buitleir, Niall McNally and Thomas O'Donoghue @ Tully’s Bar - Free
7pm | Carlow Beo! Session @ Tully’s Bar - Free
8pm | Béaloideas Oíche Shamhna - Halloween Folklore @ Askea Community Centre - Free

Sunday 25 October

3pm | Carlow Beo! Talk with Dave Sheridan @ Teach Dolmain - Free
4pm | Carlow Beo! Gig with Dave Sheridan @ Teach Dolmain - Free
7pm | Carlow Beo! Gig with Damien McGuinness, Lorna McGuinness and Jason McGuinness @ Scraggs Alley - Free
8.30pm | Carlow Beo! Session at Scraggs Alley - Free